Sometimes you just gotta do something for fun and that includes volunteering. I've spent my weekend giving out wristbands at the Rockygrass Festival in Lyons, CO in exchange for a free ticket. It's been fun working with the other volunteers and hanging out listening to some great bluegrass. Just goes to show that you don't always have to spend money to have a good time.
Wow! 9 months since the launch of Volunteerevolution and what has been accomplished. I had no idea how this idea would work and I think it has been a moderate success for my first venture. Most importantly I've been able to log a few hundred volunteer hours which has been really fun and rewarding (even though I know its not about me!). Helping our two refugee families settle into their homes was an amazing experience and right now I'm really enjoying meeting clients at the EFAA foodbank and chatting while I help them shop. As I mentioned previously, relocating has presented delays and challenges, but there are so many opportunities here in Boulder that I'm excited for the future. I am continuing to learn more about nonprofit management through my volunteer work and networking. I am relearning Spanish which is a necessity in this area. I will continue to promote VE over the next 3 months to help decide what the next step is. Thank you to all who have supported us financially and emotionally so far, feel free to post feedback and comments.
Making an international move in the middle of a project like this presents quite a few challenges. Starting over in a new community where I don't know a lot of people makes everything that much harder. However, volunteers are always needed so I'm helping out at the Emergency Family Assistance Association here in Boulder. EFAA provides emergency food, shelter even financial advice for local families in need. While I'm without a paying job and my own housing and feeling stress, at least I know I have the safety nets of family and savings. It gives me that much more empathy for people who are truly in need and I like being part of a resource that is there for them. There are also a lot of paid work opportunities in local non-profits so I'm sending out resumes every day.
My first potential volunteer has not been able to follow through so I'm keeping your donations in the micro-finance cycle while I look at how Volunteerevolution will best fit into the organizations already in place here.
