Volunteering in your community?

[Deleted]

I've volunteered for our local hospital. It can be very difficult (especially if you're on a floor where the patients are terminal), but also very rewarding and very real.

[redredwine]

THe past several years, I've volunteered as a coach for an org called Girls on the Run, which is a group that's a mentoring/coaching after school program for 3rd-5th grade girls. It teaches self confidence, values, team work and encouragement, etc. It's an awesome program. I'm not coaching this year due to moving on the other side of town and my new hours for work throw off my schedule to be able to coach and still make it back home to my dog. I'll still help out a little, but not doing the main program.
I also was a coordinator for my friends non-profit for a marathon event, but this year we're not participating in it due to a date change.

I do miss volunteering, so I need to find something else...I'd LOVE to use my photography to volunteer, but we'll see!

[BlueBayou]

I will be volunteering at a boxer rescue next month and also looking into a ranch that interacts animals with disabled children as part of their therapy. It will be such a struggle because I know I am going to want to take all the kids and animals home with me!!

[Deleted]

I teach healthy cooking classes on a budget at the women's shelter.

[BlueBayou]

Besides photography MP, what are your passions ? I would incorporate your volunteer search to match if possible

[starburst604]

I volunteered at an animal adoption center for a while, working in the kitty room. I took a break when I was training for my first half marathon and haven't returned. I feel kind of bad, but my own cat is also having health problems and at this point I feel I'd rather spend that time with him. I enjoyed it so I'm sure I'll return to it again someday.

[riverpestie]

I just run with the shelter dogs on my lunch hour, but you already knew that! ;-)

[starburst604]

That is weird MP! I remember at my shelter there were volunteers who had the specific job of photographing the animals for the website. They would have loved to have someone talented like you to really showcase the pets.

[doriswe]

Currently, I work at my church in the preschool room twice a month. In the past, I've volunteered at a nursing home and for a program that helps promote positive interactions with people on probation.

[leahmel]

I volunteer at the animal shelter - doing promotional stuff, helping with events, cleaning and walking the dogs.

There aren't any other shelters or rescue organizations that need your photography skills?

ETA: I see that you might want to put your camera down, what about working with children or the elderly?

[blondnearby]

I help out at our local children's hospital HEM/ONC unit. After spending so much of my time there, there was no way I could walk away. When they have a child who is diagnosed with the same disease my daughter has they usually call me as a resource to the parent. They ask me questions, I help them register with the national foundation and I help them as their child starts chemo and try to explain the different protocols. It's a very rare disorder so I don't get too many people a year, thank goodness. I wish I was able to do more but with my own health issues it has severely limited my involvement with anything. I would really like to throw a fundraiser for my DDs disease some day soon.

[bravofan]

I haven't done as much volunteering as I used to. However, I want to start doing more and getting DS involved. Lately, I've been helping with the Ronald McDonald House. It's a fantastic organization.

[rikkiandjulie]

If your beliefs are eclectic I would suggest checking out the Unitarian Universalist church near you. I love it, never are they pushy. It's very much a "love your neighbor" feel and they accept everyone. It's kind of amazing actually. Also, everyone I've ever attended has a TON of groups. Quilting, Dog stuff, Therapy, exercise, etc etc.


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