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Connie Moore

Member, National Geographic

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I need some ideas on volunteering opportunities that fulfill my own life quests and do others some good also.

I find I have some time that I feel is being wasted and would love to interact with more people in the journalism, bookclub, scrabble game venues. I think I'd like to do some volunteer work with people of an older age because they have so much to give and are left to their own devices so many times. They can be forgotten.

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    Debra Smith 200+

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    Jul 12 2012: If you want inspiration about where to volunteer, sit somewhere like a mall and observe the people who appear to you to struggle. There might be a boy who is mentally retarded tagging along on a family vacation but you can see he is lonely, or a healthy person recovering from an operation or a stroke victim who still appears bewildered even after years because of the perceived disloyalty of her body, or a homeless person looking for food because their mental illness makes them less emplyable in our system or a young mother who cannot handle her kids. After you see these real people, in real situations your own heart might telll you where to volunteer.
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    Linda Taylor 50+

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    Jun 14 2012: What I did for a couple of years was to train a service dog. As part of the socialization of the puppy, we went to nursing homes, childrens hospitals etc. And working the dog every day was a joy. I remember when he learned to lift the foot pedals on a wheel chair. I was so proud.

    The dog has since been assigned to his recipient but if I had the time, I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was a fun family activity and I liked taking him to work and the bank and the grocery store. But that was my joy. Lots of different things out there like hospice volunteers. Find an interest and have some fun.

    • Connie Moore

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      Jun 16 2012: thanks for taking the time to think about my quest. you have actually suggested an idea I find very appealing - hospice is very taxing - i have a good good friend who has been a hospice nurse 3 different times and cities in her life and i know how tough and rewarding that route can be! It takes a very special person to do that kind of work, I'll have to think on that one... I probably should test myself in that area - test myself in areas that I feel somewhat uncomfortable - those are usually the times you discover joy and understanding about yourself... again, thanks, Connie
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        Linda Taylor 50+

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        Jun 16 2012: Well I can tell you hospice volunteers are needed everywhere. Many patients in hospice are homebound and cannot socialize. Many appreciate a visit and a smile.

        You do have to be very self aware in this type of work. These patients can spot a self medicator (someone volunteering for their own self issues) and do not appreciate people who just go through the motions or who are not truly present and genuine.

        You will be granted the opportunity to connect with people on a spiritual level. It is truly amazing but that opportunity is sacred and you must treat it as such. Don't miss appointments, don't dismiss or degrade their experience. Listen more than you talk.

        Finally, each and every person you come to know, will leave you. Each and every one. You must go into this knowing that. If you have issues with loss, you might want to rethink this. Some people can work it through but some people get burned out. Self awareness is important here too.

        This type of work is truly truly the best if you have this type of heart. Not everyone can do it and that is OK. Talk to some volunteers as see what their experience are,

        • Connie Moore

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          Jun 16 2012: Thanks Linda - I will give this avenue some hard thought. It would not be a frivolous decision. And yes I know that the situations are primarily terminal. But having had first hand use with my own father for 2 days (I and my sister cared for my father up until 2 days before he passed - 2 days that Hospice intervened with their very special kind of help) I know how the families are appreciative of ANY help and hand-holding or an easy ear that they can get... have a gracious day - it's a beautiful one here in NC... connie
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    edward long 100+

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    Jun 13 2012: Welcome to TED conversations! As a member of the "people of an older age" I thank you for the kind words of inclusion. May I say, without criticism, that it is a supremely good idea to limit yourself to "life quests" which "do others some good also."? Have you noticed the petroleum lobby does not have a great need for volunteers? That is just one example of a very well-funded cause which pays its workers highly and has no real opportunity for volunteers. If you look at the causes which are not so well-funded you will be more likely to find a meaningful opportunity to offer your skills free-of-charge. Best wishes Ms. Moore, and remember, No Surrender!

    • Connie Moore

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      Jun 16 2012: Edward !!! I agree - No Surrender! Thanks for taking time to reply and put some thought to my quest. You are among 3 others who have replied with wonderful suggestions and I'm grateful that my "little" idea/question carries enough weight that anyone would reply. And no I will not be providing my volunteering quest to anything that isn't "green" thank you. Of course, that oil arena is putting some money into the "greening" of our world. As well they should. It's people who (I think) would enjoy my help and input - so off I go... bless you Edward - Connie
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    Fritzie Reisner 100+

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    Jun 12 2012: You might start with the online services that list thousands of volunteer opportunities by geographic area. Two are VolunteerMatch and the United Way. These sites allow you to check-box the areas that interest you, like volunteering with the elderly.
    A senior center or senior living facility near you might be open to an unsolicited suggestion from you to do bookclubs or play scrabble with the residents. If you are interested in journalism/news, you will find that many seniors who are less mobile than they used to be enjoy watching the news and might be very interested in discussing stories with you. Beyond this, some might enjoy having your help with reading.
    I worked with an older woman in Fall who had never learned to read material at the level of a newspaper editorial in the New York Times. I remeber reading an article at her request that had something to do with tax policy. I stopped for her questions so that she could fill in the gaps she needed to understand the content.

    • Connie Moore

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      Jun 16 2012: great great - reading and playing scrabble with those able bodied individuals that are indeed limited by their health or situation - great ideas - thanks! I'm a voracious reader anyway, but I haven't tried reading out loud to anyone... I do believe I could though. again, thank you for taking time to think about my quest and reply with worthy ideas... connie
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