| Welcome to The Outside Course! You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features! |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
| Now What? | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Jan 21 2009, 12:52 PM (466 Views) | |
| MyGiantPony | Jan 21 2009, 12:52 PM Post #1 |
|
Is the meadow on fire?
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I'm not completely in line with Obama's (or any other politician's) platform, but I do agree - it's up to each of us to own the necessary changes. What will YOU do? I know what I will do for "self", for lack of a better word...use less, do what I can to make my footprint as minimal as possible...conserve water, garden what I can, buy locally for what I can't, etc. But for others...I just don't know. I know during the Great Depression, my grandparents had a farm, so at least they had food. Hungry men would show up pretty regularly. None would take a hand out - they wanted to EARN a meal. According to family lore, the woodpile got restacked about once a week. I guess I'm frustrated by today's entitlement attitude. I've tried so many volunteer efforts...adult literacy, women's shelter, food drives. The only volunteer work that I felt has been truly appreciated is what I've done for Veterans. I want to volunteer and make a difference. But I don't want to put my time where it's not appreciated. And it's not even not being appreciated. It's the "I deserve a hand out and you're supposed to give it to me" that I can't stand. Any ideas? |
![]() |
|
| MayaTy02 | Jan 21 2009, 01:18 PM Post #2 |
|
You're BANNED!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Honestly, I'd suggest you volunteer with kids. I work with a shelter for kids at risk and they are amazing and appreciate everything they get. I also believe thats where you can make the most difference. Another horsey related option is something like Pegasus, don't know if it's nationwide, but therapeutic riding for special needs kids. I have a few friends who volunteer and a few who have kids in the programs and it really works wonder. I know that isn't specific to the economy right now, but its something... |
![]() |
|
| Copper Leaf | Jan 21 2009, 01:21 PM Post #3 |
|
Is the meadow on fire?
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
That's a tough one MGP... So glad to hear that you volunteer to help the Vets. THANK YOU! ... Just got home form the American Legion's Medal of Honor Recipient's Inaugural Ball (It was humbling, to say the least, to be in the same space as 50 of the 120-some living Medal of Honor winners) ... Those men have sacrificed life and limb for their fellow Solders, Sailors, Marines and Airmen on top of being the the forces that keep us free... and yet they receive a pittance of our tax dollars compared to other social programs... There is certainly an air of entitlement among some Americans today... Mostly urban/city dwellers... But then again, how many of those folks could truly fend for themselves if left to their own devices??? We, being more or less at least familiar with country life are far more independent and self driven/reliant than some who have never had to hoe a row so to speak... they suckle from the teat of the American tax payer and spit in our eye and ask for more in return... Makes me want to move out west and be Lost Farmer's neighbor... where accountability and responsibility is a way of life or you freeze to death in the winter... and you don't turn to the Govt for help because your neighbor is already there to lend a hand... Just be the best American you can be... Be wisely compassionate... be someone that others will want to emulate, live to inspire others to succeed. |
![]() |
|
| DairyQueen2049 | Jan 21 2009, 01:33 PM Post #4 |
|
DRAGON BREATH. DRAGGIN' BUTT
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I lived with a mom who ran to a shelter when my dad beat her so bad we weren't sure she would live. Our whole family appreciated everything - the shelter, the loaner car, ADC/Welfare, the government cheese (food) and after a bit plus the divorce mom got back on her feet - and reminded all her kids to go to school and make something of themselves. I think of my family when I volunteer - THIS one may not benefit, but her kids are. Her kids are learning from me. I remember. Can't save them all - but I can save THIS ONE. Many starfish washed up on shore. A young boy started picking them up and throwing them back into the ocean. Someone saw what he was doing and told him that it was pointless, that there were too many to save, that it wouldn't make a difference. Throwing another starfish into the sea, the little boy responded, "It makes a difference to this one." |
![]() |
|
| MayaTy02 | Jan 21 2009, 01:55 PM Post #5 |
|
You're BANNED!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I love that quote about the starfish DQ! |
![]() |
|
| jn4jenny | Jan 21 2009, 02:32 PM Post #6 |
|
Is the meadow on fire?
