tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post2317993396677918099..comments2024-03-15T04:01:53.036-04:00Comments on Cranky Fitness: Volunteering: The Slacker's Guide to Contributing a LittleCrabby McSlackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12108791388350253344noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-70752086720603354812014-01-13T22:45:19.981-05:002014-01-13T22:45:19.981-05:00Crabby, what you do is just lovey! We've been ...Crabby, what you do is just lovey! We've been adopted by 3 feral cats and I've changed my lifestyle for them. I accept the fact that they'll never let us get close enough pet or cuddle :( I can see how it would be very motivating for you to go, knowing that the kitties may not be touched again, for days. <br />Just about all my volunteer work, except for the soup kitchen, is based on the profession from which I retired early, so I could devote myself to it. In fact, I chose my profession as a result of the volunteer work I did as an adolescent. Like you and other Cranketeers, sometimes I feel a bit lazy before starting out, but I never regret it. I also do some of it by phone or online though. That's always good for me; I prefer it , but it is not always possible. We also make donations, but probably more so when our volunteering time is reduced for some reason. dlambhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16499771234654872541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-58490404047655762862014-01-09T20:56:06.074-05:002014-01-09T20:56:06.074-05:00A few years ago a good friend who was in the midst...A few years ago a good friend who was in the midst of getting divorced and moving from his upper-middle-class suburban marital abode to an urban condo in a far grittier neighborhood was discussing the various volunteer opportunities he was exploring as a way to get involved in his new community. At the time I had a case of teabags sitting on my hall stairs that had been there for three weeks or so, ever since I asked another friend to pick them up at Costco for me with the idea I was going to give them to a local homeless shelter that had, in the newspaper, asked for donations of such. I said to my volunteering friend, "See, this is why you are a far better person than I am. Not only couldn't I be arsed to pick up my own damn tea bags for charity, once having them dropped off at my house I haven't even gotten my act together enough to bring them to the shelter on my day off." And he basically told me to shut up and listed back to me a whole litany of things I do every day that supposedly make the world a better place.<br /><br />But, like Mary Anne, I was like, nah, doesn't count :-)malevolent andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08925551683765561733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-46680403824779105792014-01-09T17:30:05.814-05:002014-01-09T17:30:05.814-05:00good on ya' dr j!good on ya' dr j!Crabby McSlackernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-46116047453148252012014-01-09T17:29:18.708-05:002014-01-09T17:29:18.708-05:00DRG, I love the way you frame volunteering, and am...DRG, I love the way you frame volunteering, and am not surprised in the least that you find so many ways, both formal and informal, to do it.<br /><br />And Mary Anne, it IS funny that you're not counting volunteer work unless it's something you wouldn't want to do! Sure sounds like you help out when you can, and holy moly, it's not like you exactly have a lot of spare time!Crabby McSlackernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-30558649391275374152014-01-09T17:26:45.051-05:002014-01-09T17:26:45.051-05:00Backatcha sherri! And there is never a need to ap...Backatcha sherri! And there is never a need to apologize for a long comment at Cranky Fitness! Love your contributions.Crabby McSlackernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-12180954659997491082014-01-09T17:13:38.069-05:002014-01-09T17:13:38.069-05:00I read through your comment, DRG, going "But ...I read through your comment, DRG, going "But that's not volunteer work," at almost everything. Apparently I don't think it counts unless it's a regular timed commitment, and not something you would naturally do. One such volunteer situation in my past was when my coop was a lot smaller and more coop-y, and most of the work was done by volunteers. (I forget how many paid staff there were in those days, but fewer than six.) You weren't absolutely required to volunteer in order to have a membership, but if people didn't, the work didn't get done and the coop would fail. That just doesn't seem like the same thing to me. <br /><br />Mary Anne in Kentuckysolarityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03606487180967915130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-38260693416234732802014-01-09T17:07:25.506-05:002014-01-09T17:07:25.506-05:00Laura, one of my early yoga teachers was a hospice...Laura, one of my early yoga teachers was a hospice RN; teaching yoga was her volunteer work and stress-relief all rolled into one. Ever since I've had great admiration for anyone who can do hospice work.