Would you share how you got started volunteering locally in your community? What suggestions do you have for others to find local volunteer opportunities?

Topic Tags:  
Topic Tags:  
Done
Diseases:  
Done
Emailz
Answer Summary
4
Shared Experiences

member4039 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) - 09 / 12 / 2011

I just embarked on my Volunteer Career (I like that, it rhymes!) most recently. I was part of a clinical study at Sloan Kettering and I realized I was the beneficiary of someone's donation dollars. Then, I began to take part in a survivorship program and realized I was the beneficiary of someone else's skill and expertise because of their kindness in volunteering their time. I realized I needed to give back. I began poking around the hospital website to see how I might volunteer my time. And a new path began.

Local hospitals are great places to start. Nursing homes, too. (I have a hairdresser friend who volunteers her services a few hours a week). Googling for non-profits in your area and contacting them is another good avenue to find organizations that may be looking for volunteers. If you have a school aged child (or teen), the schools are likely aware of plenty of local organizations looking for volunteers.

There is no feeling better for me, than to know I made a small difference in the life of another, even if it was only for a short period of time. I stand in awe of some of the volunteers I have met at the hospital. Their commitment inspires me.

GinnyMarie (Survivor (10 - 20 years)) - 09 / 12 / 2011

I joined a local Mothers of Preschoolers(MOPS) and after I was a part of this group for a few months I volunteered to be part of their steering committee. By being on this committee, I helped to bring a nurse from our local cancer care clinic to speak to our group about doing self breast exams, and I also spoke about being a young survivor. So even though I was volunteering for a group not associated with cancer, I still was able to tell my story and hopefully spread the word that age doesn't always predict when cancer strikes. I feel this message is important. One of our founding moms was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 40. (Her diagnosis was before we brought the nurse to speak with us.)

Our local hospital website also has a volunteer sign-up form online, and there are so many other places that can use good volunteers! Even the public library uses volunteers. I also volunteer quite often at my church. Some churches run soup kitchens or food pantries, and you don't have to be a member of the church to volunteer for these activities.

Sabine (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 09 / 13 / 2011

After finishing my treatments I really applied for every volunteer job, american cancer society, gildas club, sharing and caring and the list goes on. I did finally start at gilda's club watching children while their parents are at group, however, the work I really thought I wanted to do, did not materialize. I think I had to learn that I cannot control everything, gave it back to god and waited for the right fit for me. That is how I was introduced to The Pink fund. It is a local (Michigan) group that is 100% funded by donations to help people who are experiencing financial hardships due to their treatment. We pay their bills for three months. I just waited and it was clear that this was where I was supposed to be. As always when I stopped trying to control my every environment (boy is this lesson learned with a cancer dx) It all came to me. My advice, pay attention, the answer will come to you too. Good Luck.

member8953 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) - 09 / 13 / 2011

That's great Sabine! My story is somewhat similar. I found it hard to find the right fit. I had some bad experiences with a large organization. Their loss.

When I lost my job I knew I wanted to get into non profit so I was looking to volunteer. I was extremely surprised that it was very hard to find volunteer opportunities. I really wanted to be at a breast cancer organization. I found an opportunity at the local chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It is a wonderful organization and I love volunteering there. I also got involved with the Metastatic Beast Cancer Network. That has recently led to a part time job. I couldn't be happier.

I'll add one thing to Sabine's advice, patience.
Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.
Similar Questions
I love how you have built a community around your blog Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer, was this something you consciously set out to do?
Would you share suggestions on how to keep from getting cancer? I have had multiple different types of cancer as well as precancerous sites.
Would you share about your experiences with Cytoxan/Taxotere? How many treatments did you have and what were the worst side effects for you?
I am not much of a decorator. Would you share some ideas in how to get started decorating my living space?
Would you share your experience with carboplatin (Paraplatin) and Alimta (pemetrexed) for NSCLC? How many treatments did you have and what were the results?
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Flag Content
Please explain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.
Cancel
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Ok
Give a 'Thank you' to
Cancel
Close
Talk About Health
Add Answer

Close
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Close
Subscribe to our free updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts!
Your Email:
Q&A Workshop Announcements
(Featured experts, answers, tips, & latest news.)
Q&A Workshop Summaries
(Answer summaries from our expert Q&A workshops.)
Best of TalkAboutHealth (weekly)
(The week's best answers, news & support.)
TalkAboutHealth Benefits
(Custom health, wellness & medical promotions from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities, & new programs.)

Partners become a partner

© Copyright 2013 - Talk About Health - Privacy Policy | Terms of Service