NPR - not sure how often I may be able volunteer

[Bobbi]

... to actively participate yet I decided to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. For years, I've been aware of it, only, I never fully understood how it actually works until I watched an in-depth program filmed.

I just love the concept of not only doing my best to help (and particularly people also helping themselves through "sweat equity) but the fact that the result leads to empowerment and housing.

By a stroke of good luck, a friend works with the husband of the woman whom is the Chief Financial Officer for H4H in my region. She also coordinates volunteers.

I've been told that, given my "abilities," I might be asked to do office or computer work. Well, that ain't gonna happen. I wanna get down and dirty. I want a hammer, nails, paint and a paint brush. If I wanted to work with computers, I would not be volunteering for H4H.

I'm hopeful that this will allow me to expand... learn what I don't know and be able to interact with people whom embrace similar ideas.

So what if I cannot lift tresses; I can handle a hammer and paint brush or two :cool:.

I so much hope I am accepted as a volunteer - and not for office work, although I understand it is also needed (but I already do enough of that stuff).

Wish me luck, please. I should know within the next couple of weeks whether I'm "in" or "out."

[Mark N]

Bobbi, good luck as this is a wonderful program. I hope they do let you get dirty and don't automatically see you as the office type.

[Bobbi]

I sure hope so, too, Mark; I've another friend interested in volunteering as well, but wants to, first, see, how it turns out after I do my best to "dig in."

If relegated to "office work," I just cannot do. I am so swamped in that that I'd feel as if I'm not really making a difference to contribute in a way that inspires "I feel useful."

Soooo, I have a backup plan: A church that does similar work.

But... I'll keep an open mind until I find out whether things work out with H4H.

[Diandra]

Hi Bobbi,
I think volunteering always does the soul good and you are wonderful to give this a shot. If they don't let you "dig-in" as you wish, please remember it may just be because of insurance issues, not because they are being discriminatory. There are a myriad of volunteer possibilities. I know there is a website(can't think of it right now) where you can put in what where you live and what you are interested in and they give you options. I will try and find it and get back to your thread.

Best of luck with your journey in volunteering with H4H,
Diandra

Here...I found it...give it a shot
http://www.volunteermatch.org/

[BrokenBladder]

Bobbi I will say a prayer for you. This is a wonderful thing and I hope they will let you do the things that you want. It does the mind, body, and soul good to get down and dirty in a program like H4H.
Wishing you the best!!

[houghchrst]

Bobbi that is wonderful. You are an inspiration. I hope they let you do whatever you want. It is no fun unless you can get "dirty", you know wood chips in your shoes, paint in your hair, dirt under your nails. Love it. Good luck!!

[Bobbi]

Diandra, wow, and thanks: I hadn't thought about possible liability issues surroundng/ensnaring volunteerism. It makes total sense when I think about it now.

I think I do have an in-road or maybe have an "advanced" foot in the door to, at least, be heard out and given a fair shot - to plead my case about why I want to volunteer for H4H and what skills I can bring without needing a ton of guidance. But, I am not banking on that or going to name-drop just because. I truly, really want to do this. Its core values seem to fit with mine.


Thank you for the well wishes.

We shall see what happens :).

[curiousforever]

I'm excited for you!! I wish I could - most days I can barely fold clothes!