How to give back (One for the Americans)

**haxtonhouse** · 28th February 08, 07:50 PM

have you thought about becoming a school teacher? you could be a substitute also. there are many after school activities.

**Riverkilt** · 28th February 08, 08:04 PM

Hear Hear Haxton,

You'd be a hit as a substitute teacher and have fun too.

Literacy volunteer at the library.

Many fire departments have volunteer positions in the social work area rather than fire fighting. Crisis work.

Domestic Violence shelters also have crisis advocates, some paid, some volunteer.

Sherrif's departments often have volunteer search and rescue teams.

Police departments have volunteer staff to help out with paperwork, take routine reports, check parking meters and handicap parking zones.

Don't forget the Police Explorer Scouts or similar programs. Maybe even the Navy League's Sea Cadet Corps (different from Sea Scouts).

The county you're moving too probably has a list of volunteer needs somewhere.

If they have them where you're moving to (??) look for back country jeep tour driver opportunities, or river tour guides.

Or go buy the book What Color is Your Parachute? and go through it and see what it is you'd really really like to do.

If you wanna get down to nitty gritty talk to the local homeless shelter or detox facility. Both always need help.

Or, if you like kids check out the nearby developmentaly disabled care agencies and the Special Olympics.

Know you'll find something fun.

Ron

**The Wizard of BC** · 29th February 08, 01:03 AM

Arlen, I'll second the idea of volunteer work. Local Museums always need Docents. Local retirement homes or senior centers(teach knitting). Hospitals handing out books and magazines or just visiting and lending an ear and a smile. How about librarian in the school system.

All of these and the ones above offer a chance to give back to your community and adopted country. It doesn't have to be something big and important just something that touches another human being or some service that needs a strong back and willing hands.

The rewards of helping far outweigh the effort you put into them.

Yes, some will require a security check when working around children for example but almost all will allow you to help while your paperwork processes.

And an added plus are the friends you will make and lifelong contacts in your community that you will develop.

Just do it. And maybe no one else where you give back will say it so I will. Thank you.

**Finn** · 29th February 08, 06:59 AM

Arlen,
Good for you wanting to give back!
Everyone has wonderful suggestions. Find your niche and run with it.
Best of luck!

**Arlen** · 29th February 08, 07:30 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys.
Right now I am putting out feelers and trying to find out what I might be able to do as a career vs what would be just volunteering on the side.

I've contacted a few different places like C.A.P and Idaho Air National Guard. Just trying to find a way of doing something without having to leave Diane all over again.
It's all a bit complicated so I'm trying to just get all the info I can.

Here's hoping I can sort it out.

**Sheep In Wolf's Clothing** · 29th February 08, 07:43 AM

I know in Canada there is a network of Volunteer Bureaus. They are centralize office where non-profits and other agencies go to "advertise" their volunteer needs. There might be something like that in your new state.

Congrats Arlen for wanting to volunteer! From a person who works with volunteers and who volunteers, thank you!!
Sara

**davedove** · 29th February 08, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by Arlen

I've contacted a few different places like C.A.P and Idaho Air National Guard. Just trying to find a way of doing something without having to leave Diane all over again.
It's all a bit complicated so I'm trying to just get all the info I can.

Understand that if you go the Guard route, you could very well be deployed, especially with the current hostilities. Much of the US's warfighting capability now resides in Reserve and Guard units. I'm not trying to discourage you joining there, just giving you something to consider.

CAP is completely voluntary, and doesn't pay anything, so it would be something to do on the side.

There are lots of great ideas here, but you'll have to make your own decision. We all have our favorites, but only you can determine where you'll "fit".

**sharpdressedscot** · 29th February 08, 07:46 AM

Mind that you're only deployed if you are in active duty and work full time there.

**davedove** · 29th February 08, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by sharpdressedscot

Mind that you're only deployed if you are in active duty and work full time there.

Not at all true anymore. Many Guard units have been activated and deployed in the current conflict.

The old theory (Cold War) was that the Active duty would go first, then Reserve and Guard units would be ramped up if the conflict lasted long enough.

The new practice is that mainly quick response units are active duty (82nd Ariborne, 10th Mountain, etc.). Other units are in Reserve and Guard until there is a major conflict, at which time they may be among the first to deploy. Some support units are 100% Reserve and Guard, as they're not needed unless there is a major conflict.

**Arlen** · 29th February 08, 11:52 AM

I know that there's a good chance of me being deployed.

Right now I am seriously considering taking a career with The Idaho air national guard.
My concerns are more to do with how soon Diane and I would have to be parted so I am looking into what careers I could have with them and how soon I would be shipped out.

We'll see how it all goes in the end.

Whatever happens I will find some way to do good and get by!