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Writing a book about volunteering ......

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Dec. ~ 2006 Feb.: Free Expression: Writing a book about volunteering ... looking for stories users admin

Author Message
Hootyhoot
Member

12-18-2001

Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 3:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hootyhoot a private message Print Post    
I'm hoping to compile a book of stories about people and the volunteer work they do. I have been looking for "just the right idea" of what I myself could do that would be satisfying and helpful ... Not knowing where to start looking, I came up with the idea of writing a column for the local newspaper about volunteer opportunities. This has given me a chance to find out about who needs volunteers ... but I still haven't found the perfect situation for myself. (I am a person who always loved my jobs, so I know how good it can be to look forward to going to work.)

Now, I'm thinking it would be a good thing to collect stories from people about what they do for volunteer work, how they found the right place, what the benefit is to them ... because I think the world is full of people who could make a difference if they realized the opportunities that are out there ...

Post here or in my member's folder ... I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 3:59 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
I've got horror stories and good stories. Which ones d'ya want?

I used to volunteer for PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support). They are a great organization! This are the good stories.

I was a short term volunteer for the Old Globe Theater. This was neat, since I eventually got to see a lot of the plays being performed.

And I had been a long time volunteer in the Society for Technical Communications -- both on the chapter and regional level. These are the horror stories.

I had more personal fulfillment with PAWS. And until STC went south, I had more professional value from volunteering there. So it depends on what you want.

I kinda fell into PAWS. But it worked out for me since I love animals. If you are cultural-minded, you can volunteer at a local museum or historic landmark. If you like animals, your local humane society or other shelters are a good choice. If you like plants, you can try a local park. Various civic events may need volunteers, too.

Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 4:09 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tabbyking a private message Print Post    
my dd started with Habitat for Humanity when she was 13. when she was one month shy of her 16th birthday, she was elected to the 12-member voting board of our local habitat. i believe she may be the youngest board member nationwide. she has over 300 hours with them and would have more if they could afford to build more than one or two houses every couple of years. she intends to stay with habitat when we move north after her graduation from high school this may. she also has a 4.5 GPA and is the most loving and helpful child ever! it's not even that i'm prejudiced--everyone wishes she were their daughter!

Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 4:13 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tabbyking a private message Print Post    
oh, and dd also learned a lot about building. she gets tools for presents. she can install windows, level a driveway, paint, install sprinkler systems, nail sheetrock, etc., with the best of them. she is already designing a house for when she is grown up!

she has donated her hair to locks of love twice in 2 years. she is planning to donate again when it again reaches her waist.

Cher
Member

08-18-2004

Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 4:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cher a private message Print Post    
I volunteered on a board for the developmentally disabled. I am still on the board just not active at this time.

The biggest reason I volunteered on this particular board was to be able to spend time with the developmentally disabled which is so fullfulling to me in so many ways. They have so much to give and just make me feel better if you are having a bad day.

If you need anymore information about this let me know.

Karuuna
Board Administrator

08-31-2000

Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 5:33 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Karuuna a private message Print Post    
I volunteer (and now do therapy) at a therapeutic riding center. Horses have long been known for their healing effects on both humans physical disabilities as well as wounded psyches.

I chose this area because of my love for horses and also my past history of working with abused children.

Here's a story from the first week I volunteer, several years ago. I was the "horse leader" for two boys that were residents of a center for abused children. One of the boys was incredibly timid, no self esteem at all. The kids came every day for a week, spent a couple of hours in horse-related activities and a couple of hours in group session. Every morning this little fellow would come up to me and say do I have to go get my horse... do i have to touch the horse? do i have to lead the horse? do i have to brush the horse, do i have to tack the horse, do I have to ride the horse.... you get the idea. Every time I would answer the same way - you don't have to do anything, but why don't you try. If you don't like it, you can stop. And every day, he would try and be okay, but honestly he never smiled, never even looked like he was one bit content, let alone enjoying it.

At the end of the week, Gunnar (the horse) and I said goodbye to our little friend. I crouched down so I could be on his level and said thank you very much for being here this week, Gunnar and I really enjoyed having you here. The little guy just nodded and walked away. I remember thinking, geez, I haven't done this boy one bit of good.. and being very sad, wondering if I had pushed him too hard.

