Volunteering

[Dave]

Well, I had my "intervuew" today for being a "Computer Buddy" at my local library. Just a general chat about experience then the ground rules. Last time I did this (2005) I just sat around in the city library in case someone needed help - did a lot of reading and people watching.

Much more structured now: appointments only (on the days/times I designate as being available), lots of work on computer security and online safety, (especially on social media), job searching and CV (resumé) writing, access to social benefit, Job Centre and other government sites, research (reliable sources, verification and coroboration), familiarisation with the hardware, including tablets and smartphones, getting on line, opening email/Google/Amazon accounts etc, etc, etc.

Looks like it could be interesting and will keep a few brain cells active! I will have some homework to do as well . . . I have limited myself to two afternoons a week, 1pm to 4pm, for starters. The library shares the same carpark as the supermarket so those will also become my shopping days.

[xSilverPhinx]

That's really cool, Dave!

I think volunteering to help is great, makes us feel useful to the community.

[Dave]

That's really cool, Dave!

I think volunteering to help is great, makes us feel useful to the community.

And keeps me and my brain usefully occupied. (And my arse off the couch.)

Since I heard nothing from the university regarding being a simulated patient (training would have started by now) I decided they did not want me and were too ill mannered to say, "Thank you, but no thank you."

[xSilverPhinx]

A simulated patient?  That sounds like...fun.

[Dragonia]

Dave, it's great that you are volunteering in this way. I am about to be brought up to date, at least technologically, in a couple months when we will buy a new computer. I'm actually nervous, because the only thing I know how to use is my phone and my super duper old (10 years?) laptop.
If there were someone like you at my local library, I would probably be considered a horrible pest... for at least the first month. And then I would be in a debt of gratitude forever. 
I'm sure people will really appreciate what you're doing.

[Dave]

Dave, it's great that you are volunteering in this way. I am about to be brought up to date, at least technologically, in a couple months when we will buy a new computer. I'm actually nervous, because the only thing I know how to use is my phone and my super duper old (10 years?) laptop.
If there were someone like you at my local library, I would probably be considered a horrible pest... for at least the first month. And then I would be in a debt of gratitude forever. 
I'm sure people will really appreciate what you're doing.

I have done this before and was surprised to discover how much patience I possessed! Just as long as they take notes and do the homework. . .  I did lose it with one lady who, mainly, wanted to download and email her photos. After 6 visits going over the same ground each time (despite her notes) I told her that I could offer no further help. Politely.

Like all teaching the real paymback is when the light goes on in the eyes of your "student". One true success is worth a number of failures.

Perhaps you can voice the idea to your local library, there are usually people willing to help in this way.

[Dragonia]

You know, the more I think about it, I'm convincing myself to talk to my neighbor, who conveniently works at the library! We will have a brand new, bigger building next year, and this may be a great program to start at the new library. I hate to ask for something so self-serving, but I'm sure others would appreciate this also!

[Dave]

The university have finally been in touch. They want volunteers to discuss their experiences in hospitals with the students, especially best and worst personal interactions with nurses.

[Dave]

Had my first session as a practice patient today. 15 minute briefing first, basically to give us purpose of the sessions and a reminder about confidentislity - no names or locations. Two sessions, first one my own with four white girls the second with another volunteer with three girls from Africa - all 20 to 25ish.. Distinct cultural differences between the two groups, also noticed that the three racial types, white, African and Asian stayed in their groups

There was one who dominated the questions in the first group, the eldest and the only mother there. None of them had had any nursing experience before. We covered it from all angles, nurse behaviour and patient type, getting stuck in too routine a box-ticking pattern and missing subtle clues, how we might be patient number 1000 to them but they are nurse number one to us etc. We got through it all with a few laughs and they seemed pleased with the session, I could see their confidence slowly building as the hour went on. 

Less laughing with the African girls. One, the eldest I would guess, had been a qualified Healthcare Assistant, now going for a higher professional qualification, and she was the more outgoing. The cultural aspect came in their attitude towards older people, much more respect expected at home, always Sir or Madam for strangers and Aunt or Uncle for close family friends. They felt uncomfortable calling their elders by their first names. We could only say, "Ask them how they would like to be addressed."  

I had a companion in that second session, a very disabled lady in a very expensive looking electric wheelchair. She kept drifting off into anecdotes and I had to keep, gently, breaking in to give the students a chance to ask their questions.

