posted October 07, 2015 11:50 PM            

But, very important, either check the books (the finances) yourself or have multiple people check the books. A food bank I once worked at was shut down because they let a preacher handle the books and he embezzled the hell out of them. The system wasn't keen on prosecuting him because the city didn't like services that helped the homeless, seeing it as "just encouraging them to come here and stay" (though we actually kept many from becoming homeless in the first place) and we also checked into hiring a private investigator...the rates were so high that it wouldn't have done us any good (at least not in time to save the food bank). Besides, we probably needed a CPA more than a PI, and then hiring a lawyer to sue. And that all takes time and money.

And I wouldn't bother with college volunteers. I saw plenty come in seeming eager but burn out in like 2 weeks. Strangely, there were a few there as community service and not only were they more reliable but a couple got to love the work (though one there over a pot charge--and she was nice, btw, I thought she was a good person to have even if I wasn't one of her customers--loved that she found new customers to sell pot to while she was there so that her punishment turned out to be a reward ).

Oh, and plenty of work with homeless--and I expect even more so with refugees from other nations--requires (by law, if I understand it correctly!) immunizations. I know some people at LL would not be okay with that. There will also be minimal standards and insurance standards that will probably frustrate you. And don't make the mistake of thinking that the community you work in is going to sympathize with your work (even if they do for those operations that aren't in THEIR "backyard").

posted October 08, 2015 01:56 AM            

I can say that, at least in my case, I don't make a habit of wearing rose tinted glasses. You bring up really great points - ones I have either personally already faced in my own volunteer/nonprofit work or anticipate will be a challenge in my goal. I agree, looking at dreams realistically is key, especially as it relates to those in need (sadly) because it affects so much more than those you're trying to help.

Working with people is exceptionally difficult, but (as I'm sure you know) I think that most people who are driven to help others don't do it because they know everything will work out - but rather because they feel that not doing anything about it is a much bigger failure than facing the inevitable set-backs.

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And I wouldn't bother with college volunteers. I saw plenty come in seeming eager but burn out in like 2 weeks.

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posted October 22, 2015 03:43 PM            

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Originally posted by PlutoSurvivor:
Changing the world starts with changing your own personal world.

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Beautifully said.

posted November 16, 2015 10:26 AM            

I struggle with mental illness (depression and ptsd) and I spent some time in a hospital when I was 19. I saw that there needed to be much needed changes. I will have not only a medical perspective (my SO is a MD/PHD) but also a personal perspective as well.

It happens far too often that people with mental illess are just categorized for their illness and treated with drugs. That is, if they can even get help. I want to change this and make therapy the first priorty, because often times ones life is causing an increase in stress which contributes negatively to any mental health problems they may have. I want to make my therapy services free with medicaid/medicare with flexible payment plans for all else. Also, I want to go to my community shelters and volunteer my mental health care services free for all who desire it.

People used to ask me why I didn't go into a more monetary field and use my scientific and mathematical abilities for a higher wage. It was never about the money for me. It's about giving back to humanity and making a beneficial impact on fellow human beings. I'm lucky that I don't have to worry about the finances, and because of that I intend to give back.

posted November 16, 2015 10:31 AM            

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Originally posted by PlutoSurvivor:
It takes a lot of integrity to set up or run a non-profit organization in order to benefit the group or community without using it for personal gain. I've seen too many times, even simple churches, twist and stretch the " rules" for personal gain. " I volunteer all my time and deserve something in return" " if we do this, that, or hide this or that, we can gain x amount of dollars that we don't have to report". It's sickening how those in power have the spotlight for creating an example of empowerment yet only display having power over others. Our system is so corrupt. Changing the world starts with changing your own personal world. Be the absolute best you can be and love who you are. The rest follows...true.

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It is quite sad. However, one person can make a difference. A drip in the puddle still causes a ripple. I volunteer whenever I can, and I do admit that I get a personal satisfaction from doing it. I gain a sort of zen feeling. It's not from looking down upon or judging people, or humbling myself but for helping my fellow humans.

posted November 19, 2015 06:27 PM            

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Originally posted by Randall:
MLK, Jr. was such a ripple.

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He was and a capricorn ripple at that!