Volunteering

A quick search shows I write about volunteering every couple of years. I took a trip down memory lane and read about my past self. Volunteering has been an important part of my life. I feel it is important to share your skills with others. 

In high school I latched onto the phrase Renaissance (Wo)Man. I took it to mean someone who learns a little bit about a lot of things. I'm curious, and want to learn more, but I don't want to become an expert in anything.

My main requirement for being involved is to stay away from meetings. Current volunteer activities include:

Archaeology: digging mostly at Newlin Grist Mill and Fort Mifflin, but also at other places when I learn about them

Theater: building sets, ushering, and reviewing plays are all forms of volunteering. I also see plays and musicals, especially when friends and family are involved with them.

Dress for Success: my commitment to this wonderful organization ebbs and flows. I believe in their mission, but since they hired someone who does the data entry, I have not found my niche. I recently went for a group suiting, and a purse making project. Neither felt like the right fit.

People and Stories: varied ways of helping from events to fundraising calls to brainstorming and cheerleading. 

Bridge Academy: I can't seem to escape this former job, though like with a bad ex, I should. In the past month I helped run the gala and notarize a document. My hope is to not be involved at all with them next year.

Alliance Française: writing the monthly newsletter and sending out other emails

Church: occasional ushering or helping with clean up. I wish I did more.  

There are activities I have dabbled in, but never to the extent of being an expert or even being particularly good at it or successful. Alphabetical order:

Genealogy

Photography

Recommending books (I love to read, but I can never think of good books to recommend)

Roller skating (I can't go backwards or do turns)

Running (I've been stuck at the same level for a decade)

Speaking French (I can't get beyond the basics)

Traveling (I can't seem to book the next trip)

Writing (While I blog, I haven't figured out how to write a book)

I wish I had something I felt like dedicating my all to. I envy those who have that passion. That sense of purpose. I've spent too long wandering aimlessly looking for it. There are so many days I feel like not enough. The rain does not help.

There is always someone better than me out there.

Of course I should also remind myself there are always people out there who can't do what I do, and can benefit from my help.