Volunteering - so excited!

[Dogmama]

I've been retired for a few years & trying out all the things I thought I'd love to do whilst sitting at my desk for 30 years. Some are good, many aren't what I thought (like dog training - the dogs are great, the people...not so much.)

So, instead of forcing things (my usual M.O.), I decided to let things come to me. I teach spinning part time, I take geeky classes like sewing at my jr. college, take Pilates, etc. But I had this inner sense that I needed to sit back, wait and pay attention.

Lo & behold, I learned about an organization, Girls Inc., that runs programs designed to help adolescent girls to own their power. Some of the focus is on body acceptance, advocating for self & others, etc. The program they want me to work with is handling violence. Just so happens, I grew up in a really dysfunctional, alcoholic, violent house. If it wasn't for some women mentors, I don't know where I'd be.

So, waiting, paying attention & being patience (not my strong suit!) has really come to fruition. I'm just hoping I meet some fledgling cyclists!

[limewave]

This makes me so happy to read this! Mentoring is such a rewarding experience. And Girls, Inc sounds like a good organization.

[shootingstar]

May you go for a bike ride with a few gals. You would be a greater leader.

[Dogmama]

I met with the program manager and I'm even more psyched about this. I will be working in the troubled parts of town helping to teach young girls how to own their voice and defend themselves, physically, mentally and spiritually. It's an after school program & I'll be assisting at first & learning how to lead a program by myself. They have many different programs focusing on all of the challenging areas that girls are faced with - drugs, sex, violence, body image problems, etc.

Here's a real cool part of this. If a girl does two years of Girls Inc. training, they are eligible for a college scholarship after high school.

While we were talking, a total stranger stopped by (having seen the literature on the table) and said that Girls, Inc. is an incredible program & she was heavily involved with it in NYC. She said the experiences are incredible, that she got more out of it than anything else she's ever done. (My friends call that a God Shot.) How amazing is that?

[azfiddle]

Very cool!

[indysteel]

That's awesome, Dogmama! I've been a financial supporter of Girls, Inc. for a while, but I've never volunteered. I'm planning to roll off my current NFP board--a YMCA branch near my former home. I would really like my next volunteer gig to be closer to my new home. There's a Girls, Inc. facility a few blocks away. So, that's a really good idea you just put in my head!

[Miranda]

That is wonderful! You never really know how much your own life touches others. I've done some volunteer work in the past and it's amazing at how much a difference your influence makes. Best of luck with your new adventure!

[nancielle]

Very cool! A couple of years ago I was involved with one of their presentations locally that dealt with girls making healthy choices in life (drinking, smoking, drugs, dating violence, etc.) To highlight what they had been doing in the program, they staged a presentation for parents and the public.

They did a fantastic job. Good luck on your new endeavor!

[ClockworkOrange]

What a great thread to read.

So many people these days work just for the money, even within Social Services but I feel you will be great for the kids because it is something close to your heart and obviously not for the money.

I retired in January and just do one evening per week in a hostel for homeless kids I have worked in for 10 years, it's a lot of fun, keeps you young too.

Have a great time, I am sure you have so much to offer.