volunteering available? (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai: home, job, hospital)

[calicocutie]

Where we live now we are able to volunteer at our local hospital, the blood drive, the library, etc. What small towns in Alaska would have such places where we could continue with volunteering? It is an important thing to us. Thanks.

[Rance]

I think any of the towns on the Kenai Peninsula have all kinds of volunteer stuff going on. Seward, Sterling, Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski, Ninilchik, Anchor Point, Homer.

[Arcticthaw]

Fairbanks also has lots of volunteering oppertunities. Even on the Yukon Quest for those of the more adventurous nature.

[Metlakatla]

What is so crazy about it?

This person is actually inquiring about what he/she can give to Alaska instead of the inevitable questions about what they can get.

Don't see anything crazy about that at all. Unusual, maybe, but a bit more refreshing than the usual "how fast can I get a job" or "what about that 1500 a month the state pays you to live in AK and by the way, does that apply to children also".

ffs.

Volunteer opportunities are pretty rich up here in all the small towns. Quite a lot of the local libraries are volunteer efforts.

Thanks for wanting to bring something to the state,
Calicocutie.

It is damned nice to see a post here by someone who actually has something to give.

[FishTAxi]

okay maybe crazy isn't the right word. It just seems to me that volunteering is universal. Nothing unusual about it anywhere.

[Metlakatla]

Really? What warrants volunteer opportunities in your Alaska?

I'm not exactly sure what "warrants volunteer opportunities" in my Alaska, since the phraseology that you used was rather unclear in the first place, but I'll attempt to make it simple for you.

"My Alaska" exists outside of the Anchorage box.

The volunteer opportunities as most people know them do not exist in the form that people from the lower 48 are used to dealing with.

My point was simply that although a local Red Cross et al chapter is unlikely to be a significant presence in an Alaskan community, other options are most certainly there.

[Blueberry]

I imagine any town in Alaska has a plethora of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are needed in firefighting, health care, search & rescue, ambulance runs, local government, radio, schools, teaching University classes (wherever there is a campus), Federal & State wildlife agencies, swimming instruction, delivering elder meals, libraries, museums (where available), Iditarod & other sled dog races, veterinary care, community gardens, local community and cultural events, tutoring, Little League & other sports, teen centers, Boy & Girl Scouts, church, etc. These are needs in just about every community.

Furthermore, small communities covet individuals with unique talents or education. Dance, theater, music, educational lectures, art, crafts, hobbies, operation/maintenance/repair of automobile/boat/ATV, taxidermy, firearms instruction, archery, ice skating, cross country skiing, cooking, cake decorating, tax preparation, whatever become volunteer opportunities when the right people are present in the community.

You shouldn't have any problems finding volunteer opportunities. In fact, you might be overwhelmed to learn how much you are needed! (My advice: The word NO is your friend. Learn to use it wisely!)

[Karla with a K]

Originally Posted by Blueberry

You shouldn't have any problems finding volunteer opportunities. In fact, you might be overwhelmed to learn how much you are needed! (My advice: The word NO is your friend. Learn to use it wisely!)

lol blueberry I have a t-shirt that says "stop me before I volunteer again" a friend gave it to me because I seem to have a problem saying no

Every once in awhile my hubby will hint that I need to get the shirt out.

I will be celebrating my 34th year of volunteering this Oct.

you have given the OP some great advise on places to check out

karla

[zeeky]

Originally Posted by Blueberry

I imagine any town in Alaska has a plethora of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are needed in firefighting, health care, search & rescue, ambulance runs, local government, radio, schools, teaching University classes (wherever there is a campus), Federal & State wildlife agencies, swimming instruction, delivering elder meals, libraries, museums (where available), Iditarod & other sled dog races, veterinary care, community gardens, local community and cultural events, tutoring, Little League & other sports, teen centers, Boy & Girl Scouts, church, etc. These are needs in just about every community.

Furthermore, small communities covet individuals with unique talents or education. Dance, theater, music, educational lectures, art, crafts, hobbies, operation/maintenance/repair of automobile/boat/ATV, taxidermy, firearms instruction, archery, ice skating, cross country skiing, cooking, cake decorating, tax preparation, whatever become volunteer opportunities when the right people are present in the community.

You shouldn't have any problems finding volunteer opportunities. In fact, you might be overwhelmed to learn how much you are needed! (My advice: The word NO is your friend. Learn to use it wisely!)

Well said!!!

[Blueberry]

Originally Posted by myfask

lol blueberry I have a t-shirt that says "stop me before I volunteer again" a friend gave it to me because I seem to have a problem saying no

LOL, Karla!

I needed that shirt about 20 years ago! I absolutely love helping out whenever and wherever I can, but I have learned to apply the brakes, thank goodness!

When I first moved to my little village four years ago, my dd and I went to the local library one night during our first week here. (It was never opened during posted hours due to lack of volunteers.) The volunteer on duty greeted us with, "Hi, welcome to ***. Who are you, and how are you going to help our community?" I told him I probably wouldn't do anything for at least a year because I was going to get to know the community first then see where I would best fit. I actually quit my first volunteer job before I even started! So, I don't have trouble saying no anymore!