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Post by holly on Jun 28, 2019 14:43:18 GMT
Not sure why I thought about this but I like to volunteer and was wondering why as I wasn’t really brought up that way. Maybe because of that? Idk. It started when my kids were little. I volunteered in their classrooms. I did PTSO, I did anything school related. I helped with my son’s Boy Scout Pack because at the time my DH was active duty and was always deployed. I was a Girl Scout leader for my daughter’s Troop for 10 years. I volunteered for her choir from 5th grade on. I was in the PtSO at their high school (very small school, 150-175 kids). Through GS there were a lot of volunteer opportunities, Toys for Tots, Thanksgiving drives, women shelters, etc.
My youngest just graduated HS. I’m not sure where I’m going to volunteer at but I’d like to find somewhere. I still work so it limits me a bit. My mom doesn’t understand why I do it. She doesn’t have much patience though and I think you have to have that. Some organizations are poorly run and it can be frustrating to volunteer for them. I think that has been part of why I haven’t found an organization to stick with yet. And I don’t have the time to devote to becoming more than an occasional volunteer. I feel really good when I do volunteer, I do feel like I am giving back in some way.
Anyway I was just curious if you volunteer and if you do, who do you volunteer with?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 29, 2024 7:38:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2019 14:47:32 GMT
PTA for 18 years and counting. Volunteered on political committees until I tired of the ass kissing.
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Post by ntsf on Jun 28, 2019 14:49:55 GMT
I volunteered for pta and Girl Scouts for years.. it was a tradition in my familiy. I still volunteer for the Girl Scouts as a learning facilitator... I like it cause I just do it every few months.. and set my own schedule. I teach basic troop camping and backpacking. I have also volunteered at church for years.. and currently am the clerk of our board.. going off it after 6 yrs. that will be good.
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Post by peano on Jun 28, 2019 14:50:51 GMT
I have volunteered for our local dog park since before it existed, but now that we've raised the money for it and it's established, the opportunities for regular volunteering (beyond a few annual events) have dried up.
I had planned to pursue something last year, since it was my first empty nester year, but illness got in the way. My goal is to explore what I want to do and then get busy in the fall.
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LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939 
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
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Post by LeaP on Jun 28, 2019 14:53:28 GMT
Yes, I volunteer a lot. For year I have been on the boards of the parent organizations at school and have worn 1001 hats. My kids are aging out, but my last hurrah is organizing a student run concessions fundraiser. I volunteer for an indie game fundraiser. Occasionally the library and a few other things when needed.
In my observation, those who volunteer have happier lives. I met an 86 year woman at TJ Maxx and she was talking about her 12 hour shift organizing a big sale at the American Cancer Society store. She looked sounded and looked great. I couldn't help but compare her to my next door neighbor who took early retirement and has spent thirty years sitting in her house.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 29, 2024 7:38:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2019 14:54:43 GMT
Now:
PTA both school and county.
Advisory board for VO-Tech school. LEO committees.
When my youngest graduates I will step away from the school aspect and focus more on LEO.
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Post by tentoes on Jun 28, 2019 14:58:34 GMT
I was a Sunday School teacher for many years in the children's department, and other volunteer jobs at my church, but I'm looking for something in the medical field now. I was an RN, so would like to help seniors out or something along that line. I also volunteered at my children's school when they were in elementary school (I had a 15-year spread in ages between the first and last, so was there a long time!!)
Eta: I forgot about sports!! I had 4 kids involved in several sports each--like baseball, softball, hockey, soccer, track, tennis, so I was team mom a lot!! I was also "driver" to many practices for above sports!!
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janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,172
Location: Alabama
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Post by janeinbama on Jun 28, 2019 15:03:17 GMT
I have volunteered most of my adult life. My parents did, my Mom as Cub leader and GS Troop leader, she volunteered at our school, Dad coached softball and was on HS PTA board. I was a GS leader for 8 years, taught Sunday School, youth group volunteer, room mother and team mom. Now I visit Shut-Ins from Church and a area representative (DH and I both) with our HOBO association. When I retire, I have plans to expand that. It will all depend on my mother's health in the next few years though. I have made some of my closest friends through my volunteer activities.