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I think you can't volunteer hoping that you'll visibly see evidence of gratefulness. Chances are that folks are appreciative and grateful, but generally speaking if you are the recipient of some kind of charity, your pride is probably hurt and you probably have some protective mechanisms up. Just because it's not visible doesn't mean it's not there, so perhaps you need to consider why you want (or need) tangible evidence of it. I teach, so in my profession, my beneficiaries' entitlement attitude is totally deserved. They're paying a lot of money to go to this school, and if I don't do my job, their future success as a human being and employee may be compromised. Yet time and again, at the moments when I'm ready to quit, a card lands in my office mailbox quietly expressing how grateful the student is for what I've done and how I've changed how they think about the world. I hang them on my bulletin board in my office to remind me to keep going. It helps a lot to either volunteer for a cause that you feel so deeply about that you don't care whether the recipients (or fellow volunteers) show gratitude, so if there's something really super meaningful to you, volunteer for that. I don't enjoy getting yelled at by competitors at horse trials, but it's very important to me that our local horse trial stay USEA certified and run smoothly so that someday *I* can compete in it, so I get over the yelling (and remember the one or two competitors who thank me for volunteering). Or you can find an organization where you're genuinely appreciated--they *are* out there, you just really have to look hard. I also try to find other ways to "give" since I'm super short on time. Giving money or goods, for example. Or if you don't have money or goods to give yourself, pulling money or strings to convince OTHERS to give those things. Or if you have a special skill, contribute that behind the scenes where you don't have to interact actively with other folks. Edited by jn4jenny, Jan 21 2009, 02:33 PM.
|
![]() |
|
| onwego | Jan 21 2009, 02:46 PM Post #7 |
|
You're BANNED!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
What about volunteering at the local humane society or animal shelter? |
![]() |
|
| jillincolorado | Jan 21 2009, 02:50 PM Post #8 |
![]()
You're BANNED!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I recycle where I can, donate to our local thrift shop instead of having garage sales, and I'm putting a garden in this spring to grow some of my own simple vegetables and herbs. Kiltman thought a good idea to motivate people to service would b to offer a program that rwards you for service, like volunteering at a National Park would earn you free access to the park? I think the idea is general is good, but I thought the point of service was to serve without asking for anything in return, because it's the "right" thing to do? Mixed feelings about that one here. |
![]() |
|
| MyGiantPony | Jan 21 2009, 03:02 PM Post #9 |
|
Is the meadow on fire?
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
That's not it at all...I don't want or need to see gratitude. I just can't stand seeing the entitlement attitude. If someone is that entitled, they should get off their butts and do it for themselves. I don't agree that your students' entitlement attitude is appropriate. Should they and their parents have expectations for services rendered? Yes. But I think expectations and entitlement are two very different things. |
![]() |
|
| MyGiantPony | Jan 21 2009, 03:07 PM Post #10 |
|
Is the meadow on fire?
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I forgot to say, you're right about that. I guess I'll continue to do my part for Vets - that's what's really dear to my heart. Time to call the Ladies' Auxiliary and let them know I want to get more involved this year! |
![]() |
|
| Buryinghill1 | Jan 21 2009, 03:39 PM Post #11 |
|
You're BANNED!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I am not part of an "official" volunteer group. What I do, non-paid and off duty, is give my time to my patients and their families. I love every minute. We have many pts who spend months on my unit. Some have family members who are there full time! I make sure those family members have time for themselves. They can go outside, go have a meal, go to the mall, see something other than the 9th floor! Our pts can't go off the floor because their bodies have no defenses (when your platelet counts are 2,3, 10,... even flossing is forbidden). Kind of like prison - maybe worse. Some family members get to take a shower for longer than one minute because they know I am there. Imagine a long shower is your greatest luxury. My pts are so happy when they see their spouse, or sister, or mom, or whomever get a few hours off. It's good for everyone! Before I went back to school, I gave a lot of my free time to Habitat and to my local therapeutic riding program. Now school takes up my time. What little spare time I have I often bake, make meals, do someone's laundry, and simply hold someone's hand. Last week I made spaghetti and meatballs (with garlic bread) for a leuk patient who I doubt will see spring. He was craving a home cooked meal. And I suck as a cook! So, Mr President, that's what I do. Nothing different I all the volunteers at our hospital and anyone who can take the time to volunteer.
