I've connected with the local dv shelter and I'm so impressed. This is the most well run org. I've ever been involved with!

They do a background search on every volunteer and you have to have three references and they don't bend that rule for anyone!

They want me to run the support group for the women in the shelter. I have to train and although I've done this for years, every org has their own way and their guidelines are set in place to protect the victims in all situations--mental and physical. A lot of rules but much needed.

I'm completely stoked to be a part of this team.

Dianne, that's great!! Getting involved with this shelter will help you to feel more at home in MN. I'm stoked for your stokedness (??)Hey, Eagle makes up words, so I can too!!

[ March 30, 2006, 05:48 PM: Message edited by: Bluebird ]

Dianne,

It sounds like you've made just the right connection. They're lucky to have you

Way to go Dianne! I'm very happy for you. They're lucky to have you on their team.

Dianne, keep putting yourself out there. I bet they're thrilled to have you onboard.

Dianne,
I am going to do some volunteer work as I told Dotsie at lunch the other day at the Alzheimer's Assoc up the road from me . They need help in there off and maybe it will lead to a new job for me . Just never know where it might take you .

[ March 31, 2006, 09:54 PM: Message edited by: Renee ]

How honorable. My MIL died from Alzheimers. It's such a horrible disease. I know they will be blessed to have you join them. Good for you!

I was interviewed by a firm that does surveys this week. AARP is gearing up to do a push for boomers to become more involved with volunteering.

One of my comments was that we volunteer for causes that are near and dear to our hearts. I know that if I had some time to volunteer right now, I would do hospice work because hospice was such a blessing to my mom and our family.

Renee, let us know what you end up doing for them.

Dotsie,

AARP would be more helpful if they push for an investigation on Nursing Home abuses, better yet, before people get there; probate/forced guardianship. This is the issue baby boomers with their love for beauty, cosmetic surgery, viagra, etc. do not want to come in terms with. We ( I'm on my 50's) ARE getting old, inspite of everything we do or do not do. That is a fact of life, trying to get more enjoyment out of it, it great, assuring while we are ok that everything in terms of the legal process that will help us when we get to the point of not been able to do so, it of outmost importance. Volunteerism to a point, takes jobs away. Besides, unless one spends lots of time at a particular site, you are not making a difference. Perhaps the best way to be a volunteer, is to hold a lonely child or unable/ old person hand, show that someone does care. also the right hand should not let the left one know what it is doing, so anyone who volunteers, should do it to do a service, not to make brownie points...