I decided a couple of days ago that I need to expand my horizons and do something outside of the home. I did a search for volunteer opportunities online and found a great website for various volunteer opportunities. The website is volunteermatch.org. As usual I over did it and signed up for 8 different opportunities because I didn't figure everyone would get back to me. So far I have had five of those organizations get back to me. I have decided to help with 3 of them.
The first organization to get back to me was Senior Solutions. The elderly who need help sign up for this service. They then send in a volunteer to talk to them, help them go on walks, help them do grocery shopping and/or do small jobs around the home like changing a lightbulb. At first I wasn't sure if I really wanted to do this because I have a hard time coming out of my bubble and talking to people I don't know well, but in the end decided to do it because this would help with that problem.
The next organization to contact me was the Red Cross. What I will be doing for them is clerical work, which includes making thank you calls to first time donors, putting labels on envelopes, sending out flyers, etc. I chose this because I like doing those tedious tasks most people don't enjoy doing just as long as it's not the same thing every day.
After those two got ahold of me then the Idaho Commissions for Libraries sent me their e-mail. I'm not exactly sure what I will be doing for them but when I signed up it sounded interesting. I already have an appointment with these people on Monday to see what exactly I will be doing.
The two other organizations that have contacted me that I won't be helping are Genesis World Mission and the Discovery Center of Idaho. The main reason why I decided not to also help these organizations is because I didn't want to have too much on my plate. The other reason why I didn't accept the Genesis World Mission is because I don't believe I am experienced enough to help with medical data entry. And the other reason why I didn't accept the Dicovery Center of Idaho is because I really don't like speaking in front of groups and some of the responsibilities would be giving tours of their facility. Also I don't think it would keep my interest for too long, for various other reasons.
I am hoping that this step outside of my comfort zone will not only help me be more productive but also help me make many new friends.
