Volunteering? - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

SRSLYMARK · 25th Apr 2010, 10:58 AM

I would really like to do some volunteer work this summer, both to pad my college applications and also for the personal fulfillment. I found a website that looks pretty extensive (volunteermatch.com) but I'm still sort of intimidated by the idea of it. What's the best way for me to get started?

Thanks.

RaeofLite · 25th Apr 2010, 11:33 AM

Maybe head over to Human Resources (a government office) or their website and ask for places that are looking for volunteers?

Places you could volunteer at:
-Animal Shelters
-Hospitals
-Restorative Justice (if your area has it)
-Churches
-Food banks
-Libraries

Those are just some suggestions.

http://www.google.ca/#hl=en&source=h...0f19d309f278f5

**Chandra** · 25th Apr 2010, 11:59 AM

I see that you're in Chicago, so I googled "Chicago volunteer center" and came up with this: http://www.chicagovolunteer.net/. I would suggest going there and speaking to one of their staff; they can probably help you figure out what you might be good at / interested in, and then find out if there are any positions available.

It may seem intimidating at first, but volunteering is usually a lot of fun - you get to meet cool people, you feel good about yourself, and lots of great opportunities come out of it!

MusicIsLife · 25th Apr 2010, 01:54 PM

when I volunteered, i just went to the place I wanted to volunteer at (In this case a Vet clinic) and asked if they volunteered. But if you're intimidated by it, you could also go through a centre or something...?

Connor22 · 25th Apr 2010, 01:58 PM

why not volunteer with a church?

HalfInsane · 25th Apr 2010, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MusicIsLife

when I volunteered, i just went to the place I wanted to volunteer at (In this case a Vet clinic) and asked if they volunteered. But if you're intimidated by it, you could also go through a centre or something...?

I do the same. I've done volunteer work for about least five different places, and simply went and asked them in person if they were looking for volunteers. No need to be intimidated, places such as homeless shelters/soup kitchens or animal shelters are normally thrilled to hear someone is interested in volunteering.

SRSLYMARK · 25th Apr 2010, 07:59 PM

I guess I'm just afraid of really messing something up or breaking something, ha ha. I'm afraid of just getting nervous and clumsy and dropping something or hitting a button and then I'm "that one guy who blew up a homeless shelter." :/

HalfInsane · 25th Apr 2010, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRSLYMARK

I guess I'm just afraid of really messing something up or breaking something, ha ha. I'm afraid of just getting nervous and clumsy and dropping something or hitting a button and then I'm "that one guy who blew up a homeless shelter." :/

Homeless shelters don't have self destruct buttons =P, so... unless you bring a pack of dynamite I'm sure nothing will blow up.

Seriously though, just like with a job or anything else, you give it a few days and you'll calm down, get the feel of the place and the other volunteers/workers and you'll probably settle right in. There's no harm in making a few beginner mistakes- just like with anything you can ask questions. Just get out there, ask questions, focus on your work, and be sure to enjoy the experience; volunteering can be quite rewarding. You'll do great.

Johnnieguy · 25th Apr 2010, 09:51 PM

I really like volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. You could also try volunteering with the National Park Service on projects like removing invasive species (ie, European Buckthorn/Rhamnus cathartica) from parks in and around Chicago.

Cracked Actor · 26th Apr 2010, 09:15 PM

I volunteered once with a local organization that helps kids with disabilities, so I guess you can look for organizations in your town. Good luck. ;]

Courtneyyy · 27th Apr 2010, 12:33 AM

I enjoy volunteering that allows me to do manual labor, like Habitat for Humanity.

You're 17, so check with your school for a volunteer type club. All schools have National Honor Society, but that's selective and not everyone who wants in gets in (why would they deter someone away from volunteering is beyond me, but that's besides the point). Most schools also have Key Club or INTERACT, or some sort of volunteer club. Definitely check with your schools clubs.

I've done almost all of my volunteering through my church, so that's definitely a place to look.