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Post by monklady123 on Jun 28, 2019 15:03:54 GMT
Yes, I volunteer a lot. For year I have been on the boards of the parent organizations at school and have worn 1001 hats. My kids are aging out, but my last hurrah is organizing a student run concessions fundraiser. I volunteer for an indie game fundraiser. Occasionally the library and a few other things when needed. In my observation, those who volunteer have happier lives. I met an 86 year woman at TJ Maxx and she was talking about her 12 hour shift organizing a big sale at the American Cancer Society store. She looked sounded and looked great. I couldn't help but compare her to my next door neighbor who took early retirement and has spent thirty years sitting in her house. One of my neighbors retired a couple of years ago and every time I run into her walking our dogs she mentions how boring retirement is.  I just don't understand this. In addition to reading and crafts and catching up on Netflix, etc., there are SO many places around here that would love another volunteer. She was an accountant so offering up her accounting skills as a volunteer for any number of organizations would be very much appreciated. Or, she loves animals... we have many rescue groups and animal shelters. Or the food bank... collecting food, distributing food, doing office work for them (that accounting expertise again). Etc. |
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jun 28, 2019 15:08:47 GMT
I’m from a volunteering family. My mom was a Girl Scout and 4-H leader. She also volunteered with the sports my brother was involved in. Now she volunteers with her camping club and another club she is in.
I’m still a volunteer with 4-H even though my dd aged out a few years ago. I also volunteer with my dog breed club and our obedience training club. I also do volunteer activities with clubs I’m not in but my friends or family are in. I joined another friend on a trail clean up a couple weeks ago and I also volunteer with my mom’s camping club.
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anaterra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,827
Location: Texas
Jun 29, 2014 3:04:02 GMT
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Post by anaterra on Jun 28, 2019 15:17:51 GMT
I do.. but mainly because I'm cheap... so if you volunteer to work a door or usher at our community theater then you get to stay n watch for free... so I get to watch ballets n symphony and musical productions and whatever is going on... just by handing out a program or directing to a seat... its something I enjoy... for free!!
This weekend we have the youth Broadway academy doing Peter Pan i will work tonight and sun matinee..
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Post by leannec on Jun 28, 2019 15:25:23 GMT
I've just resigned from my volunteer position with a local animal rescue group because I've gone back to work and I no longer have the time or energy ... I'm sad about that  I worked in the "cat room" ... I pretty much scooped a bit of litter, filled food and water bowls and then cuddled cats for my entire shift ... it was awesome  |
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peabrain
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,588
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Post by peabrain on Jun 28, 2019 15:28:47 GMT
I'm like a lot of you. I did girl scouts and pta. My dd's school does not have a pta, so I looked in to the booster meetings. They totally seemed like they did not want me there.
It was the start of a new year and the president said, "Well I"m going to be president again this year so no need to vote on that." Ok, then.
At the end of the meeting, she came over to me and said, "You don't need to be in any committees because you're new." Ok then see ya. There were less than 5-6 people in attendance.
Not that I wanted to run the program, but I was trying to help with "something". It was very telling. I wish them the best.
I was actually thinking about this topic yesterday, and how I do enjoy volunteering but I am taking classes now so my time is more limited.
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Post by Basket1lady on Jun 28, 2019 15:32:29 GMT
My parents didn’t really volunteer when I was growing up, but my grandmother did. Then I got married to a military guy and DH was a flight commander at his first real assignment. The squadron commander wasn’t married and I took on a lot of the family responsibilities that goes into a squadron. Since then, I’ve taught Sunday school, ran a playgroup on base, served in various positions on the Spouses Club Board, been a Girl Scout leader, a commander’s wife, room mom, team mom, taught Confirmation, and been the parent liaison for the theatre at a performing arts HS. I’m currently trying to get our lab certified as a therapy dog for when we move to Belgium.
I haven’t worked since we had kids and probably won’t until DH retires. The kids are all in college now, but we will want to travel when we go overseas. I’m not sure if I’ll have spouse duties with DH’s position, so I’d like to pursue the therapy dog thing. I may sub for Confirmation classes, but I’ll have to get my Virtus (youth protection training) updated for the military archdiocese first. Since we arrive mid September, classes will start before I’m certified.
My step mother works at the food ban in town and teaches adults trying to get their GREs. She also volunteers at a house farm that does riding therapy for children who are disabled.
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Post by gar on Jun 28, 2019 15:34:24 GMT
I don’t think it’s such a thing in the UK as it seems to be among the US Peas. UK peas, please correct me if I’m wrong!
So I was Chair of my DDs pre-school for a year I think that’s all.
