what to do? Volunteering.

[doughboyshredder]

I have decided that I am going to volunteer 1 day a week. Preferably doing something that helps make the world a better place.

I have been researching my options and have came up with the following ideas, and am looking for some advice from others that are doing something similar.

http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=183

Delta Society is one of my ideas. I have an awesome german shepherd and think he could do a lot of good for people. Anyone done this, or know anything about it?

There is also an interfaith housing group in kirkland. http://www.kithcares.org/
They can use maintenance help on the transitional housing units. I just don't know how helpful I would feel changing garbage disposals and painting apartments.

And, of course there's the food banks. They can always use all kinds of help, sorting, staging, office work, etc.. This seems like the most direct option.

Also, I want to say that I am pretty impressed with the different programs that the Lutheran church undertakes around here. There were a few that I would consider volunteering for, but I don't know if they would want an avowed atheist helping out.

Any ideas?

[SpinalTap]

Habitat for Humanity can be a lot of fun.

[JimmyCarter]

Also, I want to say that I am pretty impressed with the different programs that the Lutheran church undertakes around here. There were a few that I would consider volunteering for, but I don't know if they would want an avowed atheist helping out.

Any ideas?

Don't start freaking out when they start the day's volunteering off with a prayer

Alot of volunteer places do want some type of long-term commitment, as it's difficult for them to deal with flaky scheduling needs.

I've done a pretty broad range of things. Some thoughts:

Habitat for Humanity - fun work, you really get to see the difference you're making, even if just for one family. If you ever get to meet the people you're building the house(s) for, it can turn into an "Extreme Makeover Home" type scenario. Lots of crying, thank yous, etc. Very rewarding (if you're looking for that type of thing).

Food banks - you never really get to see the impact of your work (volume of stuff boxed/moved yes, people no), but still feels good at the end of the day. Also pretty easy to get involved with.

Some of the housing/shelter/soup kitchen stuff is equal parts depressing/redeeming - never feels like you're doing enough or if what you're doing is having an impact (my opinion, I'm sure that's not universal).

If I had a dog I'd definitely try to go with the Delta thing - seems like a fun way to get involved.

One other thing to look into would be Big Brother or something similar. Never done it but have heard good things from people who have.

[DoWork]

Go to the hospital and read to the burn kids. Their life sucks and they totally love it when you spend some time with them. It will give you new perspective on just how lucky you are to be yourself.

[advres]

Go to the hospital and read to the burn kids. Their life sucks and they totally love it when you spend some time with them. It will give you new perspective on just how lucky you are to be yourself.

That and kids with terminal diseases. You don't know what you have until you see what others will never have. Some of their outlooks on life are amazing and the fact they always stay positive when they know they won't see their next birthday makes all the worries in your life seem insignificant. So not only will you be helping them out, you will be doing your life a world of good.

[grrrr]

If your community has a volunteer fire department or EMS, you could consider that. The effort required is way above the "show up" requirements of a food bank, but the skills you gain are well worth it.

[Fritz]

I've been on the board of directors for our local humane society for almost 4 years now and currently serve as board president. A lot of work for sure, but I'm a fan of dogs and cats so it's very rewarding. And it doesn't interfere with skiing.

[KQ]

Seattle Works is a great organization - kind of a clearing house for volunteer work.

[GiBo]

I'm applying for the adaptive ski program at my local hill. I've found just the process of applying very enlightening. I found myself really not wanting to give up a day of skiing to do it. That apprehensiveness revealed a selfishness in me that I did no know existed in me. Hmmm... maybe my ex was right...

[BeanDip4All]

I hate to bad mouth the therapy dog organizations, but really think a lot of them have exorbitant fees ($500 and up for "training classes") for what you want to do... which is volunteer your time. They also have arduous sign-up processes and the organization structures are muddled at best. I wrote about some of my frustrations getting signed up to do therapy dog work here.