|
![]() |
|
| Reynard Ridge | Jan 21 2009, 04:58 PM Post #12 |
|
Drivin' The Short Bus
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
To all the volunteers. I volunteer at my children's school (I reorganized the library and set them up on a database for loaning books last semester and now I'm in maintenance mode), which is totally self serving. It means I get to see my children and their friends during the day. And I get to hang out with the books, which I also love. |
![]() |
|
| pony4me | Jan 21 2009, 06:35 PM Post #13 |
|
We're on a bridge, Chaaaaaaaaarlie!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I volunteer a couple of times a year where I work. We sponsor a large 10K race, with proceeds benefitting local charities. The other event benefits all United Way agencies in our community. However, I think we need some programs that will give people jobs, and put some money back into the economy. That would have to start with the government, since they can print money. I'd send qualified people into each community and have them rent office space, buy computers and office supplies, run "help wanted" ads in local newspapers, and hire people. Have these people identify all public buildings, schools, hospitals, police stations, fire stations, etc in the community. Each building gets painted (buy paint locally), weatherproofed and landscaped. The goal is to employ x people per community. Bring in donuts each morning, buy pizza for everyone on Fridays. Pay for training classes for employees. The idea is to spend money to get the local economy moving. Once employees have a steady paycheck, they will resume spending. The private sector needs to help too. Businesses not in immediate danger of going under need to defer planned layoffs, and hire more people. Businesses always run understaffed anyway. Time to suck it up and create a few jobs! The bottom line will suffer short term, but if a lot of businesses tough it out, the economy should pick up. Manufacturers of food and consumer non-durables will have to lead the way on this. We can't expect General Motors to do this. It just wouldn't work given their cash situation. On the indivdual level, people with secure jobs need to spend money. Eat at a restaurant, leave a bigger tip, see a movie, get a new pair of jeans. Try not to cut spending unless you have significant credit card debt, in which case you should have cut spending a long time ago. I'm not an economist, but I see no way that a bank bailout is what America needs. I can see some merit to an auto industry bailout, but it's so complicated I can't fathom what will happen if we do, or if we don't. I think there will be widespread job losses regardless, due to the type of cars and trucks being made. I hope that bigger minds than mine have a better handle on the situation. All I know is that things have to get better soon. |
![]() |
|
| Witchy | Jan 21 2009, 08:40 PM Post #14 |
|
You're BANNED!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
If you really want to make a difference when you volunteer, do it at a Nursing Home or Senior Center. There are so many people who don't get any visitors that just having someone come to visit them and say hi on a scheduled basis is everything to them. You could see if you can get your cute little pug certified and take him with you to visit too. |
![]() |
|
| Fish Cheeks | Jan 21 2009, 09:25 PM Post #15 |
![]()
You're BANNED!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I volunteer at the animal shelter - I don't get a lot of thanks from the staff or fellow volunteers, but I don't do it for them. I do it for the animals. I give them love and attenion and clean litter boxes and kisses on the nose. Oh yeah, and a home! Um, if you're a sucker maybe volunteering at the animal shelter isn't such a good thing! We foster kittens and then sometimes I get suckered into keeping one. Seems like we get a new cat every year! I do feel like I should do more, but I don't know were I could give more time. I wonder if there are things you can do at home? Stuffing envelopes? I am planning on giving to a few charities at the end of this month - places I used to give but haven't in a while. Also, one of my old bosses was hit by a train last year and I will give a little bit to his fund for PT since insurance ran out and won't cover him anymore. I try to eat locally and buy organic. I try to mimize my waste and I recycle whatever is possible. I don't really shop a lot and rarely buy new clothes - heck, I have sweatpants that I still wear that are 20 years old!!! Of course there are things I do/have that are wasteful. It isn't possible to live without creating waste, but I try to minimize it if/when I can. I think it is important to be a conscious citizen. Think about the impact of your actions. Are you doing things to improve your community? It doesn't take a lot to make a little bit of a difference. |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
|
|
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · The Hay Loft · Next Topic » |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2





![]](http://z1.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)



... Just got home form the American Legion's Medal of Honor Recipient's Inaugural Ball (It was humbling, to say the least, to be in the same space as 50 of the 120-some living Medal of Honor winners) ... Those men have sacrificed life and limb for their fellow Solders, Sailors, Marines and Airmen on top of being the the forces that keep us free... and yet they receive a pittance of our tax dollars compared to other social programs...

all the volunteers at our hospital and anyone who can take the time to volunteer.
To all the volunteers.
It means I get to see my children and their friends during the day. And I get to hang out with the books, which I also love. 

12:37 PM Jul 11