Volunteering 😿: So I gave up helping at... - My MSAA Community

My MSAA Community

8,964 members β€’ 20,687 posts

Volunteering 😿

erash profile image
erash
β€’19 Replies

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 πŸ™

Perhaps I wasn't being realistic but it felt πŸ™ 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 πŸ‘Š

Written by
erash profile image
erash
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
19 Replies
β€’
Morllyn profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
CalfeeChickCommunityAmbassador

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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador

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 profile image
erash in reply to Jesmcd2

I did Jesmcd2

A bit to far to travel...

SueAB profile image
SueAB

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

erash profile image
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 πŸ˜‰)

greaterexp profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 πŸ‘ŠπŸ˜Š

jackiesj profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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.

You may also like...

Volunteering

I have decided that I would like to do so.e volunteer work in the community. I think most people...

Opportunities to volunteer 😊

my career, it's given me the opportunity to do some really great volunteer work. I spent this...

I'm a volunteer!

his dream job. I had only recently gone on a disability pension from the Canadian government. He...

Volunteer Ideas

you volunteer? Where CAN you volunteer? And how do you go about finding out? Jes🌠 ps. I volunteer...

Fun and easy volunteer opportunity

easy like looking at photos from webcams and identifying animals, transcribing war journals, and...