<br /><br />Mary Anne in Kentuckysolarityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03606487180967915130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-83746944408385019082014-01-09T16:08:47.954-05:002014-01-09T16:08:47.954-05:00I've been very fortunate to be able to do volu...I've been very fortunate to be able to do volunteer work as a surgeon! Being able to give with the skills I learned has been a gift I give myself! Currently I have planned on going to western Virginia in the summer to work with the less fortunate population there. Dr. Jhttp://goo.gl/Qsrs9noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-73579819240899876902014-01-09T16:01:11.311-05:002014-01-09T16:01:11.311-05:00It's kind of funny, kind of sad, that voluntee...It's kind of funny, kind of sad, that volunteering can be perceived as such a bureaucratic thing. Of course, if you want to work with the local symphony (and you happen to live in NYC), there is probably a lot going on & lots of layers & yeah, they probably won't put you in charge of the programming right away. But I've always tried to think of volunteering as just one variation on giving to others. And since my life has been amazingly good and lucky, I have always thought it pretty important to share. Still, lots of what I do would not look like much on a resume. Why should it, really?<br /><br />You can give blood. You can be sure to pay attention to others when you are out, and hold doors, or offer help to tourists looking bewildered and clutching maps. You can offer to help the friend's kid with math if the friend hates the subject. You can pick up some litter as you walk along. Visit a nursing home. Drive a neighbor in for that dental procedure. Think what the world would be like if everyone was looking for chances to make it just a teeny bit nicer. To me, that's what this is all about. (Am I allowed to say that in a Cranky place???) <br /><br />And that makes it very easy for me to make it a one-time visit if I happen to volunteer for a place that turns out to be run by someone who was really just looking for a place to be powerful (bossy). <br />Having said all that, I also like to work with organizations that often know more about how to help effectively than I do. I have sat on school boards, been an adult literacy tutor, led bike rides, reached out to other brain tumor patients, assembled bikes for poor kids, been a camp counselor for a week, participated in clinical trials, and given money - it's all pretty satisfying and mostly fun. Death Ride Grandmanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-41709030813383187252014-01-09T15:14:51.052-05:002014-01-09T15:14:51.052-05:00A really great post Jan - I agree - the policies &...A really great post Jan - I agree - the policies & crap sometimes - I hated that in the corporate world but I guess it is everywhere as I found even as much in nonprofit...Jody - Fit at 56http://www.truth2beingfit.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-57931327845371657602014-01-09T13:50:18.905-05:002014-01-09T13:50:18.905-05:00All excellent points, Crabby. I don't currentl...All excellent points, Crabby. I don't currently volunteer for anything and I feel no guilt. Leah J. Utashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04232310878350524511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-43376709497394265852014-01-09T11:54:42.215-05:002014-01-09T11:54:42.215-05:00I have learned (over and over and over again) to b...I have learned (over and over and over again) to be careful about volunteering. I belong to quilt guilds. These are groups of people who like to make quilts. The meet once a month to share their quilting successes, to become inspired by others, to take classes, to socialize, or to eat the treats and snacks. They have a newsletter. They have outreach programs where quilts are made and donated to those in need. They have membership dues. There is a full slate of officers to help keep the whole thing running. At one time I was in charge of membership, the newsletter, and the web site….because we couldn't get anyone else to volunteer to do these things! <br />I have since, gradually, gotten out of each position, after doing them for several years. When volunteering ceases to become fun or rewarding, on a regular basis, it is time to back off or get out! (my opinion)<br /><br />I also volunteer two days a week at our super-duper senior center, as a healthy living/weight-loss coach/leader/teacher. Our senior center is more like a fantastic resort almost. We have everything from a gym, a heated pool, a lap pool, exercise classes, and SO much more. It keeps me motivated, to lead the class. I think I get as much out of it as those that attend, get from me! I also lead the yoga group about once a month, giving our regular volunteer teacher a day off. <br /><br />Sometimes it is more like work and less rewarding. MOST of the time though, volunteering is pretty cool. Of course I don't have a job any more, other than homemaker. It would be nice to be paid for what I do, in dollars. Of course if that happened, I couldn't just do things the way I wanted to do them…I'd have to justify the paycheck and have regular hours and all that.<br /><br />I could not work at an animal shelter. I would bring home strays. <br /><br />I have now rambled on and on and on. Sorry! I think I shall go for a walk in the ice/rain/sleet/sneet/snow storm we are currently having. :D<br /><br />(ps hugs and smooches Crabcake.)Sherri https://www.blogger.com/profile/04928191196045775058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-2612421378744224702014-01-09T07:03:46.127-05:002014-01-09T07:03:46.127-05:00ALWAYS.