25th Apr 2010, 10:58 AM	#1
SRSLYMARK I take pictures Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Chicago Age: 19 Posts: 449 Join Date: Nov 2007	Volunteering? I would really like to do some volunteer work this summer, both to pad my college applications and also for the personal fulfillment. I found a website that looks pretty extensive (volunteermatch.com) but I'm still sort of intimidated by the idea of it. What's the best way for me to get started? Thanks. __________________ ET LES LESBIENNES

25th Apr 2010, 11:33 AM	#2
RaeofLite I've got the moves like Jagger Full Member Gender: ♀ Orientation: Sapphicly inclined Out Status: My closet is for clothes! Location: BC, Canada Age: 23 Posts: 3,111 Join Date: Apr 2009	Re: Volunteering? Maybe head over to Human Resources (a government office) or their website and ask for places that are looking for volunteers? Places you could volunteer at: -Animal Shelters -Hospitals -Restorative Justice (if your area has it) -Churches -Food banks -Libraries Those are just some suggestions. http://www.google.ca/#hl=en&source=h...0f19d309f278f5 __________________ People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Bonnie Jean Wasmund (and the lesbians)

25th Apr 2010, 11:59 AM	#3
Chandra Empty Closets Advisor EC Advisor Gender: Female Orientation: somewhere over the rainbow Out Status: Out to most people Posts: 782 Join Date: Jan 2010	Re: Volunteering? I see that you're in Chicago, so I googled "Chicago volunteer center" and came up with this: http://www.chicagovolunteer.net/. I would suggest going there and speaking to one of their staff; they can probably help you figure out what you might be good at / interested in, and then find out if there are any positions available. It may seem intimidating at first, but volunteering is usually a lot of fun - you get to meet cool people, you feel good about yourself, and lots of great opportunities come out of it!

25th Apr 2010, 01:54 PM	#4
MusicIsLife EC Addict Full Member Gender: Not even sure anymore. Something in between. Orientation: I like girls :) Out Status: Everyone on orientation 7 people on trans issue. Location: Montréal, QC Age: 23 Posts: 1,595 Join Date: Dec 2007	Re: Volunteering? when I volunteered, i just went to the place I wanted to volunteer at (In this case a Vet clinic) and asked if they volunteered. But if you're intimidated by it, you could also go through a centre or something...?

25th Apr 2010, 01:58 PM	#5
Connor22 Stopped being (as) vague Full Member Gender: yes Orientation: up the bender Out Status: burned Narnia :D Location: Norn Iron Age: 17 Posts: 1,547 Join Date: Nov 2009	Re: Volunteering? why not volunteer with a church? __________________ Kindness is a gift. Share it.

25th Apr 2010, 07:59 PM	#7
SRSLYMARK I take pictures Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Chicago Age: 19 Posts: 449 Join Date: Nov 2007	Re: Volunteering? I guess I'm just afraid of really messing something up or breaking something, ha ha. I'm afraid of just getting nervous and clumsy and dropping something or hitting a button and then I'm "that one guy who blew up a homeless shelter." :/ __________________ ET LES LESBIENNES

25th Apr 2010, 09:51 PM	#9
Johnnieguy EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Twin Cities, MN Age: 25 Posts: 510 Join Date: Jan 2010	Re: Volunteering? I really like volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. You could also try volunteering with the National Park Service on projects like removing invasive species (ie, European Buckthorn/Rhamnus cathartica) from parks in and around Chicago. __________________ Minnesota Vikings: 2010 de facto Super Bowl Champions!

26th Apr 2010, 09:15 PM	#10
Cracked Actor Sane? Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: So inside the closet I'm in the garage. Age: 16 Posts: 178 Join Date: Apr 2009	Re: Volunteering? I volunteered once with a local organization that helps kids with disabilities, so I guess you can look for organizations in your town. Good luck. ;] __________________ Ensemble pouvons conquérir le monde.

27th Apr 2010, 12:33 AM	#11
Courtneyyy ColbieMarie Full Member Gender: GIRL Orientation: Lesbian Out Status: Mom, brother and close friends Location: Flagstaff, AZ Age: 23 Posts: 975 Join Date: Jan 2009	Re: Volunteering? I enjoy volunteering that allows me to do manual labor, like Habitat for Humanity. You're 17, so check with your school for a volunteer type club. All schools have National Honor Society, but that's selective and not everyone who wants in gets in (why would they deter someone away from volunteering is beyond me, but that's besides the point). Most schools also have Key Club or INTERACT, or some sort of volunteer club. Definitely check with your schools clubs. I've done almost all of my volunteering through my church, so that's definitely a place to look. __________________

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