Interesting Capital Region volunteer jobs
Prompted by a tip from Tim, we checked out the local volunteer opportunities listed by Network For Good, which is a site that's sort of like one-stop shopping for the altruistically inclined. And as Tim promised, there are some really interesting volunteer jobs around town. (Aspen girdling! Playing with dogs! Behind the scenes at the NYS Museum!)
We went through the list a picked handful that looked especially cool...
(all descriptions pulled from the listings)
Elder Wisdom advice giver
The EWC pairs advice-seekers in their teens, 20's and 30's with a national network of volunteer Cyber-Grandparents aged 60-105, who share their knowledge and wisdom at no cost via (www.ElderWisdomCircle.org). We are looking for people in the Albany area who are interested in joining our organization.
Aspen girdling in the Pine Bush
Trees are girdled with a tool called a bark spud. A blade on the end of a wooden handle is inserted under the bark and used to peel off a portion of the bark near the base of the tree. (Apparently this has something to do with invasive species management.)
Behind the scenes at the New York State Museum
The research and collections areas offer fascinating opportunities to work with Museum scientists and collections managers. A background appropriate to the field is helpful, but not required however, interest, enthusiasm, and commitment is important. Many of our behind the scenes positions may entail clerical work, data entry, specimen handling, research or some combination there of.
Creative writing teacher for kids
This volunteer would motivate and support children in creative writing and poetry in an inner-city after-school program, once a week. The children would work towards making their own books to keep or share. (This is at the Hamilton Hill Arts Center in Schenectady.)
Mohawk Hudson River Humane Society dog care attendant
Keep our dogs well-exercised and socialized while they await the perfect new home! (Yes, this job seems to mainly be playing with dogs!)
Urban tree planting team leader
Help Capital District Community Gardens beautify our communities by joining our team of volunteer tree planting supervisors. With direction from Capital District Community Gardens you will lead a team of High School students to plant trees on the streets of Cohoes, Rensselaer, Green Island and Troy.
Veggie Mobile Helper
Capital District Community Gardens' new Veggie Mobile is making fresh fruits and vegetables available to low-income residents in Albany, Troy and Schenectady.
Are you volunteering someplace cool? Post a comment about it!
(Thanks for tip, Tim!)
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Comments
I volunteer as an usher for the Egg (you definitely see an eclectic mix of performances!) and as an ambassador for HATAS (Homeless and Travelers Aid Society) in Albany. As a HATAS Ambassador I raise awareness of homelessness in the community and help HATAS meet its operating needs through in-kind donations, fundraising, etc. An interesting fact: In Albany less than 10% of the homeless are the typical person wearing tattered rags and muttering to themselves on the street. The vast majority needing assistance from HATAS are families with children - very often the working poor.
I also belong to an incredible organization - the Junior League of Albany. This is a group of women who volunteer together to improve our community. The Junior League of Albany has been around for more than 90 years now. Past projects include bringing to the area the Ronald McDonald House, the Equinox Domestic Violence shelter, the Race for the Cure, Gilda's Club - and even stretch as far back as starting the first blood bank in Albany. Current projects focus on womens and childrens health and have been directed toward programs combatting childhood obesity. Training for new members begins in September. Contact info@juniorleaguealbany for more information.
... said Barbara on Mar 26, 2008 at 2:58 PM | link
I have been volunteering for the past 3 years at the Sexual Assault & Crime Victims Program at Samaritan Hopsital and I have to tell you all that it is the most rewarding experience that I have ever had. I carry a pager with me for a 12 hour shift and if a victim of crime calls our 24 hour hotline, the hospital beeps me and I either talk to them on the phone or meet them at the hospital. Most of the cases I handle on weekends and holidays are sexual assaults, which is unfortunate of course but I feel the victims truly appreciate me being with them through their medical exams, police interviews and seem to be very grateful by the end of the most difficult day in their lives. Most of the clients I see hug me and thank me before leaving and that makes me feel that I made a difference in their life even if it is just for a few hours.
People ask me how I can do it because sometimes there are children involved but I can't really explain I feel at that time with the victim. I don't concentrate on the person who hurt them, I only concentrate on the the person in front of me making sure they are safe and have somebody that believes them.
I would recommend this experience to anyone who really wants to make a difference to another human being.
... said Milly Deane on Mar 27, 2008 at 8:13 AM | link
I too am a volunteer with the Sexual Assault &Crime Victims program at Samaritan Hospital. I dont really think there are enough words to describe what we do. I must tell you though this is a very difficult job to do from time to time it also very rewarding. I really enjoy what I do and I am glad I decided to volunteer. I have learned alot with this program and for that I am very grateful. If someone is looking to give back to their community or even just wanting to help people in their difficult situations this is a great program. Just knowing that you are available to help a person in their time of need and its appreciated is really the only thing I could ask for.
... said Deloria on Mar 30, 2008 at 1:41 PM | link
The local Girl Scout troops are always looking for women to volunteer, without volunteers the Girl Scout organization would not be what it is. Any women interested please contact the Girl Scout office in Albany and they will get you in touch with your local troop.
... said SR518 on Jun 20, 2014 at 11:31 AM | link
Over the years I have volunteered for AIDS outreach programs, homeless shelters, rape crisis counselor, Big Brother Big Sister, and currently by fostering dogs. Every single one of the volunteer positions has been incredibly rewarding. If you have an interest in something there is probably a volunteer opportunity.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region always needs Bigs, especially men. It is not as huge of a time commitment as it appears. You hang out 1-2 times a month for a couple of hours (more if you want) and have contact by phone on the off weeks. I did it for 6 years, until my Little graduated from high school.
... said CAOD on Jun 20, 2014 at 1:32 PM | link
I'd like to come up with a plan so that all kids in Albany could have a bike. We need a space for old donated bikes, bicycle mechanics who would be willing to teach kids the basics, bookkeepers who would log hours of interested kids (so that they could earn a bike that they can take care of). Most likely we would need the help and enthusiasm of the Albany Police, Broadway Bikes, The Down Tube, perhaps Giffen School...
If you'd like to help me brainstorm about this dream please contact me via email. Thanks, Sue Gomes
... said susan gomes on Jun 27, 2014 at 6:17 PM | link