WEEKLY if not finding ways for daily.
ALWAYS.<br />WEEKLY if not finding ways for daily.<br /><br />Carlahttp://mizfitonline.com/2014/01/09/venus/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-50299178863758241002014-01-09T03:06:09.500-05:002014-01-09T03:06:09.500-05:00Yes I'm in the UK. Gave myself away there :)Yes I'm in the UK. Gave myself away there :)<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-76257606563489255852014-01-08T23:21:10.185-05:002014-01-08T23:21:10.185-05:00Kimberley, I'm not surprised that you contribu...Kimberley, I'm not surprised that you contribute both financially and with your time! The idea of a monthly donation club is both generous and kinda brilliant, please keep us posted!Crabby McSlackernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-76784193148938397802014-01-08T23:18:50.667-05:002014-01-08T23:18:50.667-05:00I'm with Kimberley, hospice takes a really spe...I'm with Kimberley, hospice takes a really special sort of person Laura!<br /><br />And thank you SO much for reading Laura, and so glad you de-lurked and left such a great comment!Crabby McSlackernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-52455190515136960302014-01-08T23:15:36.831-05:002014-01-08T23:15:36.831-05:00Uniforms? I'm with you on that, I'd do a L...Uniforms? I'm with you on that, I'd do a LOT more volunteering if cool uniforms were involved. The shelter aprons are kinda nerdy. :)Crabby McSlackernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-40081043386213621492014-01-08T23:12:38.862-05:002014-01-08T23:12:38.862-05:00Anon, that sounds like a great idea, and help is s...Anon, that sounds like a great idea, and help is so appreciated around the holidays. And thanks for stopping by... I'm guessing UK from the "lorries?" Or could be down under... anyway, welcome!Crabby McSlackernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-1773455717778075882014-01-08T23:10:06.461-05:002014-01-08T23:10:06.461-05:00All those acts of kindness sound pretty monumental...All those acts of kindness sound pretty monumental to me, Starving Bitch!Crabby McSlackernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-47037767228692200992014-01-08T23:08:42.492-05:002014-01-08T23:08:42.492-05:00Cindy, I'd say anyone who is only free from 9p...Cindy, I'd say anyone who is only free from 9pm to 5am and has to squeeze all of Life into that amount of time does not need to feel the least bit guilty about writing checks! And love the synchronized swimming idea, bet there aren't many out there with skills in teaching that.Crabby McSlackernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-53432608373358031282014-01-08T20:28:32.414-05:002014-01-08T20:28:32.414-05:00As my mother told me, if we all do a little, it wi...As my mother told me, if we all do a little, it will make a big difference!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12842172442587464458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-38512387402342656632014-01-08T20:27:31.357-05:002014-01-08T20:27:31.357-05:00G.E., I sure hope you find something!G.E., I sure hope you find something!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12842172442587464458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-57355103111444290462014-01-08T20:26:20.439-05:002014-01-08T20:26:20.439-05:00I have contributed to this before...it is a great ...I have contributed to this before...it is a great charity!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12842172442587464458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-76023028119917651242014-01-08T20:25:40.633-05:002014-01-08T20:25:40.633-05:00Mary Anne, this post made chuckle! Mary Anne, this post made chuckle! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12842172442587464458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-45861121179391173452014-01-08T20:24:59.762-05:002014-01-08T20:24:59.762-05:00Laura, hospice is a tough place to volunteer. I a...Laura, hospice is a tough place to volunteer. I am so glad for people like you who are able to make a wonderful difference. Thank you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12842172442587464458noreply@blogger.com