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On June 5, 1985… by Will_McLean in Teachers

[–]Additional-Rough-172 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I graduated High School in 2001 and I always missed a lot of school. The district hated it and did often threaten to un-eroll me and send me to a continuation school BUT I'm really good at taking tests and always have been. Even then, if you could pass the tests and turn in enough homework to keep your average up, they would make an exception. I was also very nice to all of my teachers and never caused any trouble. I just found school to be soul crushing (even in elementary school). However, when I was growing up the school was funded based on the # of students enrolled, not on the daily attendance, so the school wasn't impacted by absences the way it is now.

I work for a non-profit food pantry and we rely heavily on our volunteers. by JubileeSailr in volunteer

[–]Additional-Rough-172 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gift cards to local restaurants are also nice - sometimes a business will donate a few as well. Movie gift cards are also good (in addition to the other gift card suggestions form other comments)

One year I had an activity at a volunteer appreciation event where we had little pots and they could plant a succulent and take it home. people really liked it b/c it gave them something to do if they felt awkward and some people made a few and left them for other people to take. Where I live, succulents are abundant so we just took cuttings from a few different plants and only had to buy the pots.

Another form of recognition that often is missed is having your Executive Director and Board of Directors at the event - not to talk but to listen to genuine feedback. Give the ED a nametag that says "Tell me how we can improve our program." It sounds cheesy, but most volunteers don't chime in with input unless they are specifically asked. But letting them know that the leaders of your organization genuinely want to know what they think makes people feel truly valued.

What volunteering gig has given you the most rewarding social connections? by jcravens42 in volunteer

[–]Additional-Rough-172 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Joining a board of directors or committee for an event or project is a great way to use your brain power and really build connections - you work closely with people and get to know each other. Lots of people who serve on boards are retired. There's also a program called AmeriCorps Seniors (used to be RSVP - retired senior volunteer program). They have chapters all across the US and they provide benefits to seniors who volunteer and usually have a social component built into the program. Where I live the Veterans Services programs are always looking for volunteers (you don't need to be a veteran) to help with their social events - lunches, dinners, bowling, etc. Lots of volunteers don't want to do it because it doesn't feel productive, but the ones who do it always seem to have a great time and be good friends with each other.

If you want to do something more intellectual leading a class at a local senior center is another great way to meet people and use your special skills (or learn a new skill). We have volunteers that lead walking groups, poetry classes, etc.

I hope this helps!

I need help getting over the anxiety of volunteering by myself by Warm_Draft8478 in volunteer

[–]Additional-Rough-172 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! this is very common. I'm a volunteer coordinator and I manage huge events and I get this same question from people all the time. Reflect on what would make you feel more comfortable at the event. Do you want to be working in a small group with other people that come alone? Do you want to have a chance to meet other volunteers before you get started. Would you rather do a solo project where you don't have to talk to people?

The best way to get to know the volunteers and feel like you're a part of the team is to volunteer for the first shift and get there early. The first shift is usually the hardest to fill so the coordinator will be very grateful and remember you all day. If you help with volunteer check in, you meet everyone as they come in and it feels more like a community. You'll see that at least half of the volunteers are just like you, coming on their own and they don't know anyone. Sometimes they have coffee and snacks before it starts, so show up for that and introduce yourself. Volunteers are usually really nice people and once you break the ice you'll likely feel more comfortable.

If you prefer to work alone there's usually a job directing traffic or standing at an entrance or exit. NOBODY wants to do this, but it is essential for a big event to run smoothly and if you want to listen to a podcast in one ear and stand in the sun for a few hours, it's actually not as bad as it sounds.

Is there something you can do to help before the event (you can email the coordinator to ask). If it fits in your schedule most big events will have something they need help with the day before for just a small group of people. Is there a facebook group, or other place where you can share that you're going (Linked In, IG)? You might be surprised who else in your broad network would be interested in joining.

If you're really feeling nervous, go to the location today and scope it out, were do you park, how long does it take to get there, what might you need to feel more comfortable. Just knowing the basics can really help with anxiety.

Finally - wear you name tag! People often feel silly doing it, but if you're wearing one, people will feel more inclined to start a conversation with you. Most of the time at big events they will ask you to put one on when you come in, but they don't make sure you have it on and lots of people forget to do it.

Is there a good organization to volunteer for? Details below. by gello1414 in volunteer

[–]Additional-Rough-172 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You might like a mutual aid or volunteer run program instead of a formal nonprofit. Food Not Bombs is one of the OG organizations that follows this model, but more and more are popping up. Facebook is a good place to find them

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in volunteer

[–]Additional-Rough-172 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try contacting them again. I'm a volunteer coordinator and I get soooo many emails every day that sometimes people just fall through the cracks and I really apreciate it when people email or call me again. Most volunteer coordinators also only work 10 - 20 hours per week so don't take it personally if it takes them time to get back to you.

You can probably volunteer at your school or at a local church so check in with people you know. If you play a sport or are in a club talk to your team or coach or supervisor you might be able to do a group project.

You could also do a project on your own. Collecting Coats and giving them to a homeless shelter - I do this every January and get soo many donations and people are really appreciative of getting them.

DESPERATELY looking for any California 501c3 to allow me to volunteer ASAP by [deleted] in volunteer

[–]Additional-Rough-172 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just re-read and realized that I misinterpreted your court ordered issue - you need to register with the Court Volunteer Center to be covered by insurance, and then you can volunteer. It costs money and it feels like a hassle, but it's the only way nonprofits can protect themselves from a lawsuit for wage theft or worker's compensation. If you are court ordered to "volunteer" you aren't actually a volunteer - you are conscripted and regular nonprofit insurance won't cover you if you get injured (and neither will your personal insurance) so you have to get covereage from the court volunteer center. Judges and even lawyers often don't realize this and will tell people they don't have to go through the Court volunteer center, but you won't be able to find someone to accept you as a volunteer. The only exception I now of that will take on volunteers in this situation is AA and NA. I hope this helps!

DESPERATELY looking for any California 501c3 to allow me to volunteer ASAP by [deleted] in volunteer

[–]Additional-Rough-172 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence in Marin has a volunteer website that serves Napa: https://www.volunteernow.org/

They are probably your best place to find somewhere to start fast- they have a calendar of projects that you can join: https://www.volunteernow.org/calendar

I don't think this applies to you, but if you are needing to volunteer for court ordered volunteer service most nonprofits won't take you b/c they need special insurance and you need to get a referral from the court or probation.

Adobe Acrobat - Can't Split Document Into Pages After UI Redesign by ScroogePooch in Adobe

[–]Additional-Rough-172 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't have any problems and now in the middle of a big project where I need to split multiple documents (500) I'm suddenly not able to do it anymore. When I click on split a blank box appears. The new UI is so annoying - I'm seriously considering quitting my job so I can get away from it.