I have reached a point in my life where I realize that my time is too valuable to spend on only leisure and work activities. I have a lot of knowledge and feel like myself and my generation are coming into power to shape the events around us and not just kick and scream about the way things are. I have been thinking about doing this for the past few months. I have come to the realization that while I enjoy playing my guitar, going to the movies, slow cooking, taking things apart (small engines and electronics) and all the other crap I do to occupy my time, I think I should give some of it to someone or something who truly needs help. I have been thinking about the following volunteer activities: Child Advocates, Childrens Hospital, Green Peace, Habitat for Humanity, Environmental Remediation, etc. I would really like to be involved with children because they, along with the mentally and physically handicapped are the most defenseless people in our society and they need a voice. I am also considering a substitute teacher position within the local school district as my current work hours can be arranged to compensate. I am also thinking I should help out with environmental causes, like cleaning up an oil spill or conserving top soil or something like that. I would like to find a "weekend warrior" type activity where I can take off a day or two out of the week. Though I am not opposed to doing something that takes more time, it's just that I can't give 2 years or year of my time, though I may be open towards something like 3 months or whatever. Any thoughts clutchfans?
Good for you. With your skills, including music, I am sure you will be able to find plenty of volunteer opportunities. If you are in Houston you might want to check with Rhester on Clutchfans as I know his church was doing a lot of work down in Surfside after Ike. Otherwise there is still a lot of work to be done from Katrina and with the floods and tornadoes that struck the South there are other opportunities where you can go and help for a week or a month.
Volunteering is incredibly rewarding. The wife and I did animal rescue work for 4 years or so, to the extent that we were very actively involved, ultimately had our own 501c3, etc. Probably rescued 300+ dogs over the period. But then we had a little one of our own, and all that precious time we had just went away. When the kids grow up, we'll probably get back into volunteering. And maybe next time it will be more human focused than animal (certainly having a kid does make you think more about kid focused charitable organizations), but probably not. We've always gravitated towards helping animals. Anyway, volunteering is great. Be honest with yourself, though, about time you want to put in. Volunteer turnover can be very difficult on organizations that typically lack the resources to "cover" for so an so because they didn't show up.
I recently talked to a guy who works organizing Habitiat- he said that they had so many volunteers that they couldn't place them. Good thread, I'll keep an eye on it.
Mentoring one on one with an at-risk child (any age - elementary, middle school, high school) is extremely valuable. Studies show one on one mentoring programs are the most effective for keeping kids in school and making sure they graduate on time. I don't want to come off as a spammer, but I work for an organization called Communities in Schools that provides community and mentoring support to at risk youth. Here's the Houston website for volunteers: http://www.cishouston.org/volunteer.cfm
Sign up for Child Advocates. You can make a positive impact in someones life. If not that, then volunteer at an animal shelter. You can be an animal advocate by "fostering" animals for short amounts of time.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science can always use good people. I used to work there and then volunteered as well. It's a great place. Loads of fun.