The tutor wandered about monitoring things, assessing us more than the students I think! She also asked permission to take pictures, mainly for propaganda with the uni trustees and authorities. This is an innovative idea and is being watched carefully. 

Also innovative is that the students have Pilates and "Mindfulness" sessions each Monday - presumambly to "tune up" their bodies and minds after the drinking and debauchery of the weekend! 

I think we all enjoyed the sessions. Well, there was one chap who wondered why they were asking some questions that seems quite pertinent to me. He seemed to think they were all common sense things that everyone knew - I could see that they related to experience, or the lack of it.

[Icarus]

Saint Gallen is a wealthy Swiss city. They have a deal that they call "time banking". The scheme is called Zeitversoge which means "time provision". It invites every citizen over 60 years old to earn care time credits by helping elderly residents with every day tasks like cooking, shopping and such while also keeping them company. This makes it an ideal way to build up a "time pension" to cover their own future needs.

[Dave]

Saint Gallen is a wealthy Swiss city. They have a deal that they call "time banking". The scheme is called Zeitversoge which means "time provision". It invites every citizen over 60 years old to earn care time credits by helping elderly residents with every day tasks like cooking, shopping and such while also keeping them company. This makes it an ideal way to build up a "time pension" to cover their own future needs.

We have time bank systems here as well, been a member of my local one for 20 years with a few weeks worth of credit! They have changed their scheme a little in the past few years and have not called on my services so much. However if I do decide to move I have the promise of a van and crew to shift my stuff.

These are good community programmes giving older and disabled people often needed help with shopping, gardening, changing tap washers or light bulbs etc. It also often gives "educationaly challenged" people a chance to do things for the community. When we had a prison in the city even that was a member, inmates could "earn" time from our video team to send video letters home and read bedtime stories for their kids etc.  They refurbished old and unclaimed bikes or sorted donated spectacles for export to local health teams in Africa and India, and other similar jobs, in exchange.

[Dragonia]

Saint Gallen is a wealthy Swiss city. They have a deal that they call "time banking". The scheme is called Zeitversoge which means "time provision". It invites every citizen over 60 years old to earn care time credits by helping elderly residents with every day tasks like cooking, shopping and such while also keeping them company. This makes it an ideal way to build up a "time pension" to cover their own future needs.

What a wonderful idea! I would have so much time already built up, if we had that here...and if I could start accruing before the age of 60.

[SisterAgatha]

I volunteer often at the abortion clinic.

I, the sisters and a few more dedicated students will say prayers and rosaries by candelight outside. We sometimes plead with the women coming in and tell them "there is a better way!"

It's not often..but we have had some women walk away from the clinic!

[Papasito Bruno]

I volunteer often at the abortion clinic.

I, the sisters and a few more dedicated students will say prayers and rosaries by candelight outside. We sometimes plead with the women coming in and tell them "there is a better way!"

It's not often..but we have had some women walk away from the clinic!

This ridiculous post of hers reminds me of something I meant to post earlier on the Forum, and forgot.

If you’re pro-choice and looking for a tangible way to fight back, one of the things you can do is volunteer to be an abortion-clinic escort, and help women feel safer as they might walk past anti-choice protesters on their way into the building. Planned Parenthood wrote on Tumblr that you can visit their volunteer page, where they list currently available volunteer opportunities, or call your local health center directly to see what its specific needs are. You can also join the organization’s broader Clinic Defender program, where they will ask you “to bring national attention to local fights, empowering local organizers and activists to make a real impact.” Either way, you’ll be helping women get the care they need.

CLINIC DEFENDER PLEDGE
I am a Clinic Defender because no woman should face harassment and intimidation just for seeking the care she deserves. There should be no signs and no slogans shoved in her face, no shouted threats and harassment, no sneering judgment from strangers.

I am a Clinic Defender because I will not give up on the right of every woman, man, and young person to see a doctor, to seek care, to protect their health.

I am a Clinic Defender because I know how important Planned Parenthood is to millions of patients, and I am proud to stand with them. I will speak out against efforts to shut down health centers and intimidate patients -- in my own community and nationwide.

I am a Clinic Defender, and we are thousands strong. We won't back down; we won't give up, no matter what.



I've done this several times over the years and it was well worth it. (First time my older sister volunteered me!)

[Tank]

I volunteer often at the abortion clinic.

I, the sisters and a few more dedicated students will say prayers and rosaries by candelight outside. We sometimes plead with the women coming in and tell them "there is a better way!"

It's not often..but we have had some women walk away from the clinic!

Trolling again.