I've recently signed up for Red Cross and I specifically asked for an office volunteer job from them. And they said, they'd see what they could do. So today she left a message on my answering machine about a rescue action team (something like that) class and I call back saying I wasn't ready to go into the field and I specifically wanted an office job. (Which I am currently going to school for "office work"). A part of me would love to go into the fields of America, Africa, etc, (and it's a dream of mine) but since I'm not very active and kind of fearful of the floods that American Red Cross have to deal with and other disasters, I don't know if I could ever be ready. What could/should I do?
2006-12-04 05:04:56 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
I would suggest to slowly expose your self towards the volunteer work you would like to do long term. If going to help in underdeveloped countries is a dream of yours, you need to understand those needs and be sensitive to that particular environment. I would first take advantage of local opportunities then gradually venture out to international journeys. Slowly emerge from your comfort zone.
I would suggest www.volunteermatch.org ! This is a wonderful site that can get you in connection with various different roles of your choice.
As a fellow volunteer I understand your assignment & thank you for your service.
Happy Volunteering!
2006-12-04 05:13:43 · answer #1 · answered by Happy Health Coach 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find out more details about what you will be doing; then make a decision from there. It may be a once in a lifetime experience. However, if anything makes you feel uncomfortable or you do not want to take the risk, then decline the offer and look for other volunteer work that is suited to your skills. I'm sure there is a lot out there. You say you are going to school for "office work." That is a bit vague, so I'm not sure where to refer you. I volunteer for an animal shelter doing cat adoptions; I review paperwork with adopters and clean cages. The shelter looks for people to do follow up calls after they have adopted pets...just an idea for you
2006-12-04 13:11:39 · answer #2 · answered by Angrygirl5 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you feel you are being called to volunteer, then accept what they have to offer you.. They need "office" people in the field as well.. The expierience you will get and life changing events you will expeirience will be more than you could even imagine staying in an office. You will fell left out if your heart says..help those who need help.. and you do nothing besides complain that you don't receive the "job" you wanted.
I answered the call to work with kids.. scared at first and knowing none of them but my own.. but within 3 weeks they called me "mom" or "miss katy" and talk to me about their troubles, heartaches, pain.. and i am there for them in a way I never imagined I could be.
Don't miss out on the things life has to offer you even if you are afraid to take that first step. You have the strength inside you to do anything you set your mind to.. you just need to find it and decide to conquer those fears..
Good luck and God Bless. I hope you have many adventures in your life.
2006-12-04 13:13:12 · answer #3 · answered by KATY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's only a class, they aren't sending you yet, so go to the class and see what it is. If it's not for you, tell them.
You are already doing more than most would do just by volunteering, so be proud of yourself. Maybe an action team is not as much action as you think. It's not the Marines or the army, you know.
2006-12-04 13:10:24 · answer #4 · answered by Momma Jo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I commend you for volunteering your time. That is great. You sound like you will be able to handle anything. This could definitely be a blessing disguise.
Sure you're going to be a little nervous or scared, you will definitely get the idea of it soon and I bet you'll love it.
Life is all about taking chances. Think of the stories you'll be able to tell people.
Good luck!
2006-12-04 13:07:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Fear is big emotion. People have fears of many different things. But, the question is are you going to let it run you life. Do you know the meaning of bravery. It does not mean "to have no fear". It mean to do something despite of ones fear. So, you go ahead. LIVE YOUR DREAM. One day you will look back at this and say one of three things: I wish I didn't. I'm glad I did. or I wonder what would have happened if......
2006-12-04 13:27:14 · answer #6 · answered by rangergreg76 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can either thake a chance on yourself and try something outside your comfort zone, or tell them you will only volunteer to do office work and will wait for them to need you in that kind of role.
2006-12-04 13:10:04 · answer #7 · answered by kingstubborn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn down the offer and let them know, again, you are looking to work in the office, mailroom, etc. There is nothing wrong with saying "no thank you" Remember this, there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Hopefully, in the future you will be able to step outside of your comfort zone.
2006-12-04 13:07:46 · answer #8 · answered by JB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remind them of your limits, and they should have plenty of administrative uses for you! As you grow more comfortable with yourself and the organization, you may find yourself gaining a confidence and understanding that you didn't have before. Your realationship with the organization will progress much like a personal relationship!
2006-12-04 13:09:05 · answer #9 · answered by Randy B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you know, you'd probably be handing out coffee and blankets and stuff, not diving into the waters or carrying people with broken limbs and stuff. the coast guard, army, navy, and police forces deal with the serious stuff.
i don't know what you are afraid of exactly.
b.t.w. office work gets old FAST.... have you seen "Office Space?"
2006-12-04 13:37:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