Have you tried volunteer work since leaving the dubs?

by yadda yadda 2 17 Replies latest jw friends

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  yadda yadda 2

  I have been feeling urges to try some volunteer work, to do something with my time to help those less privileged than me. Since I left the JW's, which was quite a few years ago (faded), I've always felt something missing in terms of mingling with a group of people and doing something of a volunteer/charitable nature for others (that's not to say JWs do anything charitable really, although some people have been helped to clean up their lives through joining their religion).

  I think it would be tremendously fulfilling to try some volunteer work to fill the vacuum of wanting to do kind things for others, something altruistic. I strongly believe that unselfishly focusing ones energies outwards towards other people in a positive way is a key to happiness. I often have a sense of living a pretty selfish, self-centred and rather pointless life, even with a daughter to love. I think a lot of ex-JW's can feel that way after leaving the JW's; without filling this vacuum and satisfying the human need to encourage other human beings and give altruistically to others, there is always a temptation to one day be drawn back into the JW world. Not that I'm ever tempted by that as I'm well past that stage.

  Have any of you tried volunteer work since leaving the JW's? How did you find it?

  I've been thinking of becoming an ESOL home tutur. The idea of helping poorer persons in the community, like refugees etc, really appeals.
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  yadda yadda 2

  I tried to slightly edit my post above but keep getting the following error message when trying to submit the revised version:

  coding removed - Lady Lee
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  yadda yadda 2

  I was just going to add that the only thing I do miss about being a JW is the opportunity to be kind and friendly to those ones in the congregation who need more encouragement and help, eg, the old, lonely, depressed, solo parents with kids, single and desperate, ignored, etc. I think it's important not to resist feelings of compassion and to actively help the less fortunate, for those with the time and desire. Volunteer work is a way to satisfy that need without all the trappings of religion.
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  shopaholic

  I volunteer often with various organizations and one-off special events. Its very rewarding. There are many opportunities to volunteer your time in areas that interest you.
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  crazyblondeb

  Over the years I have volunteered with the Red Cross diaster team, helped set up a

  abuse hotline/shelter, volunteered with many medical organziations, participated in

  alot of walks. I loved it all, wish I had more time!!
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  unclebruce

  g'dayn yadda yadda2,

  I keep getting that error message too (patience usually wins out).

  On volunteering. A few years ago I joined WIRES (New South Wales Wildlife Information and Rescue Service). It was great. I learned all about rescuing and caring for native animals and ended up on the board of directors. A position from which I could develop and initiate change (I created their first habitat policy, euthenasia policy etc..). Then I joined NSW Rescue and received training in rescuing people from house fires, wrecked cars, finding hikers lost in wilderness etc..). I also volunteered my time doing oral history research with the elderly, some of which made it's way into an academic style local history book I wrote and a comedic fictional/factional history book I'm writing about this strange area of the world.

  I realise now I gave too much time to volunteering but the rewards were many, especially in making oneself known in a country area.

  cheer, unc.
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  Scarred for life

  I have volunteered in many, many different ways since leaving the JWs . The latest thing I have done is work for the local food-coop which provides food and help with paying for utility bills and prescriptions for those in need in my community.

  I don't remember the JWs ever being involved in anything like this. I've always found it to be one of the many great things about leaving the JWs. I can actually do things to help others without feeling that it's "against the rules."
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  SnakesInTheTower

  the only thing I have done so far is volunteered for the First Night (a family friendly non-alcoholic) New Year's celebration on my college campus (12/31/07). I did not do it again this year. it looked like people were having fun..but I was bored. At least it helped break my JW-mentality about the "New Year's" holiday...from there its a slippery slope out....

  I keep thinking I would like to do something, but for now I have to concentrate on school.

  Snakes ()
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  Alpaca

  I did a boat load of volunteer legal work as a law student (working as an intern under an attorney/professor) last year helping out people who had no resources to hire attorneys but who none the less needed help.

  It was very satisfying. Some of the clients we served would get tears in their eyes when thanking us for the help.

  There are all kinds of great organizations that need volunteers.

  I haven't done it yet but would like to get involved with Habitat for Humanity. Amnesty International is another great one.

  The bottom line is that we are all in this (think big picture) together and whatever you can do to improve the world or bring some relief to another person is far more than any of us did as Dubbies.
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  Kenneson

  I have been a volunteer/manager at a Soup Kitchen in Tallahassee, Florida since Feb. 1989 (20 years last month).

  It's a lot of work, but very fulfilling.