Work to make a difference?

Introspection

I was wondering if anyone here does some kind of volunteer work, I'm trying to get some ideas. Every now and then I feel the call to do something, but it seems it's a lot easier to sit on my ass and talk about it. I have done a couple things, but I guess I just don't know if it makes a difference or not. It would be nice to work with people directly I suppose. After all, it does help the volunteer feel better about themselves, so in a way it is a selfish endeavor, just not exclusively so.

BTW, as far as things in the area of mental health go, is there anything that doesn't involve high level skill or training?

"Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing the self is insight. Mastering others requires force. Mastering the self requires true strength." -Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33

larc

Intro!

We have had this conversation before! You get so tied up in your underwear about the fact that helping others might be selfish because it makes you feel good in the process. For Christ's sake, just get out there and do it! If it makes you sublimely happy, what on earth is wrong with that.

Sorry friend, for going into a rant, but just go ahead and do something because it feels right and stop questioning your own motives.

Introspection, stop introspecting and start doing. You can't be too off base by doing, now can you? Unless, of course, you want to rob a bank, and then I will be right by your side to help out. (I hope you realize that the last part was humor.)

Introspection

Hi Larc,

Actually I'm not in as much of a mood today, but thanks. I'm really just looking for some practical ideas though, I suppose there are many to choose from. I don't think there's anything wrong in that it makes me feel good, I think that's just an indicator that it's the thing to do.

Speaking of bank robberies, what's that movie with Woody Allen where they try to break into a bank by going underground in the sewers or something? I remember from the previews one guy with a miners hat turned backwards so that the light is facing the back saying "But I look cool like this."

"Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing the self is insight. Mastering others requires force. Mastering the self requires true strength." -Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33

nicolaou

Introspection, you have a great attitude!

I made a post about this myself just a few days ago if you'd like to read it...... http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.asp?id=8228&site=3#96637

Why not try what I did?
Go door to door, something we XJW's are very good at, but collect money for a cause that means something to you!

You'll have to register with your chosen charity first and wear some I.D. Do it properly and Im sure you will find it really satisfying as well as being of genuine benefit to those in need.

Good luck!
Nic'

. http://communities.msn.co.uk/altJehovahsWitnesses

larc

Intro,

WARNING,WARNING I am in a silly mood,
so here's my idea. My wife and I are getting up in years now, so a good thing for you to do is to come over to our house and cook us breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Sorry, I am sure people will come along tomorrow and offer sensible suggestions.

In the mean time, how about:

1. Working to help feed the homeless in a soup kitchen.

2. Help a child or adult learn how to read.

3. Tutor a kid in math.

4. Mow my grass (opps, I got silly again)

5. Visit an elderly person at a nursing home and just talk to them and listen, since no one comes to see them anymore.
Just some thoughts.

Prisca

Hey larc, what nursing home are you in?

Stephanus

Intro,

If you really want to help the process of healing after withdrawal from the WBTS, why not do something copmpletely taboo but extremely helpful and kind, for example delivering turkey dinners to poor people on Thanksgiving. I understand that sort of charity work is big in Yankland...

Introspection

so here's my idea. My wife and I are getting up in years now, so a good thing for you to do is to come over to our house and cook us breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
4. Mow my grass (opps, I got silly again)

Well Larc, those are possibilities but you might just find yourself wondering what it is you're eating while watching me making interesting crop circle patterns outside.. Seriously though, I have thought about the soup kitchen idea, and the literacy/tutoring ideas aren't bad either. I'll post something once I get into it, I'm sure there will be rewarding stories to tell.

Thanks for the ideas everyone, I'm sure if I look there will be plenty of work to keep me busy.

"Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing the self is insight. Mastering others requires force. Mastering the self requires true strength." -Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33

bitter mango

HI INTRO! i volunteer at a rehabilitation center. some people are there just for temorary rehabilitation for learnin ghow to walk again after a car accident, or other injury. some are permenant residents, and are crippled for life. many have mental health problems. the ages range from the children's ward, 5 years, to the adult ward, 90 years. i spend most of my time with the older people, reading to them and just visiting because i am young and when they have no grandchildren to visit, i give them that kind of feeling that i am their grandchild. as for the training, i don't need any because i am not working with them extensivly. i don't know what the case is else where though.
i have been trying to get into working with abused children. just as a partner for the kids to hang out with and look out for them and such. i am having trouble finding such an experience though.

good luck intro! you have a goood heart for wanting to help someone in need! keep us informed on your progress.

peace, mango

life is but a dream...

reagan_oconnor

1. Do you have a dog or cat that responds well to people? Call up a local nursing home and take Dog or Cat to visit.

2. Contact your local public library and see if they need volunteers for book sales, kid's reading hour, or teaching people to use the Internet.

3. Find a Suicide Prevention Hotline (or child abuse center, or Animal Protective League, or after-school Homework Hotline) in your area, call 'em up and volunteer your assistance.

4. Contact a local elementary or middle-school in your area and see if they have an after-school program. Volunteer... play games with the kids, help them with homework, become a mentor.

5. Call your local police department and see if they have a Citizen's Auxillary. These people demonstrate an active concern for their city/municipality and learn how to help the police do their job.

Reagan

I am the master of my fate/I am the captain of my soul.

Work to make a difference?

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