Well, he got about 15 feet away, and then stopped, and turned and started running back at me full speed. Given that I was wondering if I had just screwed him up, I remember bracing myself in case he came at me. But he got right up to me and stopped dead. He looked me straight in the eye (first time) and said excitedly "Miss Karin, does this mean I'm a cowboy now?" At the sound of his voice, Gunnar turned his head back to look at this little guy. I glanced at Gunnar and smiled back at the boy and said "Absolutely. And Gunnar thinks so too."

He broke into a huge grin and said in the sweetest, happiest voice "I always wanted to be a cowboy", and turned and walked away with a little hop in his step.

I still tear up every time I tell this story and remember what the patience and attention of a horse did for a little boy who thought he couldn't do much of anything.

Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 7:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Urgrace a private message Print Post    
Tntitanfan is a volunteer in many endeavors and it has been her way of life for a long time. I hope she will see this thread.

There are so many different ways to volunteer, not just one and sticking to it. The area you live in might offer some opportunities that others may not have, and vice versa.

Every year I am a volunteer for the county fair. Since it is a small town we can still boast that it is the largest county fair in Texas because there are so many volunteers. I work in the antiques and collectibles section taking in the entries, logging them and numbering them, then placing them in the proper viewing area. Then after the judging ribbons are placed with the winners and the entries are set up in a display fashion. When the fair is going on we sit with them on shifts, guarding them and answering questions. After the fair we are there to return the entries to their owners.

Other recognizable opportunities in my town include hospice, meals on wheels, the food bank, teen connection, battered women and men, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, etc.

Twiggyish
Member

08-14-2000

Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 2:19 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twiggyish a private message Print Post    
Our area has volunteer mentors and literacy teachers. We have one professor who is in his 80's. He meets two to three times a week with a small group teaching them math.
There are many people who give up a bit of time each week to help others learn to read. There are other volunteers who help immigrants learn to speak English. It's very heartwarming!

Dlmmo
Member

11-20-2003

Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 5:03 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dlmmo a private message Print Post    
I work for a non profit that lobbies for bills that benefit the poor. We have volunteers that come in and help with everything from the clerical duties, to bill analysis, to attending committee hearings, and ones that work once a year at our annual fundraiser which is a live and silent auction.

Tntitanfan
Member

08-03-2001

Friday, January 06, 2006 - 6:12 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tntitanfan a private message Print Post    
Thank you, Gracie - you are very kind! I do volunteer in a number of places (nine) and for a number of reasons. My service with Tax Counseling for the Elderly is a tribute to my dad who had a number of older clients whose tax returns he prepared gratis. My time spent at Cheekwood Fine Art Center and Botanical Gardens is my opportunity to honor my mom who was a supporter of that facility from its birth. My efforts with both the Humanities Outreach in TN and Special Needs programs at the TN Performing ARts Center and with the TN Repertory Theater celebrate my own love of the theater. Second Harvest is a favorite because of the essential support it provides to the people of our area who would otherwise go hungry. Each of the other places has its own special reason as well -

In no case do I feel that I am "giving" anything. I have been blessed in all areas of my life, and I am fortunate to have the time and skills to be able to return a little of that blessing to the world.

Coco
Member

07-13-2000

Friday, January 06, 2006 - 7:26 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Coco a private message Print Post    
Hootyhoot, I'm a Coordinator of adult and student volunteers at a 400 bed hospital. I've been at this job for 18 months. I am fascinated by my job position and it truly is a perfect fit for me and my current lifestyle.

About 4 months ago, I started keeping a journal about my experiences interviewing and placing of our volunteers within the hospital. I decided to do this as a means to reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly. I find that it helps to keep me grounded and focused on my tasks with hopes for a good outcome. I also can refer back to it as a learning tool of sorts.

Will I write a book? I doubt it as I am not a writer....however, I may eventually send my journals to HercklePerckle and let her write my book for me...lol!

As for my personal volunteering efforts. I currently volunteer with Habitat for Humanity when I am able and I gave 10 years volunteering at my children's elementary and middle schools with PTA and assisting their teachers with assorted tasks requested.


Jagger
Member

08-07-2002

Friday, January 06, 2006 - 8:07 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jagger a private message Print Post    
I've done various volunteering in the past.

In my early 20's I voluntered at the local YMCA on Friday nights, it was more of a babysitting job but I enjoyed it. They had what they called Teen night, where youngsters between 13 and 18 could hang out, play sports games, or just sit and chill.

I've also voluntered at a local school listening and trying to teach young ones how to read, I loved to read as a kid but don't read much anymore.

