Volunteerism online is not a new concept for most users of this site. It is, after all, what makes it work. We might land here looking for answers, but stay to help the next one in line. InsideBayArea.com takes a look at how online volunteering is growing alongside worldwide Internet access. Volunteers face the same commitment, communication and management requirements as those presented by onsite opportunities. "In both theory and practice, it's still volunteering," says Elise Bouvet, a specialist with the U.N. online volunteers program. "Only the tool that you are using is different."

Just as the virtual office changed the workaday world, it has also influenced the non-profit side as well. Whether its developing a website for farmers in Cameroon or answering questions at Elder Wisdom Circle, people are finding ways to use the Internet for giving back to a larger community. It makes it easier to overcome budgets, schedules and even disabilities in order to contribute time and knowledge. "It's an adequate alternative," explains volunteer Caitrin Murphy. "I would prefer a hands-on, physical experience at the site. At the same time, ... by doing a project virtually we could affect the lives of people we would never think of meeting."