Post-Relocation Volunteering Suggestions?

[DBC03]

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I recently moved and am finishing secondaries while working a new job and taking a class. I would like to start volunteering again in the fall when the initial craziness subsides. I am interested in taking on a supportive role - I used to be involved in caregiving before the recession hit and would love to get a similar position - possibly supporting women, cancer patients, hospice patients, etc. I don't really know where to start and would love suggestions on places I should check out. Clinical would be a plus. I also have had similar supportive/mentoring role with college women, and would be interested in something like that. I underestimated the difficulty of finding a position after moving!


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[Goro]

I recently moved and am finishing secondaries while working a new job and taking a class. I would like to start volunteering again in the fall when the initial craziness subsides. I am interested in taking on a supportive role - I used to be involved in caregiving before the recession hit and would love to get a similar position - possibly supporting women, cancer patients, hospice patients, etc. I don't really know where to start and would love suggestions on places I should check out. Clinical would be a plus. I also have had similar supportive/mentoring role with college women, and would be interested in something like that. I underestimated the difficulty of finding a position after moving!

Think hospice, Planned Parenthood, nursing homes, rehab facilities, crisis hotlines, camps for sick children, or clinics.

Some types of volunteer activities are more appealing than others. Volunteering in a nice suburban hospital is all very well and good and all, but doesn't show that you're willing to dig in and get your hands dirty in the same way that working with the developmentally disabled (or homeless, the dying, or Alzheimers or mentally ill or elderly or ESL or domestic, rural impoverished) does. The uncomfortable situations are the ones that really demonstrate your altruism and get you 'brownie points'. Plus, they frankly teach you more -- they develop your compassion and humanity in ways comfortable situations can't.

 

[DBC03]

Think hospice, Planned Parenthood, nursing homes, rehab facilities, crisis hotlines, camps for sick children, or clinics.

Some types of volunteer activities are more appealing than others. Volunteering in a nice suburban hospital is all very well and good and all, but doesn't show that you're willing to dig in and get your hands dirty in the same way that working with the developmentally disabled (or homeless, the dying, or Alzheimers or mentally ill or elderly or ESL or domestic, rural impoverished) does. The uncomfortable situations are the ones that really demonstrate your altruism and get you 'brownie points'. Plus, they frankly teach you more -- they develop your compassion and humanity in ways comfortable situations can't.

Thanks! I was thinking along those lines. I was very involved in the community I left and I knew the names of a lot of organizations there and what they did within the community. Now that I have relocated I don't know what even exists here. Are there online guides to nonprofits or clinical work within a specific community?

 

[Goro]

Thanks! I was thinking along those lines. I was very involved in the community I left and I knew the names of a lot of organizations there and what they did within the community. Now that I have relocated I don't know what even exists here. Are there online guides to nonprofits or clinical work within a specific community?

Haven't a clue. Your local houses of worship are good places to start as well.

 

[DBC03]

Haven't a clue. Your local houses of worship are good places to start as well.

I did think of that - my church was one of the places that introduced me to many of the organizations before. I also considered our local chapter of DAR (but that can be hit or miss). I'd ask at school, but the pre-health department is lacking and the places they recommend are definitely overrun by pre-meds. I have a few nurses in town I can ask as well, so I'll start with those places and see what I can find. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Doctor-S]

Thanks! I was thinking along those lines. I was very involved in the community I left and I knew the names of a lot of organizations there and what they did within the community. Now that I have relocated I don't know what even exists here. Are there online guides to nonprofits or clinical work within a specific community?

If you continue to feel stumped and don't know where to start, you might contact the local medical association in your new community. You can ask them about volunteer organizations related to health.

Or, you can go to Google search, enter the search phrase "volunteer groups and" followed by your new zip code. Based on the Google results, you will probably find a listing of potential volunteering opportunities in your new zip code area.

I wish you the very best of success in your new community. 🙂

 

[wysdoc]

I did think of that - my church was one of the places that introduced me to many of the organizations before. I also considered our local chapter of DAR (but that can be hit or miss). I'd ask at school, but the pre-health department is lacking and the places they recommend are definitely overrun by pre-meds. I have a few nurses in town I can ask as well, so I'll start with those places and see what I can find. Thanks for the suggestions!

If there is a United Way office in town they often have a list of volunteer positions