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Volunteer Connection

established 9/17/2007 5:41 pm | updated 9/17/2007 5:41 pm

This group is for people who have experience or interest in volunteering in their communities. We are here to share ideas on how we can change the world starting in our own backyard.


GROUP MESSAGES:

I completely understand KatieK. Sometimes it's difficult to fit in volunteer work after a long day at the office. People tend to think that volunteering is laborious, requiring several hours a week. There are many different organizations that will work with your schedule. And you may not need to volunteer every week. Maybe once a month is fine for the organization. That's the great thing about volunteering: You decide where you want to spend your time and for how long. Like JWalk11 says, maybe simply attending meetings is enough.

First, I would decide exactly what it is that stirs your heart, be it nature conservation, homelessness, or education. There are so many organizations that need help- just pick whatever moves you the most and start researching options. Then, contact the volunteer coordinator (most groups have them) and tell them your needs. I'm sure they can help. If you don't find a volunteer contact, maybe email the general mailbox telling them of your interest.

I volunteer once weekly at a women's shelter after work. I greet the women coming in for the night and help serve dinner. I share a meal with them and talk. Being at the shelter every week has become such a part of my life, I feel something is missing when I don't go. I believe you will feel the same way. When volunteering becomes constant, it just becomes a part of you, so much so that you don't have to think about making time. I encourage you explore different options. When you find an organization that fits your beliefs and fulfills your desire to contribute, you'll suddenly find the time in your hectic schedule to go- I believe that.

posted by NinaW on 1/11/2008 3:40 pm
Comments (1)

Having a part-time job and two small kids, I can totally understand the lack of time to do volunteer work.

There are however, as Nina pointed out, so many ways to do volunteer work. For me, it's e.g. joining non-profit brainstorm sessions, where specific expertise is needed the non-profit doesn't have itself. Or volunteering during special events, to give an additional helping hand. Giving advice and providing background information on specific marketing issues. E.g. on online possibilities, like weblogs and widgets. Most smaller charities working only with volunteers that do not have that expertise.. This way, I can contribute the best way I can: with my own specific talents and contacts where they are needed most.

Another inspiring possibility I came across recently, is a beautiful charity called HelloCreativity (read more about it here: marcomblog.web-log.nl/marcom_blog/2007/09/hellocreativity.html). With only 5 minutes to spare, you can join an online mentoring community to encourage kids' creative talents all over the world!!

posted by EllenJ on 1/12/2008 8:38 am



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