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What's more, I have absolutely no desire to do any of these things. When I do have spare time, the last thing I want to be doing is lugging my tired self out to somewhere I don't want to be in order to do something I don't want to do and not get paid for it.
I'm pretty sure that makes me an awful person, but there it is.
But I think my excuse of "I don't have the time and it's too far to travel anyway" isn't going to cut it any longer Now days, what with computers and the internet, you can volunteer your time online to different places. So if you're shy, or live too far away from any place that takes volunteers, or you're suffering from a gypsy curse that means you'll turn into a pumpkin if you set a foot outside your front door, you don't have an excuse anymore either.
And in that spirit, today I'm letting all of you know about a wonderful online volunteer program that the library I work for has started [link].
coughshamelessplugcough
There's heaps of things that we need people to do, such as tagging photos and transcribing digital resources, that can be done from the comfort of your own couch. You get the smug self satisfaction that only comes with unselfishly giving your free time to do good deeds, and you don't even have to get dressed!
But in all seriousness, it's a great opportunity for those who want to volunteer but don't want to have to travel to do it. You can do it from your home while wearing your underwear and eating ice cream straight from the carton.
And really, isn't that the important thing?
I actually have won a community award for volunteering back in the 90's. But last year I quit my volunteer 'job' at the local hospital. I told then I used to get paid good money to put up with B---S---, I don't put up with it for free. Nuf said. My volunteer days are over. PJs and ice cream rule.
ReplyDeleteI always cringe when I see people treating volunteers like that. It's so ridiculous! They're not getting paid to put up with crap!
DeleteI have heard that there are Japanese business men who need to learn English and we can teach them on the computer. I looked for the site , but did not find it.
ReplyDeleteI did a lot of volunteering in my 30s. By my mid-40s, I didn't have the energy to work all day and then do some volunteering on top of it. So I've been out of the volunteer biz for a good 10 years now.
ReplyDeleteI just love the idea of being able to do it without having to get out of bed :D
DeleteI volunteered this past Christmas for the first time, serving dinner to vets in a retirement facility. For years I'd refused to do this but this time I allowed myself to get roped into this. I have to admit it really made me feel good and was definitely worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteI used to work in a nursing home and people who volunteer there are worth their weight in gold.
DeleteI volunteer by doing lookups in the cemetery transcripts I own for people working on their family trees...also in pj's and snacking and watching tv and whatever else feels appropriate.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the best way to volunteer :D
DeleteI think the online idea is blimen great! And, it's funny you mention the whole idea of volunteering as my daughter has just finished her first day at the local RSPCA as a volunteer.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course it's important to be able to stay in one's PJ's!!
I would have loved to volunteer at an animal shelter!
DeleteWow! That is really interesting that your library has online opportunities! I could do that here in Oklahoma, USA! Well, other than the fact that I don't spell quite the same. I love that--wonder if there are similar opportunities here in the states?
ReplyDeletetm
I'm sure there would be. Everything is going digital these days.
DeleteThat is awesome!!! Thank you for informing us. Thank you for linking up with the collective blog hop! Following you on everything hope you follow back! I would love to have you!!
ReplyDeletewww.nightchayde.blogspot.com
love the barbie post bytheway...dont we all wish the world would look at healthy women the way they do abnormally skinny woman...
Welcome :D
DeleteI have done a lot of volunteer work in the past but I, like some of the others, have scaled back. It seems that a lot of companies are expecting their volunteers to fill the positions of what used to be paid workers. I think online volunteerism would be a nice way to contribute without being blended into the real workers.
ReplyDeleteI can see the logic of volunteers doing mainstream work in non profits or charities, but I'm sure sometimes people take advantage.
DeleteI usually try and get some volunteers to do my volunteer work. However the wearing underwear and eating ice cream part I can handle just fine on my own.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's what we call division of labor!
DeleteI've always wanted to volunteer. Then I think about it. Like, really think about it. And I think that the best volunteer work I can do is not volunteer at all.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome America.
Hugs!
Valwriw
I'm sure America owes you a debt of thanks ;P
DeleteI volunteered for years- the Smith Family, teaching Sunday School, Canteen, P&C etc etc.
ReplyDeleteI am done volunteering for now.
I give money to the RSPCA and Hub give to Canteen.
Don't expect to see me doing Meals On Wheels any time soon, I am far too unreliable.
That seems to be the natural progression of volunteering. You volunteer in your young years and donate money once you're out of your twenties. Makes sense I suppose.
DeleteWhen I was younger I literally volunteered my brains out - for church, school, and mostly animal welfare. I just came to a point where I am DONE! Going to spend the rest of my grandmotherly years on myself and my family alone and never apologize. I think it should always be a personal choice, but to those who choose to do it, the rewards really are wonderful! I still send money to animals welfare though - will never forget those little guys!
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for a furry little face too.
DeletePeople should do what they can within their means. I don't really have the time either but I tried volunteering at a nursing home, that was actually fun and I learned so much from the elderly people I met. I also volunteered to provide therapy for people with dementia (I'm a Therapist) and I volunteered to do some work at a kindergarten.I also did hand out food to the homeless with this program I was helping with. I don't have much time for it now but I do donate to some charities that help women and girls in third world countries. I try my best, that's all anyone can do.
ReplyDeletehttp://diaryofatrendaholic.blogspot.ca/
Being an underpaid worker for a nonprofit, I think I do quite enough for the community. Okay, fine, maybe I can do more. Stop shaming me!
ReplyDeleteSo how could anyone say they don't have time- then post comments on the blogs or ??? without a time stamp saying they are full of crap? LOL!
ReplyDeleteThat is too awesome! You can volunteer from home! It's volunteer work for the homebody. Hope you enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHeidi’s Wanderings
My ears perked up at this one, seeing as I am a Volunteer Coordinator. I am AMAZED at some of my volunteers, how much time they give. I even have this one gal who works full time at a law firm, and then volunteers for us on both Saturdays and Sundays, visiting patients. Crazy, huh? I volunteer, but more on the now and then kind of schedule. I would never volunteer even one weekend day a week, let alone too!
ReplyDeleteBut virtual volunteering, that's an interesting concept! And crazy that someone here in the States could volunteer for a library in Australia!
I spent years volunteering for different organisations but there was a time when I had to say enough is enough and I'd like some pay please, the bills need paying mate. Volunteering is such a good idea if you're looking to get into a new job but don't have the experience or if you just have plenty of time on your hands and want to do something.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of not having to get out of bed to volunteer is brilliant.
love your posts! new follower via the bloglovin' bloghop :)
ReplyDelete