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Post by pattyraindrops on Jun 28, 2019 15:37:46 GMT
Not sure why I thought about this but I like to volunteer and was wondering why as I wasn’t really brought up that way. Maybe because of that? Idk. It started when my kids were little. I volunteered in their classrooms. I did PTSO, I did anything school related. I helped with my son’s Boy Scout Pack because at the time my DH was active duty and was always deployed. I was a Girl Scout leader for my daughter’s Troop for 10 years. I volunteered for her choir from 5th grade on. I was in the PtSO at their high school (very small school, 150-175 kids). Through GS there were a lot of volunteer opportunities, Toys for Tots, Thanksgiving drives, women shelters, etc. My youngest just graduated HS. I’m not sure where I’m going to volunteer at but I’d like to find somewhere. I still work so it limits me a bit. My mom doesn’t understand why I do it. She doesn’t have much patience though and I think you have to have that. Some organizations are poorly run and it can be frustrating to volunteer for them. I think that has been part of why I haven’t found an organization to stick with yet. And I don’t have the time to devote to becoming more than an occasional volunteer. I feel really good when I do volunteer, I do feel like I am giving back in some way. Anyway I was just curious if you volunteer and if you do, who do you volunteer with? If you are in the states check www.justserve.orgYou can find opportunities to serve there in your location. The charities post if they need someone one time or on an ongoing basis. Some of them have you go to their own website to volunteer. Others set it up so you can volunteer for a shift directly from the Just Serve website. Also, if you have a charity that needs volunteers you can ask through the site to have someone contact you. The organization I am with posts on Just Serve what donations we need and where to drop those off and it has information and a link to sign up through our website to volunteer. |
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Post by holly on Jun 28, 2019 15:39:13 GMT
I've just resigned from my volunteer position with a local animal rescue group because I've gone back to work and I no longer have the time or energy ... I'm sad about that I worked in the "cat room" ... I pretty much scooped a bit of litter, filled food and water bowls and then cuddled cats for my entire shift ... it was awesome I would love for my mom to do that! She is retired and has a cat and is kind of obsessed with cats. I think something like this would be perfect for her. She talks a big game about getting out more but she doesn’t. She spends entirely too much time “reading” ie sleeping the day away. My DD definitely has the community service in her blood. She really enjoys it. I think all those years in GS helped that. She is already looking into volunteer opportunities in her college town. But she is also rushing sororities so if she’s chosen she’ll have opportunities. That’s something I’m proud that I’ve instill in her, still working on my DS, but he has his hands pretty full with school at the moment. At work we have a screen saver set to a live feed of different animals and a couple are for dogs. One is an older dog rescue and one is like a warrior canines where they have the dogs that they breed for training. There are always puppies of varying ages and they have volunteers in there petting them and playing with them. We all say we want that job! Little lab puppies. Right now there is a litter with 10 black ones and 1golden, they are soooo cute. |
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kelly8875
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,390
Location: Lost in my supplies...
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Post by kelly8875 on Jun 28, 2019 15:48:24 GMT
I volunteered a lot when my kids were in elementary school. I was the communication director for PTO (monthly bulletin boards, newsletter, yearbook) for 7 years. Girl Scout leader of 18 girls for 5 years, cub scouts for the year my DS joined). Then I took some time off, and helped volunteer as a parent group for varsity poms for 3 years. Also a little in the last few years with the humane society. Nothing currently, except donating blood as often as I can.
My youngest just graduated high school too, so I’ll have more time again . I think for now I’m just going to donate blood as I can. I’m trying to join some new friend groups, so I’d like to concentrate on that, and continue to find who I want to be. I think in time I’ll find more volunteer work, but not right now.
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LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
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Post by LeaP on Jun 28, 2019 15:55:34 GMT
Yes, I volunteer a lot. For year I have been on the boards of the parent organizations at school and have worn 1001 hats. My kids are aging out, but my last hurrah is organizing a student run concessions fundraiser. I volunteer for an indie game fundraiser. Occasionally the library and a few other things when needed. In my observation, those who volunteer have happier lives. I met an 86 year woman at TJ Maxx and she was talking about her 12 hour shift organizing a big sale at the American Cancer Society store. She looked sounded and looked great. I couldn't help but compare her to my next door neighbor who took early retirement and has spent thirty years sitting in her house. One of my neighbors retired a couple of years ago and every time I run into her walking our dogs she mentions how boring retirement is. I just don't understand this. In addition to reading and crafts and catching up on Netflix, etc., there are SO many places around here that would love another volunteer. She was an accountant so offering up her accounting skills as a volunteer for any number of organizations would be very much appreciated. Or, she loves animals... we have many rescue groups and animal shelters. Or the food bank... collecting food, distributing food, doing office work for them (that accounting expertise again). Etc. It's a pity she could do so much good. I just remembered on of the docents at the USS Midway was telling people not to retire. He served and then became a lawyer. He said he lost a lot of vocabulary when he retired and now volunteers on the ship four days a week to keep himself sharp.
Being too busy with work is reality, but sitting in your house being bored and complaining about it could be easily cured by helping your fellow (wo)man.
