How to give back (One for the Americans)

[Arlen]

Thank you for all of the suggestions!
I am looking into some of the forestry positions which interest me but don't require police training. All of the ads do mention citizenship so I have emailed to ask if a visa would count.


Dave, thank you for the C.A.P info. I'd never heard of them so I've contacted them to find out what programmes I could get involved in.

Joe, I was under the impression you had to have been a scout of some sort to become a scoutmaster. I'll be honest, I was never a scout. I opted for C Troop Caledonian Army Cadets instead.
If I could work with the Scouts it would certainly be something I'd love to do.



I'm going to start looking further into all these suggestions and seeing what I can do both before and after my visa comes through.



Thanks again, guys!

[Clockwork John]

You could see about getting a job working with special needs children... It's definitely something one does out of a desire to serve (it is occasionally rewarding too). I don't know what the school districts where you will be living pay, but I know my job pays reasonably well.

[Coemgen]

Looking at your interesrs on your profile I'd say you have 'SCOUTMASTER' written all over you

It doesn't pay anything but it is a good way to give back,you'll also make a lot of outdoor contacts with parks and recreation people.
BSA troops are always looking for adult leadership,and it is alot of fun. I did it for ten years.

you could give it a try until you find that dream job.

I agree! I can tell you that a real good, quality scoutmaster is something that a lot of troops are in need of, and from the sound of it you'd make a real good, quality scoutmaster.

You might even be able to start a kilted troop!

Have you thought about health care?

Perhaps you could do volunteer work during the 11 weeks before you can work legally in several different places to get a feel for what working at the jobs are like.

You could take EMT training and get a job at a hospital. I know that the local community college has a certification program that only takes one semester. Perhaps there's a similar program at a college nearby your some-to-be home?

[pdcorlis]

Lots of good ideas here for your Arlen - any community stateside will have more un-met need than you can shake a stick at. From after school programs for kids to meals on wheels for seniors, take your pick. Since you mentioned you are learning to knit - you can even knit caps for low income little ones in the public health system!

Of course finding something that relates to your career path is never a bad way to go but to be honest, the smiles and sometimes tears of joy will always reward you far beyond anything else you can imagine.

We need more people like you in Idaho.

[Amoskeag]

Joe, I was under the impression you had to have been a scout of some sort to become a scoutmaster. I'll be honest, I was never a scout. I opted for C Troop Caledonian Army Cadets instead.
If I could work with the Scouts it would certainly be something I'd love to do.



I'm going to start looking further into all these suggestions and seeing what I can do both before and after my visa comes through.

Thanks again, guys!

You needn't have been a scout to become a leader. You must be over 18 and undergo a background check for the youth protection issues. Actually scouting is a pretty good program, in some instances it is the only place that some boys will get good values. It can make a huge difference. Contact your local council, they'll be glad to hear from you.
CAP is also a great program. I'd be remiss if I didn't plug my chosen career. Wastewater treatment is in no way glamorous but it is crucial to clean water in our world. There are lots of opportunities for work and volunteering.
What ever you end up doing, you have certainly started on the right foot with your intentions. Good for you!
Bob

[Frank McGrath]

Call the Red Cross. They need volunteers. Call the county that you will be living in and find out if there are any needs for volunteers. If you are interested in being a scout leader, Call your council headquarters and let them know. The number will be in the phone book. If your wife is a member of a church, call the property chairman and find out about opportunities. I know our facilities manager is dying for help. Habitat for Humanity is always looking for bodies. Volunteering is a great waay to get to know more people. Good Luck and once again, Welcome.

Frank

[haxtonhouse]

have you thought about becoming a school teacher? you could be a substitute also. there are many after school activities.

[Riverkilt]

Hear Hear Haxton,

You'd be a hit as a substitute teacher and have fun too.

Literacy volunteer at the library.

Many fire departments have volunteer positions in the social work area rather than fire fighting. Crisis work.

Domestic Violence shelters also have crisis advocates, some paid, some volunteer.

Sherrif's departments often have volunteer search and rescue teams.

Police departments have volunteer staff to help out with paperwork, take routine reports, check parking meters and handicap parking zones.

Don't forget the Police Explorer Scouts or similar programs. Maybe even the Navy League's Sea Cadet Corps (different from Sea Scouts).

The county you're moving too probably has a list of volunteer needs somewhere.

If they have them where you're moving to (??) look for back country jeep tour driver opportunities, or river tour guides.

Or go buy the book What Color is Your Parachute? and go through it and see what it is you'd really really like to do.

If you wanna get down to nitty gritty talk to the local homeless shelter or detox facility. Both always need help.

Or, if you like kids check out the nearby developmentaly disabled care agencies and the Special Olympics.

Know you'll find something fun.

Ron

[The Wizard of BC]

Arlen, I'll second the idea of volunteer work. Local Museums always need Docents. Local retirement homes or senior centers(teach knitting). Hospitals handing out books and magazines or just visiting and lending an ear and a smile. How about librarian in the school system.

All of these and the ones above offer a chance to give back to your community and adopted country. It doesn't have to be something big and important just something that touches another human being or some service that needs a strong back and willing hands.

The rewards of helping far outweigh the effort you put into them.

Yes, some will require a security check when working around children for example but almost all will allow you to help while your paperwork processes.

And an added plus are the friends you will make and lifelong contacts in your community that you will develop.

Just do it. And maybe no one else where you give back will say it so I will. Thank you.

[davecolorado72]

You can get your POST certification at a university and then you should be able to handle firearms with that. If you want to get onto a police department you should apply for 911 calltaker or police dispatch. That way you can get into the field and then wait to apply for a sworn position. Thats a great way to give back, alot of opportunities to help people in need.