Information

[-Shannon-]

Since I'm not working (due to being part of a lay off 3 months ago), don't need to get a full time job, haven't found a part time job that really interests me and need something to do besides stay home all day and run errands I've decided I'd like to finally get into volunteering. I've been searching around Craigslist for something in the area and found something I'd really like to be a part of. I'm waiting for a call back to meet with the coordinator of The Marin Women's Study as a Cancer Research Assistant. I am looking into other things as well but I would really like to be a part of this. Here's the ad from Craigslist...The occurrence of breast cancer in Marin County is the subject of national and regional scientific interest, but here in Marin, the issue is personal for all of us. It seems that everyone knows at least one woman with breast cancer. The Marin Women’s Study will be one of the pieces to the puzzle we’ve been missing, the piece that will help us answer the question, “What’s happening in Marin?"

Be part of this vital research team! The Marin Women's Study is in need of an assistant to ensure the quality of the data, specifically by ensuring that the study materials are completed without error. Individual should be very detail-oriented, able to work systematically, and good at catching errors. This position is a crucial one and can help make the study more efficient; a unique opportunity for exposure to the field - great chance for a student. Minimum time commitment is 8 hours per week - ideal would be 16-20 hours per week. I think it could be a great thing. Anyone else do volunteer work in their community? How do you like it?

[Laura Fiore]

I've never done voluteer work in the community Shannon, except for the occasional political campaign,  at the church and the kid's schools. But this sounds like a really worthwhile project.I say if you have time, go for it. It sounds like they need smart people who are willing to help them out.

[-Shannon-]

Plus considering the detail my jobs have required I know its something I could do. I always donate to breast cancer research so I'm thinking I could do more than that now that I have the time.

[Queen Mum]

Sounds great to me.

I have always been involved in volunteer work in one way or another.    It could be teaching Sunday school or workign on a church supper.  

Right now my pet project is making lap robes for the VA hospital near here.    Last year at this time I had 2 dozen done. 

I'm behind that right now - but plan to have about a dozen made before Christmas.     (I knit or crochet them) 

Good luck with this.

[davsar]

If this is something you will enjoy then go for it!

[SBcrazee]

I enjoyed volunteering my time before I had kids. I work full time so I used to volunteer one evening a week from 6 - 9 pm in the ER at the local hospital. It got pretty busy in there some days. I did a lot of runs from the ER to the blood bank & then just helpin with the rooms, blanket for patients etc.DH & I also used to volunteer through the Disney VoluntEArs making & handing out food to the homeless (meals on wheels), silent auctions, several charity events for AIDS, Cancer, MS, beach clean up etc. It was a lot of fun & very heart warming too. I hope to get back into it once my kids are a little older. But for now they need me.

[baltoscrapper]

That sounds like a very worthy cause to volunteer for! I say go for it! I do volunteering in my childs school, teaching art classes & also doing general office work, and I love it.  I actually taught an art class today, I'll post my pics soon.  The world needs more volunteers!!

[-Shannon-]

I'd love to see the art work. Another place I'm considering looking into volunteering at is a Women's Art center in San Francisco

[katarria]

I think it sounds like a great opportunity to be part of something worthwhile - I would go for it!  The art center sounds like fun as well.I've only volunteered here & there, but my dad has a permanent volunteer position at the New England Air & Space Museum & loves it.

[wahoo_mom]

If it is work you enjoy, go for it!  You never know where it may lead.  One of my volunteer positions is at DS school library.  I started not only because I wanted to help out, but also because I like books and libraries - then I learned just how much I enjoy them.  Now I am working toward becoming a school librarian.

[NicPea]

That sounds like a great cause!  I do more charity work than volunteer work.  I belong to a women's group that raises funds for the Diabetic Youth Foundation here in CA.  We also sponsor kid who have diabetes to go to a special camp. 

[Flapdoodle]

Let us know what you decide!

I volunteer alot.  It's very rewarding!  I am an Elk Member and Emblem Club Member and I spend countless hours each month volunteering for various projects those organizations are involved in.  I also volunteer with our local karate club and at DD's school for various things.  It's a lot of fun, but can lead to burnout if you're not careful.