The right volunteer work for me

[mkirbs]

I want to do volunteer work that is interesting, hands-on and challenging. (no envelopes) I'm in New York but am well-travelled and can go anywhere. I'm looking for a good fit. I can do all the sports but would not be great scaling heights or submerging with sharks. I'm funny, personable, and smart. (Well, isn't everybody on this site?!) I'm a good teacher of acting, dance and writing and a take charge person. I'd really like some ideas, especially personal experiences. Thanks!

[educguess]

It sounds like you would like to work with people? However that is an assumption. If so - is there a particular age group or a particular setting that has caught your attention over the years? I thoroughly enjoyed my 12 years with the boy scouts - an exciting thing for me was the program director for the day camp; I had a great time with the youth bowling leagues - set up different traveling tournament, providing coaching, and just increasing the number of participants; I loved putting together the Whole Life Network Health Fair; and developing the Academy of Healing Arts. Lots of my enjoyment has been helping people - I do enjoy behind the scenes things at times also - making special gifts, putting together packets, boxes - sooooo If you want to make your decision - look at your patterns of enjoyment over the years - cause a big key is spreading your joy.

[mkirbs]

Thanks for your post. My patterns of enjoyment have been doing and teaching the subjects I mentioned. I also speak French. I enjoyed teaching ESL so that's a possibility. I was looking for something new that would be challenging and adrenaline-pumping, but perhaps it's better to use the skills I've got. Maybe I can find something that includes a bit of both. Again, thanks for the response.

[educguess]

For a rush - what have you always wanted to do and not done? I started with Red Cross - this allows local and international travel - it might work with you language skills.

[mkirbs]

In all my surfing the internet, I think Red Cross is the way to go. Anything more specific about your experience or tips? Thanks.

[educguess]

Red Cross is an organization - so dynamics of groups of people. Lots of dedicated marvelous people. All volunteers need to follow through with the training program (available on line as well as through local group). You can identify your skills and talents and volunteer in a niche. You can be connected with the local group only (still called up for travel assignments) or mix or choose a broader geographical area. Be sure to get the debrief training - there is the shock factor for the volunteers - know yourself and take the training - it is excellent. Keep us posted on your progress and adventures.

[Mercurial]

How about working with a newcomer to get them out and about and show them the inside scoop of life in NY? I was looking for volunteer work to do recently and it took months to get through the interview, the reference check, matching me with a job, various training sessions, etc, etc ad nauseum... When I was younger, you volunteered because there was work to be done - you showed up and you were put to work right away. Now it's like a job and there seems to be more volunteers than work that need to be done. I know risk mgmt plays a role in slowing down the process of bringing people into an organization and these days everyone is looking to "network" so organizations are inundated with volunteers. Actually, here in my province high school kids have to complete 40 hours of community service to graduate. Do other places have that rule? Anyhow, if you want to just GIVE of yourself I think anything to do with helping seniors, especially those in residential situations. How lonely is it to be left alone and bored to tears in an institution? I think you get lots of love in exchange for just a little time when you work with seniors. And these places seem to have trouble finding good people to come and spend time with their residents so that'd be my two cents. good luck... (is there a class you could run for seniors based on your acting and theatre skills?)

[skannie]

There's a variety of short-term volunteering opportunities here http://www.helpexchange.net If you like travel and active outdoor work there's also Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms http://www.wwoof.org

[skannie]

Two more volunteering sites UK http://www.do-it.org.uk USA http://www.volunteermatch.org

[An8el]

The Haiti earthquake relief is begging for people who speak French, as you do. My favorite .org is Doctors Without Borders. This .org has been running surgical teams in Haiti since 1991, and they were the first on the ground after the quake, even though their own hospitals were also destroyed. Now they've flown surgery equipment there; always they have offered their services for free. They even pay their "volunteers". Check this out: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/wo ... =main-menu