Life on My Own Terms

…and am just going to put it out there.

In January, I volunteered for four hours with an organization. I love the concept behind where I volunteered and the proceeds benefit their larger mission. Unfortunately, it was unorganized and I felt like most of us were in the way instead of being helpful.

Fast forward to today – I’m going back from 11 AM to 5 PM and have committed to the same time slot on the third Saturday of each of the next three months.

I desperately want to do nothing more today than sit here on the couch with my coffee and eventually do some knitting. I’ve even considered calling in with a “family emergency.” I’m also questioning whether or not this is the right volunteer opportunity for me. I don’t want to resent the org and I know they desperately need help.

Here’s my issue: While I understand that everything is done on a shoestring and is pretty disorganized, at least acknowledge your volunteers and give forethought to what you want them to do during their time. What’s the point in having a volunteer coordinator if no one is coordinating what they do when they volunteer?

I didn’t experience that. At the very least,  I would like to be thanked for my time. To me, that is common courtesy.

Maybe I’m expecting too much…