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December 2007

Most people will not begin a volunteer job in December, so perhaps this is a good time to think ahead and explore volunteering opportunities in 2008.  Here are some questions to ponder:

• What causes or issues are important to you? Look for a group that works with issues about which you feel strongly.

• What skills do you have to offer?  Do you enjoy working outdoors?  Do you enjoy gardening?  Do you enjoy teaching people to read?  Do you enjoy reading to children?  Do you enjoy handwork?  Do you enjoy computers?  Are you good with numbers?  Do you like phone work?  Do you enjoy museums and the arts?  You may want to look for volunteer work that incorporates these aspects of your personality. 

• Would you consider learning something new?   Perhaps you would like to learn a new skill or gain exposure to a new situation.  Are you up for a new challenge?

• What are your personal goals?  Look for volunteer opportunities that will also help you achieve other goals for your life. Are you thinking about losing a few pounds?  Select an active volunteer opportunity, such as line dancing or working with children.

• How much time do you have to volunteer?   Do you want a long-term assignment or would you prefer on-call assignments?

• Would you like to volunteer as part of a team?   Perhaps you would like a volunteer position that you could do with a spouse, friends, or a student and share an experience that can bring you closer together.  Ask me about the Dream Team.

• Have you considered virtual volunteering?  Virtual volunteering can be a way for you to give time if you simply enjoy computers and want to employ your computer skills in your volunteer work:  note cards for the sick, virtual call centers during times of disasters.

As you volunteer, you shine forth your enthusiasm, your sense of humor and your compassion. 

Taking a meal to a homebound individual:  service....
Providing an afghan to someone who is homeless:  respect for mankind....
Teaching a daddy to read:  hope for a better world....
Daddy reading a bedtime story to his child for the first time:  PRICELESS!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES abound in the Lubbock community during December.  Look at the special events that need your help in our churches, synagogues, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Ranching Heritage Center, etc.

Call RSVP:  We would love to help match your interests, skills, sense of adventure, goals, time, abilities and experience to just the right volunteer job.  Call 742-2423.

To volunteer, or for more information about these or other volunteer positions, please call the RSVP office at 742-2423.

HOW do I join RSVP?
Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 742-2423 and chat with Karon McDowell about your interests. If you are not certain what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just the right job for you. Just mail in the enrollment form (requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!