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Post by Linda on Jun 28, 2019 16:05:51 GMT
yes - mainly with Girl Scouts - I've been a volunteer in one capacity or another since DD19 was a 5 yr old Daisy (DH has been also). At the moment, I'm the Juliette Mentor for DD12 and serve on our Community (covers 5 counties) team as communications volunteer (FB and email) and Juliette Liason (I do communications and mentoring for parents whose daughter is a Juliette). I'm also co-chair of our CSA (6-12th grade) Lock-in Series -we run about 8 per year and are able to start year 9
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Post by mikklynn on Jun 28, 2019 16:12:28 GMT
I'm like a lot of you. I did girl scouts and pta. My dd's school does not have a pta, so I looked in to the booster meetings. They totally seemed like they did not want me there. It was the start of a new year and the president said, "Well I"m going to be president again this year so no need to vote on that." Ok, then. At the end of the meeting, she came over to me and said, "You don't need to be in any committees because you're new." Ok then see ya. There were less than 5-6 people in attendance. Not that I wanted to run the program, but I was trying to help with "something". It was very telling. I wish them the best. I was actually thinking about this topic yesterday, and how I do enjoy volunteering but I am taking classes now so my time is more limited. That sounds like the Bad Moms movie! Let them have it. |
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Post by mikklynn on Jun 28, 2019 16:13:53 GMT
DH and I always volunteered with our kids sports and band activities.
I make the communion bread for our church and help with funerals.
I need a year to decompress after retiring, then I'll look for something new to volunteer for.
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Post by alsomsknit on Jun 28, 2019 16:16:56 GMT
My volunteering began with my son’s school years. The library, which I ended up running for a couple of years after he left the school. PTO, including a couple of years as treasurer. Marching band, including being the head of the uniforms for a couple of years. Even DH got involved with marching band, making a few of the props and even chaperoning. My FIL even repaired some of the equipment.
The Boy graduated 4 years ago. Despite being busy with my own schooling, I ended up getting involved in a cat rescue. So far, I’ve only been able to help with fundraising. But, I would like to foster.
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Post by psoccer on Jun 28, 2019 16:27:38 GMT
Yes, I volunteer. I did girl scouts, soccer coach, basketball coach, PTA, and FFA boosters. My last one graduated so I am now on Women of Ag. Thank you for the link, there are actually some fun volunteer opportunities in my area.
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Deleted
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Apr 29, 2024 7:38:04 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2019 16:30:49 GMT
I volunteer with the band and baseball team, mostly with chaperoning and concessions.
I have volunteered at a few local beer events and will do more. I also volunteered with a local charity that hands out free clothes and toiletries and runs a gift shop. I will help make things for it when they have events for it. I hope after my kids graduate, I can help there more than twice a year. It is a charity that was dear to my grandmother.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jun 28, 2019 17:09:27 GMT
It might be shorter to list what I haven't volunteered with over the years. For many years, it centered around my children's activities (school, sports, and church primarily) as well as the ex-husband's standing in the community. I sat on any number of non-profit boards and did a great deal of 'beneficent lady' volunteer work during that time. I only worked part-time so I had a fair amount of time for it and I did really enjoy it.
Now, kids are grown and I pick and choose a little more. My two main activities presently are the local Parks Foundation and helping at the Hospice Resale Store.
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Post by myboysnme on Jun 28, 2019 18:01:43 GMT
Yes, I volunteer at a local living history museum. I will be volunteering in 18th c. costume on the 4th of July.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jun 28, 2019 18:03:27 GMT
I do occasionally at my sons' charter school. They have events for the kids, and I sign up for some of them.
Their school is strange in that the parents association is run by the same five women, and they don't want to let anyone else make decisions.
***ETA : When I had asked how I could help with a dance for students/parents, they sent me an email saying that they had a vision for how it should be and were going to decorate it themselves, but here's how you can help.
They sent me an Amazon link to $19.00/ each decorations they wanted.
Nope.
/ETA***
I've come to meetings and felt totally unwelcome.
The school is also strange in that they don't want volunteers to come into classrooms to help kids in small groups, or to read to the class. They have an aide in each room to walk around, and don't want a volunteer reader to "throw off their rigid schedule."
I used to volunteer a lot more with my two oldest kids' schools when they were in elementary school. But they were in schools that loved having a mom come read to the class, or grade multiple choice papers with an answer key.
One year I was the box top coordinator. Man, that was an adventure.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,172
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Jun 28, 2019 18:13:02 GMT
I volunteer with some professional organizations. At one time I was on the boards of as many as four, plus a State Board of Ed committee, but I’m down to just one state-wide organization now.
After I retire I would like to explore opportunities for other kinds of volunteering. I don’t want to do what I’ve done professionally for over 40 years (teach kids to read); there’s a whole world of other options out there other than schools and teaching people to read. I’d like to try other things.
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Post by kernriver on Jun 28, 2019 19:24:45 GMT
While raising my kids I volunteered my ass off. Now? Not so much.
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I just don't understand this. In addition to reading and crafts and catching up on Netflix, etc., there are SO many places around here that would love another volunteer. She was an accountant so offering up her accounting skills as a volunteer for any number of organizations would be very much appreciated. Or, she loves animals... we have many rescue groups and animal shelters. Or the food bank... collecting food, distributing food, doing office work for them (that accounting expertise again). Etc.
