Posted by Kath on October 5, 2009, at 10:19:08
In reply to Re: difficulty finding a volunteer gig » Angela2, posted by Deneb on October 5, 2009, at 7:52:40
Hi Angela,
I think Deneb's suggestion is really a good one.
When I wanted to do volunteer work once & didn't have a clue what, I found a local Volunteer Coordinating Agency.
I had an appointment, we explored my interests; what type of personality I have (introvert/extrovert/prefer one-on-one or groups etc) & we went over a list of available volunteer opportunities. It worked quite well & I ended up working with a 12 year old boy who was in a special school for kids who were finding it hard to fit into a regular school. My job was to give him a chance to socialize & have experience interacting with an adult on a one-to-one basis (at the end of my time with him, I received an invitation to his Bar Mitzvah, which I was very honoured to be included in! I was really nervous about going, because I had no idea what it would be like & I sometimes get stressed going to new things by myself. I went & enjoyed it & it was so nice seeing him being so socially comfortable even when he was the centre of attention.)
The other boy had trouble reading, so we'd read together. I quickly discovered that he was super-iterested in trucks, so I'd buy him magazines about 'monster trucks' - trucks that went out in mud-forests, etc. I found working with him more comfortable, & extremely rewarding, because there was a good focus.
I don't know if you live in a city or what, but if there's a Chamber of Commerce, they might know if such an agency exists. I'd also think that a Mental Health Association, Social Services Dept, maybe even the Mayor's office, or a hospital might be able to direct you as to where to find a 'pool' of volunteer jobs.
Best of luck Angela & keep us up to date on how it's going. I admire that you've thought this out & are going into to this in a well-planned manner.
hugs, Kath
poster:Kath
thread:919677
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20090930/msgs/919777.html