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astura 3 hours ago

Maybe dumb question but how does one "join a volunteer organization?" I tried a long time ago but got ghosted.

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ChrisMarshallNY 3 hours ago | parent [-]

Not a dumb question.

Depends on the org.

Many large orgs have smaller chapters locally, but there are often regionally-relevant ones.

I’d start with personal passions, and work from there. It won’t really work, unless it’s something we care about.

Volunteer orgs tend to be fairly disorganized, and there’s usually a lot of lively personalities. If one seems too dysfunctional, try another. Don’t just go for one.

Also, it can take some time to get into the “inner circle.” Like any human society, trust takes time to build. We need to be willing to start small. Get to know the place. Figure out where we can make a difference.

I’ll bet that ChatGPT would be a great source of information.

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astura 3 hours ago | parent [-]

Phrases like "I’d start with personal passions, and work from there" and "we need to be willing to start small" are NOT actionable, they are meaningless platitudes. Not to mention it assumes everyone has "personal passions," an the majority of people probably don't.

I didn't "just go for one." I spent like a month trying to volunteer , for anyone. I was on medical leave from work at time time so I had plenty of time to give. Nobody ever got back to me or picked up the phone. It was worse than applying for a job. I have an anxiety disorder, so even reaching out caused me massive stress and anxiety. So I caused myself distress to feel more worthless than I already felt. My heart is racing and I'm on the verge of tears just typing this up.

So I'll ask again, how does one "join a volunteer organization?"

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ChrisMarshallNY 2 hours ago | parent [-]

I am not the person that "ghosted" you, and don't think that I can give you what you want.

The suggestion I gave, was in good faith, but it seems that your "question" was not. I am truly sorry that you had a bad experience, but I wasn't the one that did the nasty.

Have a great day!

	▲	astura 28 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		>The suggestion I gave, was in good faith, but it seems that your "question" was not. My question was absolutely asked in good faith, not sure why you think it wasn't? You, yourself, made it sound very easy. I was looking for advice since you've made it sound like you've easily succeeded in volunteering and I wasn't able to. I was hoping, at the very least, for you to share how you got started. And yeah, it's kinda offensive to get "draw the rest of the damn owl[ed]"[1] when you put yourself out there to genuinely ask for help. And I still am asking for advice if you're willing to share. I would still love to volunteer. [1] https://teachreal.wordpress.com/2025/01/25/now-draw-the-owl/