[vter]

GrnMtnFire - you bring up a good point. Many of Vermont's volunteer fire departments have trouble finding volunteers. If it's anything that intersts you, contact your local fire department!

[GrnMtnFire]

Originally Posted by vter

GrnMtnFire - you bring up a good point. Many of Vermont's volunteer fire departments have trouble finding volunteers. If it's anything that intersts you, contact your local fire department!

It's more we/they can't find qualified people or people willing to become qualified. The hours for that are close to 200. (Or more) Everyone thinks its just big red trucks, smoke and flames, and "hero firefighters". But, it is not like that anymore.

[seanpecor]

When Nancy and I were in Orwell until '04, Nancy was a volunteer firefighter for the town of Orwell. She earned her 5 year badge shortly before we moved to Virginia. When we move back to Vermont, things will be crazy for the first six months but once things settle I'm thinking about joining the local volunteer dept.

Sean

[sugarmaple]

Laurel, I too volunteer on a few Boards including New Beginnings (vice-chair: agency re: domestic violence and sexual assault), I have a reappointment to the Governor's Council Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. I find it both rewarding and frustrating, frustrating in that there is a need for these agencies and organizations and rewarding that action gets taken to educate, prevent and protect victim/survivors. VT currently has some 'pilot projects' which may be of interest to you, aside from being involved in volunteering within DOC (and I know several adminisrative personnel within DOC if you would like their names for assistance) are the parallel justice programs ... have you participated in these programs? There is certainly a continued need for volunteers within DOC. Feel free to email me privately if you would like to discuss any of these possibilities.

[goatwoodward]

The United Way also maintains a website of volunteering opportunities at Volunteer Solutions Helping volunteers meet the nonprofits that need their help

[chrismpv]

I volunteer at school. I have traveled a lot so when a country comes up on the curriculum, I stop by and talk about my trip to that country. (I do have a kid in the school system).
I also volunteer when the school has a musical, I help with accessories/costume and "mother hen" on the night of the show.
I have been on the board of a non profit daycare which just closed after 35 years in operation.
I have volunteered with a club of antique car owners.

C.

[picante]

I don't volunteer regularly but do so on occasion: am on the list for helping to snow shovel folks out after storms or helping with home ownership workshops at Opportunities CU. I've never been a big fan of schedules which is why I enjoy being self-employed so volunteering as the need arises works better for me. Last year my total volunteer hours was probably around 10-20. I do donate quite a bit of money to causes I believe in. For example I donate to the Women's Rape Crisis Center, but wouldn't be much good volunteering there.

[quickdraw]

Lots of volunteers and donors here.

You can tell we're not in New Hampshire.

[rem31708]

Hi Gypsy,

You are in the Upper Valley, right? I volunteer when I have time for COVER in WRJ, a group that helps poor people or the elderly modify their homes. Email me if you want info..

Cheers

[nikkolita]

I mostly do food-related volunteering. I used to volunteer at The Haven in White River Junction, VT which is a homeless shelter, food bank, and gently used clothing store. They usually need the help whether its sorting out the donations, stocking, or helping the people who live at the shelter. People sometimes see the word "shelter" and think oh gross its some hole in the wall, but it is honestly one of the nicest, newest buildings in White River Junction. If you volunteer there, they give you a tour of the facility. Now I do the food shelf for my church in Sharon where I live.