I've also voluntered with the city to go to old peoples homes and help them out with various chores or just to sit and shoot the bull, which is what most of them wanted to do.

Hootyhoot
Member

12-18-2001

Friday, January 06, 2006 - 10:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hootyhoot a private message Print Post    
What a wonderful bunch you all are! This is my first time back to visit this thread since I started it, and I am loving the responses. Karuuna, you tell a great story! That story is totally ready to go into a book. I know when I get enough stories to work with that I will have to ask permission of you all ... but for the time being, keep the stories coming.

Those of you who just said a sentence or two, could you tell a story about some particular event or success? For instance, DLmmo, has your lobbying group made a difference for the poor?

What I am trying to do with this book (assuming I do the work and then find a publisher!) ... is to show people how many different kinds of volunteer opportunities there are ... from jobs like Urgrace's work with the fair which is just one short season out of the year, to continuing efforts like Twiggyish's literacy volunteers. Jobs for seniors, jobs for kids, something for everyone.

I have volunteered at our local community access tv station for their annual auction fundraiser. I took the producer/director course there and learned to use all the tv equipment, but I was never comfortable with it ... so I'm still looking for my own perfect spot.

Chaplin
Member

01-08-2006

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 6:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Chaplin a private message Print Post    
Over the years I have volunteered with a number of organizations and all have been rewarding.

CNIB (Canadian National Institute For The Blind)

This was my first experience of volunteering. I was 14 in High School and wanted to work with children. I worked at their Day Camp in the city and also went to their camp up north for a week. I looked after a child who was both Blind and Autistic. When he came to me he could not eat with other children or socialize. We had many days which were scenes right out of The Miracle Worker with me chasing him around to sit and eat and food being thrown. His Mom did not help matters any by sending him babyfood in jars to eat claiming that is all he could/would eat. I also found out she was rather negligent with him, traveled a great deal and did not really care what happened to him. Anyway by the end of the summer he was no longer a wild child and could eat at a table with others and he ate solid food. He still had major social issues however, that is to be expected with a child who is Autistic.

Toronto Public Library

Here I volunteered as a tutor and helped kids with reading and homework. This was a lot of fun and the kids seemed to get a lot out my helping them. I did this for about 2 years until I needed to leave to have surgery on my knee.

Toronto School Board

I volunteered as a classroom helper for almost three years and also as a library helper. This was very rewarding also.

Left this last volunteer job as I found the job I have now teaching Adults how to teach kids in Daycares and Nursery Schools and also to tutor Adults English who have come over to Canada.

Hootyhoot
Member

12-18-2001

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 9:41 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hootyhoot a private message Print Post    
Karuuna ... do you mind if I use your story in my column I'm writing for the local newspaper? Up until now I have only listed organizations that needed volunteers, but I'm thinking if I used some stories about people's experiences, it might inspire more people to get off the couch and go volunteer.

Laralyn
Member

08-04-2005

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 2:56 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Laralyn a private message Print Post    
Hootyhoot, I think that the volunteering that one does changes as one also changes. I know that when very young the volunteering that I did was much different that it is now.

A few years back I assisted in opening up a detox house at the coast. (so very many people go to the coast, drink too much and need help). However, there were a few regulars. One was a homeless person, who kept coming back on a regular basis. We changed our policy and decided that one could come to the detox only once a month. Simply because we did not need the recidivism and also we did not want to become 3 hots and a cot. So, of course, every month this person would show up. One day he/she took off for a visit in another state, and sent letters to us once in awhile...one was filled with some money and a newspaper clipping. Seems that he was a long lost child, and the brothers and sisters had been looking for him because their mom and dad had died and his inheritance was $250,000.00. The newspaper reporter asked him/her what he/she planned on doing with the money....answer...buy a motor-home, a few cases of wine and ask his/her buddies to live with him/her.

Now I volunteer for abused women and/or children. How very sad this situation is, and how very common.

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 4:28 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Hootyhoot,

I'm glad I found this thread. I need to go back and reread it a few times for myself.

Since I am in a wheelchair and my life is getting to be more of a struggle as I get older, I have had to rely on volunteers at certain times. It has been very, very hard for me to do this since my mom raised me to be so independent. I was one of seven kids and the rest were able-bodied. I had to jump in there with the rest of them and do my share of chores, etc. So, relying on others has been very hard for me. I am getting better at it I guess because I have had to. So, reading stories of people who do volunteer is helping me..thank you!

