How to give back (One for the Americans)

**Erisianmonkey** · 28th February 08, 01:28 PM

I'll second Dave's mention of the CAP. I was a cadet when I was in high school. Not only do you get the chance to serve the community, if you so chose, you could volunteer to work with the cadet program which has the additional benefit of allowing you to be a good mentor for kids. It's not just a flying thing either. There are jobs for every talent from administration to radio tech. It's a great organization.

davecolorado72 · 29th February 08, 02:03 AM

You can get your POST certification at a university and then you should be able to handle firearms with that. If you want to get onto a police department you should apply for 911 calltaker or police dispatch. That way you can get into the field and then wait to apply for a sworn position. Thats a great way to give back, alot of opportunities to help people in need.

davecolorado72 · 29th February 08, 02:04 AM

Im not certain but I think you may be too old for explorer type programs. At least here those are primarily for teenage kids.

**Warlock** · 29th February 08, 05:18 AM

Good on you, Arlen. I believe Idaho has a State Guard program. You'll get a limited Military training and you would never be deployed out of state. Well, only if a neighboring Govenor request, but you only go on a voluntary basis.
Congrats!

**sharpdressedscot** · 29th February 08, 06:46 AM

If you go into the guard, are you gonna be full time or a traditional?

**Arlen** · 28th February 08, 02:06 PM

Thank you for all of the suggestions!
I am looking into some of the forestry positions which interest me but don't require police training. All of the ads do mention citizenship so I have emailed to ask if a visa would count.

Dave, thank you for the C.A.P info. I'd never heard of them so I've contacted them to find out what programmes I could get involved in.

Joe, I was under the impression you had to have been a scout of some sort to become a scoutmaster. I'll be honest, I was never a scout. I opted for C Troop Caledonian Army Cadets instead.
If I could work with the Scouts it would certainly be something I'd love to do.

I'm going to start looking further into all these suggestions and seeing what I can do both before and after my visa comes through.

Thanks again, guys!

**Clockwork John** · 28th February 08, 02:18 PM

You could see about getting a job working with special needs children... It's definitely something one does out of a desire to serve (it is occasionally rewarding too). I don't know what the school districts where you will be living pay, but I know my job pays reasonably well.

**Amoskeag** · 28th February 08, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by Arlen

Joe, I was under the impression you had to have been a scout of some sort to become a scoutmaster. I'll be honest, I was never a scout. I opted for C Troop Caledonian Army Cadets instead.
If I could work with the Scouts it would certainly be something I'd love to do.

I'm going to start looking further into all these suggestions and seeing what I can do both before and after my visa comes through.

Thanks again, guys!

You needn't have been a scout to become a leader. You must be over 18 and undergo a background check for the youth protection issues. Actually scouting is a pretty good program, in some instances it is the only place that some boys will get good values. It can make a huge difference. Contact your local council, they'll be glad to hear from you.
CAP is also a great program. I'd be remiss if I didn't plug my chosen career. Wastewater treatment is in no way glamorous but it is crucial to clean water in our world. There are lots of opportunities for work and volunteering.
What ever you end up doing, you have certainly started on the right foot with your intentions. Good for you!
Bob

**Frank McGrath** · 28th February 08, 04:37 PM

Call the Red Cross. They need volunteers. Call the county that you will be living in and find out if there are any needs for volunteers. If you are interested in being a scout leader, Call your council headquarters and let them know. The number will be in the phone book. If your wife is a member of a church, call the property chairman and find out about opportunities. I know our facilities manager is dying for help. Habitat for Humanity is always looking for bodies. Volunteering is a great waay to get to know more people. Good Luck and once again, Welcome.

Frank

**pdcorlis** · 28th February 08, 03:15 PM

Lots of good ideas here for your Arlen - any community stateside will have more un-met need than you can shake a stick at. From after school programs for kids to meals on wheels for seniors, take your pick. Since you mentioned you are learning to knit - you can even knit caps for low income little ones in the public health system!

Of course finding something that relates to your career path is never a bad way to go but to be honest, the smiles and sometimes tears of joy will always reward you far beyond anything else you can imagine.

We need more people like you in Idaho.