For a good cause
Apr 16th, 2007 by Accidental Thinker
For longer than I care to admit, I’ve been feeling a call to donate my time in some type of community service capacity—a quiet but persistent voice telling me that with all the rich blessings in my life, I’m supposed to be giving something back. Rather than taking action, however, I have hemmed and hawed and procrastinated as I only occasionally pondered my options among the many charitable and service organizations that are represented in our area. All are perpetually in need of volunteers, and each makes a convincing recruitment case for what they do, but the nebulous question for me has always been where could I, little ol’ me, make a real contribution? What talents and skills could I offer that would make a lasting difference for someone in need?
Over a year ago, the answer came in the form of a job candidate who volunteers for our local Adult Literacy League. This candidate did not get the job (a tough call between two very qualified people), but her cause struck an instant chord. Why had I never thought of this before? Helping others learn to read and write—skills that mean so much to me, lifelong skills that will unlock potential and open doors and can never be unlearned? This is something I can wholeheartedly embrace. I have always been an avid and passionate reader and general lover of the written word. My career centers on the field of training, specifically in the development and writing of training materials. I am thoroughly schooled in adult learning principles. Back in my college days, I even served as an academic tutor. Could there be any more perfect match for merging my interests, experience, and abilities? I think not. So the notion of becoming a literacy volunteer gained a foothold in my consciousness, where it has lingered persistently, refusing to release its grip.
Until now, however, I have encountered one roadblock after another—some admittedly of my own making. Tutor training sessions only take place every couple of months—always when I was traveling, as bad timing would have it. Then as the unprecedented travel schedule finally wound down, we went into warp speed moving mode after selling our house far earlier than we ever expected to. And a generally hectic work and family life have afforded easy excuses for why now is never quite a convenient time to commit a mere couple of hours once or twice a week.
But despite family and personal commitments, it’s time follow my own advice of making time instead of waiting to find it. It’s time to get off my duff, quit dawdling and making excuses, and set an example for my kids. I want them to see that service is about more than just writing a check. So today, I finally registered with the Adult Literacy League. The next training is not until June, and I won’t get a student assignment until sometime after that, but at least I am finally doing something instead of just thinking about it. That’s progress. And I am very much looking forward to helping others learn such a practical life skill, one personal connection at a time.
Go for it! It’s the second-best feeling in the world. We really enjoy serving the homeless, working with ESL kids and AWANAs kids. Let’s see, what else…?
Go for it and have FUN. You’ll never regret it.
What a great idea! It should be a very rewarding venture for both teacher and student.
Cas
Best of luck
I know exactly what you mean. It’s so hard to get your self started on these types of endeavors. My work offers wonderful volunteer opportunities each month and I have volunteered for a few, but I wish I would commit to more. Besides, once you get started you will have no regrets. It’s actually fun. I did a project one Saturday for four or five hours fixing up a non-profit daycare. It was probably one of the best and most rewarding thing of done.
Sorry about BRINGING UP an old bad memory… with the Jelly Belly’s ~ Hope you’ll forgive me? ~ jb///
Good for you! I know the nagging feeling. I used to teach CCD (religious ed) at my church, but now that I am working my schedule is not one that allows me to do this any more. I really do miss it. For a while I was going to the local Nursing Home visiting with seniors………I don’t really know why I quit that. I actually have formed a relationship with a couple of them. I’ve been meaning to start again, but procrastination is my middle name.
Good luck with your new vocation and God bless!
Wow! What a cool idea!
Ah,those duffs and dawdles will getcha every time. In today’s world, I’m an even BIGGER believer in volunteering – many companies require X number of hours per annum of their employees. Although …. is it really volunteering if it’s required.
Can I suggest your local CERT program, too? That training may save your family (or a neighbor’s) one day.
Great post, Monique.