Since I know the value of volunteers, I have tried where I can, to be of assistance to others. A lot of the time, especially now, it just might be prayers. I know prayers wouldn't be considered volunteering but sometimes that is all I can do. Prayer can be a mighty powerful thing!

When I was younger, I did volunteer at a few different places. I was a volunteer (sort of like a teacher's aide type of thing) for a class of mentally challenged young adults. I think that has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life. These young adults were so simple in their needs and gave so much love. It was a great feeling to know I was helping them and in return they were helping me!

I did volunteer work at U. of M. hospital on the rehab ward. I had been a patient there and since I was facing the same struggles as a lot of the patients, I thought I could really relate to them. That also was a great experience for me.

Now, since I am homebound, one of my ways to try to help others is to take a little money now and then and give it to the ladies bible fund at the local jail in town. One of my dearest friends ministers to these ladies once a week. So, when I have money to spare, that is how I put it to good use. It's not really volunteering but right now it is one of the ways I can try to help others.

I have two friends who are in school. One is going for her masters and the other, a single mom with a daughter, for a different type of program. If and when they need help with their studies, if it something I can help them with, I try to be there for them.

I know Hootyhoot this might not be the info you were looking for. But, I just wanted to share my views on the subject and how others who volunteer have helped me tremendously with my life and how, even though it may be in little ways, I try to help others.

Auntiemike
Member

09-17-2001

Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 10:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Auntiemike a private message Print Post    
In my younger years I volunteered at a developmental pre-school which had children with varying degrees of disabilities. There was one 4 year old, Wesley, who had spina bifida. He could not walk by himself.

The entire class went roller skating one time. Myself and another volunteer took Wesley around the rink. His feet barely skated and skimmed the floor as we each bent our aching backs to keep him upright. The most wonderful moment was when we had gone completely around the rink, he saw his mother sitting in the viewing area. He beamed at her and told her proudly, "Mom, did you see me skate? AND DID IT ALL BY MYSELF!"

It was well worth the aching back and muscles to see and hear that. I so clearly remember the rewards of volunteerism, even though it was 30 years ago.

Auntiemike
Member

09-17-2001

Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 10:34 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Auntiemike a private message Print Post    
Just a P.S. I have done numerous volunteer endeavors, each with its own special story. If you would like more, email me or leave a message in my folder.

Karuuna
Board Administrator

08-31-2000

Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 11:28 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Karuuna a private message Print Post    
Hooty, you are quite welcome to use the story. It does need a little editing and cleaning up, tho! Would you like to take a stab at that?

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 11:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Auntiemike, thanks! Reading your post brought back some really good memories for me! When I was little like that, I was so proud of myself after my mom bought some of the ice skates that would strap on my braces. Between crutches and braces, from the waist down, I wasn't going too far on my own. But, to me it was wonderful! When you have a disability, sometimes things that are small or not important to able-bodied people, are a HUGE deal to those with a physical disability!

Karuuna
Board Administrator

08-31-2000

Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 11:58 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Karuuna a private message Print Post    
Baby, having worked at this therapeutic riding center for a couple of years now, I know a little of what you mean. We have many paraplegics in our program that travel in wheelchairs, and they tell me the feeling they get when they ride - the freedom and speed of movement is amazing. And so many of them say that it's something they never thought they could do. It's such a joy to me to see their faces, young and old, with great big grins as they speed around the ring on our ever so faithful and giving horses.

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 12:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Thanks Karuuna..I do know what you are talking about. I know, for me, things like that have always meant a lot. When I was in 6th grade, I was friends with a girl named Teri. She and her family (I think they had like 10 kids or so) had two horses. When I would go over there, she and I would go riding. I always rode the older horse who went really slow. But, it didn't matter to me. I was doing something that some people take for granted. I was free from dragging those heavy braces around and I was definitely in motion (slow but sure)!

Faerygdds
Member

08-29-2000

Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 12:49 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Faerygdds a private message Print Post    
I wrote a paper once called "On Peace, Love, and Plastic Rings" about a volunteering experience I had when I was a senior in high school. We were required as part of Theology IV to do a semester of community service. I ended up at a local school with Down Syndrome students. It was the best experience of my life!

