volunteering

October 5, 2000

Jo,

A very big thing to remember when you volunteer is that you set the limits.

At one point, I volunteered to do clerical work in a hospital records

department. I told the coordinator that I could work 4 hours a week, but

because of other commitments I could not say which afternoon, I could only

promise to call early in the week and let them know which day to expect me

to come in for this week, and I would work 5 to 9pm. The hospital was happy

for any time I could give them.

When I volunteered for the Cancer Society, the coordinator was very pushy

and I did commit to chair the Education Committee, but I placed a time limit

of 1 year. After the year, the coordinator tried to tell me that it was my

responsibility to continue as chairwoman. It was his responsiblity to find

someone to fill that chair, he was being paid to do so, and I left the

organization because he wouldn't find a replacement and let me take a less

demanding position.

You get to set your own schedule. When you find the organization you want

to work with, tell them what you can do comfortably and don't let anyone

push for more than you can give. Most people are so glad for any help that

they'll treat you like royalty. They may push for more because their job is

to enlist as much volunteer help as possible, but it is up to you to decide

how much you can give. It's also your right to leave a volunteer position

if it is not fulfilling some of your needs. The work should be fun for you

as well as helping someone else. It sounds like you need some real fun in

your life right now. Life should be a joy, and you deserve joy. The

animals sound wonderful! Make a few phone calls and just ask what kinds of

volunteer help is needed, then make a small commitment. It will grow on

you!

Rosie

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