I finally got my dog trained and working with a therapy dog organization through a local hospital and it was a lot cheaper and faster than going through a larger national. I would recommend this route if you are dead set on doing therapy dog work. Also- keep in mind that your pooch will be exposed to a lot of chronic diseases that are rampant in hospitals and care facilities. MRSA on his paws, etc... REALLY decom that sucker when you are done with your visits!!! Focus on the feet, especially if your dog ever licks his paws. I know a few health care providers who actually bring their pets around in a wagon (to avoid them walking on the floors) in facilities when they are doing visits. Just be REALLY aware of what you are exposing Buddy to that his immune system might not be up for.

[highangle]

"I'll tell you, son. My main satisfaction...is working with young people like yourself at our new Youtheran Center.Why don't you drop by some time?"
"I've often thought of entering the priesthood."
"Are you Roman Catholic?"
"Yes"
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you can't come."

[Tuckerman]

I Chaperone a school group on Tuesdays skiing.

[PNWbrit]

start freaking out when they start the day's volunteering off with a prayer

Fixed that for you.

[doughboyshredder]

beandip, thanks for the tips. I didn't even think about him getting sick. That would suck!

Thanks to everybody for the responses. It looks like Habitat for Humanity is the way I am going to go for now. No wait period, or long term commitment. You can sign up on their site to volunteer at a jobsite tomorrow. And, they are building houses 20 minutes away from here.

Stoked.

[skifishbum]

Been doing animal assisted threapy with the pooch for 10 years now, once or two nights a week
Rewarding and good for your pet.
Visiting old people is the hardest as they die.

[hitmanbob]

beandip, thanks for the tips. I didn't even think about him getting sick. That would suck!

Thanks to everybody for the responses. It looks like Habitat for Humanity is the way I am going to go for now. No wait period, or long term commitment. You can sign up on their site to volunteer at a jobsite tomorrow. And, they are building houses 20 minutes away from here.

Stoked.

SkiForAll out of alpental and the summit has a great program. only like what, 20? 30? minutes from north bend

[baxter]

I volunteer at the local animal shelter which entails walking dogs and play with puppies and kitties. It is perfect because I can come in at my own convenience and it really feels good helping out animals in need.

[doughboyshredder]

Been doing animal assisted threapy with the pooch for 10 years now, once or two nights a week
Rewarding and good for your pet.
Visiting old people is the hardest as they die.

The hospice where my grandfather passed has openings which is what got me thinking about doing it. Have you had any issues with your pooch getting sick? The whole concept really appeals to me.

[doughboyshredder]

SkiForAll out of alpental and the summit has a great program. only like what, 20? 30? minutes from north bend

That could be pretty cool. I am going to look in to them some more.

http://www.outdoorsforall.org/

[skifishbum]

No issues with the pooches getting sick Shriners is the only hospital we visit
Our orgiazation http://therapyanimals.org got sick of the delta society and their politics and underwrites it's own
insurance now. they offer an at home study type course for~$100.and you need to pass a test similiar to deltas or good cainie
I like it because there are a bunch of options hospitals there is a Reading Educational Assistant Dog programs at libraries, schools for the blind/disabled
Vets We've been going to a juvie home for ten years that programs only like once a month.
It's about finding the program that's most enjoyable and rewarding for you and your dog.
Do it I guarrenty it'll be more rewarding than argueing asshattery on the interwebz

[highangle]

giving the kids something fun to do can be rewarding too...

[skifishbum]

bump 4
your only
decent
thread
+++ vibes for your dog

[reganized]

Best volunteer option in Boston
http://www.yeskids.org/

[skifishbum]

Would not the best volunteer option be the one you enjoy most.

Did ya ever end up doing something for those less fortunate or did work time an your desire to
post poli asshatted turd thread on a outdoor recreation website get in the way?
Please bump my post and fix that 10 to 11 and no my dog has yet to suffer any ill from hospital and juvie home visits

[doughboyshredder]

I ended up donating quite a bit of money to Northwest Harvest (>50.00 a month), and I joined Habitat for Humanity. After blowing out my knee in February I haven't been able to do as much as I would like. Mostly because summer is the busiest time of the year for my nail pounding business.