Comments on: Volunteering: It’s Complicated

By: Rorybore

Rorybore — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 17:51:01 +0000

I am actually reading a book right now on how to encourage and inspire people to Volunteer more… because yes! it’s a tricky thing indeed. I do the kindergarten class lessons at my church for the past 5 years: largely on my own. which means? I am not in grown up service most Sundays. But…. no one wanted to help. And yes, I assume they do have their reasons and will not judge them at all.
but.. I do need help!! so what to do? it’s definitely hard.
up here you also have to provide references, a police record check – maybe even your fingerprints!! and normally do an interview: obviously all in effort to protect these precious children as best we can. but it’s also a deterrent to many.
but you know, at the end of the day, I don’t really care about others so much: I get blessed when I volunteer!! It’s such a rewarding feeling, especially if you are doing a charity: so much better than just sitting around b$tching on Facebook about something: I feel like I am actually being a part of changes I want to see in the world. And if that doesn’t motivate someone? they probably should NOT volunteer!

By: Bev

Bev — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 11:38:33 +0000

From what I understand about having a school-aged child, you are often bombarded with requests to volunteer — in the classroom, in the school library, with the PTA, afterschool activities. I’m sure it can be downright overwhelming! As a person volunteering and pouring your blood, sweat and tears (not to mention your precious time) it can be easy to feel resentful and wonder why other people aren’t offering their assistance (as the president of a nonprofit and having chaired our major fundraiser the past two years, I’ve definitely felt my bit of resentment!). You put it in great perspective, though. There are so many reasons why people aren’t or can’t volunteer — they have other obligations, with families, work, and maybe even volunteering elsewhere. It’s not my job to judge them, but to appreciate that in my own way I’m helping to make a difference, and to truly appreciate when others are in a position that their volunteering their time has helped me.

By: momcafe

momcafe — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:48:38 +0000

In reply to Janine Huldie.

There really is a lot of joy in volunteering! There is a fine line between giving too much and too little, for me. I hope I get the balance right this year!! (Hope you are having a BLAST at Disney, my friend!!!)

By: momcafe

momcafe — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:47:27 +0000

In reply to Alexa.

Alexa- it sounds like you would best serve ‘behind the scenes’ with volunteering… you know all those tasks and projects that can be done at home, or at the computer? You are a total worker bee- I can tell with ALL the amazing things you are involved in online!! I think lots of people don’t volunteer because they are introverts. I’m sure there are more comfortable ways you could help behind the scenes. You shouldn’t have to feel miserable helping!!

By: momcafe

momcafe — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:45:10 +0000

In reply to Tamara.

Oh T- what a PERFECT way to contribute!!! I just love that you can offer your talent for fundraising!!

By: momcafe

momcafe — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:44:01 +0000

In reply to Ginny Marie.

We really can’t do it all, can we? And then there are those super-volunteers that blow me away with how much time and energy they dedicate to helping. I can’t be that awesome. Nope. But I think everyone needs to make those decisions based on the things I wrote about in the article, and we can appreciate all who help out when they can! Thanks so much for reading it, Ginny. I’m so grateful!

By: momcafe

momcafe — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:41:30 +0000

In reply to Marcia @Menopausal Mother.

Thanks so much Marcia!! It’s quickly become my all time favorite site! 🙂

By: momcafe

momcafe — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:41:08 +0000

In reply to Christina @There’s Just One Mommy.

Thank you so much for reading it, my friend!! 🙂 XOXO

By: momcafe

momcafe — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:38:53 +0000

In reply to Lux.

You are so right, Lux! It’s not easy, but truly fulfilling. 🙂 I think everyone needs to choose wisely and give and take with a balance. And appreciate everyone who helps! I hope you liked the post, my friend!

By: momcafe

momcafe — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:32:49 +0000

In reply to Allie.

GOOD FOR YOU MAMA!!! You totally deserve to ‘retire’ from that position!! 🙂