Volunteering 😿

[erash]

So I gave up helping at birds of prey. Once I mentioned I had MS and might have limitations I felt like they kept looking for my disabilities and seeing me as an ET alien. I kept at it for 6 mos. and made the decision to stop when another opportunity arose.

I applied to volunteer at an equine therapy organization that helps disabled kids and adults (I think some of u participate in this). They said volunteers do assorted activities to include grooming, mucking, painting fences, walking with the horses and you could pick what, when and duration of participation.

But when I completed the app. And under physical limitations identified occasional balance problems due to MS, they turned me down 🙁

Perhaps I wasn't being realistic but it felt 🙁 And flawed that MS was again limiting my life choices.

I know I should be grateful that's have the ability that I could even contemplate doing this --and I am, but it seems I am not ready to fully accept the limitations of MS 👊

[Morllyn]

Keep trying erash , it seems they are the ones with the problem, not you. You know what your limitations are and have always been up front with them, at least on here, so just be up front with them but let your enthusiasm show through.

[rlh1974]

erash totally unlike! Thats is a total let down! I try my best at working isn a Saturday mentor program for 2-5 graders! It is amazing. Don't know if inner city troubled youth are your thing. But I am sure there has got to be a kids program you can try! They are small cute, fun and sometimes funny! Just like grandkids!!!!! Lol! I pray you find something!

Praying,

Rob

[erash in reply to rlh1974]

Thanks! rlh1974

I'm already working with third-graders and just volunteered to start with three-year-olds (OMG). All are underserved and a delight!

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

Sorry that's been happening to your efforts to volunteer. You are so caring for animals, birds, and us here too. You were probably turned down because the have to think of liability issues. Just wish they'd take a chance on you. It's their loss.

[erash]

CalfeeChick i'm sure liability issues. But I thought perhaps because they work with disabled they would be more open to the idea.

[SueAB]

Oh, erash ! You have so much to offer and just need to find the right niche! Remember DEGU - Don't Ever Give Up!

[jennie62]

erash

I agree with all the replies you've received and don't know how to give you better. One thing I've learned is everything happens for a reason, so when you're not looking the right thing will produce itself to you/drop in your hands.

Jennie

p.s. even though I think the places you have been volunteering/want to volunteer are not giving you the benefit of the doubt for the wrong reason. SueAB is right DEGU!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

erash I have to say it is there loss! Have you tried the aspca.org in your area? I'm sure they are looking for volunteers.😊

J 🌠

[erash in reply to Jesmcd2]

I did Jesmcd2

A bit to far to travel...

[SueAB]

Hey, erash! It looks like you enjoy volunteering with animals. Have you ever considered the Humane Society or a no kill rescue?

[erash in reply to SueAB]

I just rescued/adopted 2 kittens SueAB

Humane society is a bit far and I'm afraid I'd end up foster/adopting more critters...hence birds of prey and horses (can't easily take them home) 😊

But maybe when the kitties are older (don't tell my husband 😉)

[greaterexp]

erash , how frustrating for you! I'm sorry. It's hard to imagine being turned down for volunteer positions, but you obviously have a lovely, giving heart.

I've enjoyed being a volunteer reading to kindergarteners. The school is close by, most of the kids are grateful for the one on one time, and their comments are so precious! The program I'm involved in doesn't demand much and is flexible to accommodate me missing a day here or there if I'm not doing well.

I know there must be a good match for you where you can nurture and give of yourself, yet not push you too hard physically. You're too kind and intelligent with so much to offer, so please don't give up.

[erash in reply to greaterexp]

greaterexp

I love the kids too. I'm volunteering with 3rd graders and just signed up with 3 yr olds (omg!).

I also do 2 things with seniors. I'm visiting a 91 yr. old woman tomorrow morning for a "friendly" visit with a group called neighbor networks. I also go to a senior daycare.

Giving to others, animals or people, is really very selfish. It gives back to you in bushels 😊

[goatgal]

erash as moribund says, the problem is theirs. Everyone has limitations. Theirs are apparently an inability to see others clearly, to problem solve, to value all contributors from an diverse array of willing helpers.

[goatgal]

erash As morilyn says, the problem is theirs. We all have limitations. Theirs apparently are an inability to see beyond the edges of their form, to see all volunteer help as a gift, to see roles for each one of us to perform.

[erash]

Thanks! goatgal

I think they were concerned about liability and protecting their organization. I guess I assumed since their focus was serving the disabled they would be more open to the idea of someone with a disability still being able to contribute. I guess I was wrong?

Initially I felt hurt but there's so much I/we can offer. MS is the gift that lets you know just how strong you truly are 👊😊

[jackiesj]

This is so hard.It may not be your limitiations, even you but..may be their insurance.For volunteers they still have to cover that part.You might ask why?They aren't suppose to discriminate even if they just give you work where you do office is still so beneficial.At the shelter I restrict myself but ive been there for a long time...kinda grandmothered in...Birds of Prey, awesome to have that under your belt.I would ask....and offer again.They see limits all the time.Now I would ask with great respect, if you had returned from a war with same issues.....would they have said, no?

[Fattius]

Im so sorry the limitations of us all seem to be so different, but reminding us doesnt make our self worth a breeze! I'm more than sympathetic to this fact! Sorry as it was said earlier we all have our ways of coping but a reminder of this only makes it harder!

[ssdw1958]

If your not ready for giving in and you still can do the things you want to. I say don't give in and for those people who keep on steering at you, that's there problem not yours.