The paper was about one child in particular -- Cameron. He taught me more than I could have ever taught him. His "trick" was to pretend he couldn't put the the Fisher Price plastic rings on the pole - he couldn't master the concept of "biggest"... or so I thought. One day I got completely frustrated and told him that I knew he could do it and I wouldn't play with him anymore if he didn't try his best and do it right. He got these big sad eyes and while never taking his eyes off of mine, began putting the rings in order without even LOOKING at them!

In that moment I wanted to simultaneously hug him - and throttle him! Just because he was "developmentally challenged" didn't mean he didn't have MY number! :-) It was an amazing experience... and little Cameron colored my world for YEARS... I like to think he still does.

The best volunteer work is one where you not only give of yourself, but also allows you to grow as a human being. You don't go looking to grow, but it just happens because every time we help someone, we in turn, help ourselves.

Hootyhoot
Member

12-18-2001

Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 7:02 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hootyhoot a private message Print Post    
Baby ... I loved your message. It's wonderful that you have found a way to help someone else even at a time in your life when you need help sometimes.

As a struggling author, your story opened up a whole other aspect of volunteering that I hadn't even thought of ... stories from those who receive help as well as those who give help. Why hadn't I thought of that? Well, for one thing, because I'm not an expert on any part of the subject of volunteering ... which may be either a good thing or a bad thing for a person who is attempting to pull together enough information for a book! I have been through a period of thinking I can't do this, I just don't have enough experience in either writing or volunteering ... but then a person said to me what a wonderful thing a book like this would be ... and I think, Well, maybe I'll have to try harder!

I have a friend who in her 50s has had a seizure, so she cannot drive for six months, until her anti-seizure meds are established. A neighbor of hers has organized her church members to take her to her office each morning and take her home again at night. Without these good samaritans, her business would probably have gone bankrupt, and her life would have been a disaster. With their help, she goes on. Without the people who are volunteering to help, this story would be a tragedy. With their help, it's a hard time in her life, but she's getting through it. (It's a 100 mile trip for me, so I try to go once a week to take her shopping or break up her weekend.)

So, keep sending me stories!

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 12:25 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Thanks Hooty! I left a post in your folder for you.

Scout
Member

01-20-2005

Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 1:14 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Scout a private message Print Post    
When I was in college, I used to volunteer at a center for developmentally disabled adults. There was one man there named Alfred. To look at Alfred, you'd think he was any guy off the street. Except that he always had a big smile on his face. Always.

Alfred could not retain new information. I was supposed to be teaching a class on dates, and times, schedules, etc. Every class day (Thursday) we had this same conversation.

Me: Alfred, what day is this?
Alfred: (regardless of the correct time) Three o'clock
Me: No, Alfred. Today is Thursday
Alfred: (big smile lighting up face) Oh! It's Thursday!
Me: Right. So Alfred. What day is this?
Alfred: Three o'clock
(repeat above - over and over again)


In all the years I worked there, it was always three o'clock in Alfredland. I felt really frustrated with him, at first. Then I realized that in my world, three o'clock meant there was still a couple more hours of my shift to go. That I needed to get some homework finished. Car insurance was coming due, etc. I couldn't remember the last time I'd just been walking around with a smile on my face for absolutely no reason.

Alfred and nearly every other person at this facility was almost always happy. And they knew how to be happy about the little things like, Tator-tot Tuesdays, or the arrival of the snowcone man, chocolate pudding, or movie night.

To this day, every time I hear someone say the time is three o'clock, it makes me smile.

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 1:37 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Scout..the time is three o'clock..SMILE! (great story)

Hootyhoot
Member

12-18-2001

Monday, February 13, 2006 - 6:41 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hootyhoot a private message Print Post    
Faerygdds ... that's a really touching story. It is amazing the moments that stay with you forever.

Scout, I think EVERYONE who reads your story is going to smile a little whenever they hear the phrase "three o'clock."}} Isn't that amazing ... you've changed the world for the better!

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 12:29 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Hi again,

I just wanted to share the email that I woke up to this morning. I was so touched by it and just so amazed with the offer. I know, for some, it doesn't sound like a big deal. But, for me, is was awesome and really touched my heart!

I started another thread the other day, about looking for an odd size container to keep some medical supplies in. I got lots of really good ideas and I want those that took the time to post their thoughts, to know that I really appreciate them trying to think of some ideas for me!

But, this morning when checking my email, I had one person who doesn't even really know me, offer to go to the store to see if they could find something suitable for my needs, pick it up and ship it ALL the way across the country to me. That bit of kindness just really and truly touched me in a mighty big way!

Thank you, Costacat!