Renault on 6/4/2010 at 17:04

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Just wondered if anyone here does any volunteer work in their free time. I've had to itch to give it a shot lately, and the hope is to give but also have something semi-interesting to do (a bit selfish, I realize). Anyway, if you do it, list it. I'm also trying to find out if there are any organizations to stay away from - I know a few years back The United Way didn't have the best reputation (something about their CEO making piles of unnecessary cash). A few I'm considering..

Humane Society - Love animals, mostly dogs. Man, just going to their website is often a heartbreaker, maybe because the animals are so defenseless.
Habitat for Humanity - I actually enjoy doing some physical work, wouldn't mind learning a thing or two about construction/woodworking etc while helping others out.
Salvation Army - They seem like such a pillar in the community here, hard to believe there wouldn't be some way to help out.

Enchantermon on 6/4/2010 at 17:29

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I volunteer at church quite a bit, as well as doing a little tutoring or fixing minor computer/networking problems occasionally. I used to volunteer at a food bank almost every Thursday, but since I moved for school I haven't been able to.

You should definitely give it a shot. Some things aren't for everybody, but it shouldn't be too hard to find something you enjoy.

BrokenArts on 6/4/2010 at 17:48

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My daughter has wanted to do some volunteer work. Plus it will look good on her resume for college. Now that she is 15 its easier, but, I've called the children's hospitals here, they are full. They aren't accepting any more apps. Even the local food bank is full up during the weekends till July. When you're in school, thats the only time you've got. There are more out there, but, you have to find them.
There is the Audubon society, helping with land, maintaining the habitat's, etc. Some places you have to start early to apply and try to get in. Not as easy as it sounds.

Aerothorn on 7/4/2010 at 13:19

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I basically due massive community involvement at my college. I've had to scale back some this year (last year I was on four different sitting bodies, ugh) such that I'm only on two regular comittees, but yeah.

Also volunteered at the WAIF (Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation) thrift store over the summer.

DarkForge on 10/4/2010 at 08:57

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Yeah I've been helping out at a local junior/primary school, on and off, for about 7 years. I must be mental but there you go.

Not an entirely unselfish venture, I must admit. The hope was that the experience would open up some doors for employment in the teaching profession, but to date I've had no success.