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Volunteering is Great and So Are These Sites!
Have a free evening? Fill it here.
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Update 5-2010: I'm proud to have my photo in the new GEMS supporters VIDEO.
The pic (at 2:11) is with my beloved grandma, who passed away this year.
Update 4-2010: Please watch my 4-minute VIDEO with GEMS founder Rachel Lloyd,
to raise awareness about commercial sexual exploitation of youth and teens.
Update 3-2010: Please watch my 3-minute VIDEO on human trafficking in California.
Update 1-2010: Buy this great new SONG with proceeds going to GEMS!
Spot me in the VIDEO at 2:12.
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I'm a fan of volunteering and building community. Volunteering can be much more interesting than you might expect.
It's not just stuffing envelopes (though that can be useful, too!) I've volunteered on the beach, in the ocean,
in Central Park & Prospect Park, for the Rose Parade ... Volunteer opportunities are everywhere!
I like to be involved with at least one organization wherever I live. Over the years, I've been involved with many.
If you're thinking of volunteering for an organization below and want suggestions or just a friendly ear, please get in touch!
CA: OC HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE, CASA, PROLITERACY AMERICA. For short-term (day-long) commitments,
I spent two lovely holidays with THE NATIONAL HOLIDAY PROJECT, visiting senior citizens and kids in transitional housing.
NY: COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, HAI, NARAL PRO-CHOICE AMERICA, NEW YORK CARES, NOW,
NY WRITERS COALITION at THE OPEN DOOR, THE MOTH OUTREACH, SPROUT
UK: IMPERIAL CANCER RESEARCH FUND, WINGED FELLOWSHIP TRUST (now Vitalise)
AZ: CARE: CAMPUS ACQUAINTANCE RAPE EDUCATION, EASTSIDE ADULT LEARNING CENTER, WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER
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Things to Consider . . .
If you're new to volunteering, it's important to realize that, occasionally, volunteer situations can be frightening.
Since non-profits are often strapped for cash, they may not allocate enough funds or staff to train and prepare you
adequately for your role. You may not foresee, or be told about, various risks involved in interacting with mentally ill,
physically fragile or contagious populations. Don't feel guilty about saying 'no' to requests that seem dangerous.
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A Great Quote From the Web
"Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year,
but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in."
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