How to give back (One for the Americans)

[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.