I started volunteer work today for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. They provide a variety of services to members of the Naval Services in need, such as interest free loans and other assistance to get through a hardship. I was looking for something fulfilling to do as a volunteer and I think case work will be interesting.
It is also appealing because they have 250 offices worldwide. There is a lot to be said for having some continuity no matter where you might move. I have found that the problem with civilian nonprofits is that by the time we become familiar with a community and find interesting organizations, a PCS (permanent change of station) move may very well be on the horizon. And that’s the end of that relationship.
NMCRS was also very encouraging, which I think is the first requirement of an organization that wants volunteers. When we lived in Seattle and I was unemployed for several months, I thought volunteering would be a good way to fill the time and meet people. But I found that a tenant’s rights organization didn’t know what to do with me and a food bank never returned my calls. It was ridiculous. I couldn’t give my skills or time away!
In Washington DC I tried to volunteer my professional skills with some larger organizations and ran into the same problem. Phone calls not returned or people who thought I was gunning for their job — they didn’t seem to understand that I was actually interested in the work on a personal level.
I am scheduled for one day per week so we will see how it goes. Ideally I’ll meet some other people in the process. There is something refreshing about being able to talk to people without translating everyday things into civilian terms.
One Response to “Volunteer Job!”
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I volunteer for those folks now and again, and I have found it to be very enjoyable. Good luck!!