No, they have nothing to do with each other. A couple of months ago I tried to volunteer for two organizations. Both dropped the ball. I’m a US Citizen in good standing and with much experience in volunteerism and leading and cheering on fellow volunteers.
Many organizations want free labor but they don’t plan to get it. First, they must have a worthwhile cause. They must plan for volunteers, have a handbook and training and know exactly what jobs are available, create hours that work for working people, homemakers and retirees then make it a worthwhile experience.
I failed at this early in my career when I was sent a rich college freshman to oversee for the summer after the legislative session had just ended in July. I had to finish up and write my section of the annual report and didn’t have time for this wet-behind-the-ears kiddo who had no experience in anything.
My boss put him to work as a photographer and he got kudos for his great work. I was in the dog house. But he just showed up one day. I didn’t know he was the son of a NYC mogul. No-one asked me to prepare to have an intern or have projects at hand. I was young and inexperienced and didn’t know how to use him.
I failed, as organizations are failing me now. In my fifties, I have great experience in politics and non-profits and no-one seems to want them. Recently, I emailed a woman after finding a volunteer job on the local site, and she excoriated me for having her name, knowing they had volunteer opportunities and demanded to know how did I find her as by my cell number I don’t seem “local.”
I responded that if she treats all volunteers that way it’s a wonder she has any.
I’m over fifty and can choose my volunteer assignments. Sundance told me I’d be standing out in snow and ice at 2:00 in the morning herding rich patrons to make them stand in line. No. I was offered a job in the press office denying credentials to fake reporters. Wouldn’t I have loved that job, but we moved out of state instead so I had to decline the offer.
Please, organizations, be good to your volunteers. They can be good for your business and you might make a lifelong volunteer or send someone to college who will remember a life-changing experience. Don’t tell them to go to the back room and sort files. Get them involved. It’ll change lives for the better.
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Olive oil is the nectar of the gods. I had a dry patch on my cheek and after tapping a little olive oil on it (100% cold-pressed Italian extra-virgin) for a few days it’s gone.
After years of living in a climate dryer than the Sahara desert, today I put it in my hair. I was going to rinse it out after 15 minutes but it’s drying in there and my hair has never been as curly! Hydration is a good thing.
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Halloween is coming up and I always wait until the last minute to remember that and try to get candy. The shelves are always empty and yes, I’m the little box of Sunkist raisins that your mother could have given you to be healthy.
We don’t expect any kids door-to-door but luckily another gent here is interested in balloons so my husband has given him a starter set, taught him a few basics so we’re lucky there will be a new Balloon Man on site.
Happy Halloween! Dee
Cooking with Dee 