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Challenges of volunteering

Deleted User

Recently I decided to start volunteering again but it does have its challenges.  First, the place will have a group of staff and volunteers who have been there for longer and know each other, have a particular workflow, good chemistry and team communication.  I am effectively an outsider and an unknown quantity, especially if there is no formal induction or introduction to my colleagues.  Also I've learned with the benefit of hindsight that it's better to do only a few hours at a time, I did a full day stint a few days a week before and faced burnout, loneliness and boredom.  Also frustrating is how hard it is to relate to other staff and volunteers when they don't engage me in conversation, ask my name and small talk, or they do but then move on or just ask me superficial yes/no questions, not to mention sometimes one or two can be obnoxious in showing me how things are supposed to be done and somewhat show irritation with me.

But despite all that I still do it, for something to put on my CV, to leave the house, to challenge my limits and perhaps help out in some way.

Parents

  • I‘m volunteering at the Red Cross, mainly in the field of civil protection and also in our Youth organisation. I have been with my local Red Cross for about 3 years now and I still struggle with camaraderie. It feels as if I just can‘t get it right. For example, we offer first aid-service at events as a main source of income and that can often mean hours of waiting around. Those are the most difficult things for me to do since we‘re often in pairs and it is just so hard to engage with someone over the course of up to 10 hours (depending very much on what kind of event you‘re at). 
    I just wanted to let you know, that it will probably get easier, but honestly? I think, I for my part, will never be a true part of the group. It did help to take on additional responsibilities and to educate myself through various courses to gain confidence in my abilities. This way I can automatically relate to at least some comrades on a professional level.

    And by the way: Thanks for volunteering! Volunteers make a big difference to a community!

  • in reply to Emmalephant

    +1 from me for both of you!  That you would give your own time to help other's despite having some difficulties yourselves.  I've done a fair bit in the past and have enjoyed it very much.  Despite giving my time for free, I've always treated it like a paid job.

    As for the people, they were often a normal cross-section of the population.  Some very nice and friendly and some that see you as 'new meat'.  The latter I avoid if I can.  If they know the procedures and you don't, they may feel cleverer than you and patronise you.

    I used to work for a guinea pig sanctuary, fixing the outdoor runs etc, and keep them going for as long as possible before the charity had to buy new ones.

    Last year I saw a request from a lady for a private driver for appointments etc.  She can walk, but with some difficulty so we go out in a wheelchair.  I was looking for voluntary work at the time and said I would do it for free, but she insisted on £10 per hour.

    We got back from the 1st appt and I couldn't open the front door for a while.  She gave me a spare key which opend the door with some difficulty.  I could just see her popping out into the garden, the door shutting and her being locked out, so offfered to replace the lock.  Pick one up at a local store for £12 with 3 keys and too about 15 mins start to finish.

    The role has kind of morphed into a DIY role and I go round most weeks to do something or other.  She had a stupidly high heating bill last year and has a woodburner and i suggested we collect a mountain of wood for free if possible and get some 'stash' in.  She's had enough this year for the whole winter and a stash in the cellar and in the garden, probably enough for next year too.  I find it all so rewarding!

    Not sure I've addressed the issues of the OP, but thought I'd share some experience of my own Grin

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  • in reply to Emmalephant

    +1 from me for both of you!  That you would give your own time to help other's despite having some difficulties yourselves.  I've done a fair bit in the past and have enjoyed it very much.  Despite giving my time for free, I've always treated it like a paid job.

    As for the people, they were often a normal cross-section of the population.  Some very nice and friendly and some that see you as 'new meat'.  The latter I avoid if I can.  If they know the procedures and you don't, they may feel cleverer than you and patronise you.

    I used to work for a guinea pig sanctuary, fixing the outdoor runs etc, and keep them going for as long as possible before the charity had to buy new ones.

    Last year I saw a request from a lady for a private driver for appointments etc.  She can walk, but with some difficulty so we go out in a wheelchair.  I was looking for voluntary work at the time and said I would do it for free, but she insisted on £10 per hour.

    We got back from the 1st appt and I couldn't open the front door for a while.  She gave me a spare key which opend the door with some difficulty.  I could just see her popping out into the garden, the door shutting and her being locked out, so offfered to replace the lock.  Pick one up at a local store for £12 with 3 keys and too about 15 mins start to finish.

    The role has kind of morphed into a DIY role and I go round most weeks to do something or other.  She had a stupidly high heating bill last year and has a woodburner and i suggested we collect a mountain of wood for free if possible and get some 'stash' in.  She's had enough this year for the whole winter and a stash in the cellar and in the garden, probably enough for next year too.  I find it all so rewarding!

    Not sure I've addressed the issues of the OP, but thought I'd share some experience of my own Grin

Children