h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

As someone who has got involved with various volunteer projects I enjoyed reading this. I agree with what you have written.

Thanks OB1 Praise is always welcomed.

Not enough people seem to realise they can volunteer *if they want to*. I hear loads of guilty excuses when I mention that I volunteered, even though I've never tried to suggest that anyone else do it, and most of the excuses seem to revolve around 'it costs thousands'.

Never heard that cost excuse before ! Most people seem to think it is only helping old people or disabled people, but there is so much more. Plus you can get a lot out of it for yourself, people find this strange and call it selfish not me. Why should you the volunteer get something out of it ?

I am hoping that I will get around soon to write an article like yours on what its like to be a volunteer.

Sadly I've heard it many times. I assume the line of thinking is that the only worthwhile volunteering is in developing countries. Translation - volunteering in your own country isn't glamorous enough. I have no issue with people not wanting to do it, but why make flimsy excuses?

Nah, not selfish. If you're getting something out of it the odds are you're working better anyway I got loads out of mine. Exerience, some basic Makaton sign language, friends, great memories... the list goes on. And at the end of it I found a new career It's a real shame that people don't think you should enjoy volunteering

I'll look out for your article What sort of volunteering have you done?

D

Maybe after I've written a draft you would like to edit/contribute ?

Totally agree about all those benefits and I must admit I was guilty of thinking only working in the third world was worthwhile, then I thought there must be other things.

So far I've helped out at a few outdoor events, a local charity shop, conservation work and a local volunteer bureau. All have their different appeals.

#Maybe after I've written a draft you would like to edit/contribute ?#

Definitely be interested in having a look You've done more than me so I'm not sure I'd have that much to add... but give me time World-saving isn't something that can be done overnight

I spent eight months working 1:1 in a home for people with learning disabilities/epilepsy for CSV. I did some voluntary work for the local church before that, but it was run by the type of people who think 'oh, we have xx number of volunteers, let's create that many jobs to keep them all occupied.' So I'm now a big fan of organised volunteering, where the volunteers actually do some good