Volunteering ain't all it's cut out to be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at becoming a CASA.

This. Serious commitment, well run programs, you make a profound difference in a child's life.

Not for everyone, but one of the single best things I ever did with my time and energy.

County based but you can find your local chapter and tons of info here: https://nationalcasagal.org/

Great national organization but the Montgomery County program rejects most people who apply. They have applicants sit through the classes and then turn down most people and won’t even tell them why.

It’s like a club, unfortunately.

This is not true.

Montgomery County program is actively seeking volunteers (there are always more kids to serve). They do have a very robust screening program, as they should. They will turn people down for many good reasons, and might not explain why as very sensitive information or feelings could be at play.

Reasons why people might not be accepted and might not be given an explicit explanation:
- references felt they were not a good fit for the program
- personal feelings (or agenda) the individual was unable to put aside
- personal history that could color an individual's ability to be unbiased/objective
- individual really wants to be a foster or adoptive parent and is hoping that the CASA role would be a means to an end
- observed behavior/interactions during the training sessions
- individual only willing to work with children of specific demographics

It is not a "club" - you don't develop strong connections with other volunteers, you aren't selected based on social desirability, and it isn't designed to broaden your social network. It is very serious work that is undertaken, and people bring their own baggage to the work. So they have to rigorously screen in order to protect the kids and the integrity of the program. Part of what makes it such a rewarding volunteer experience is that it is serious work, and there is a well-trained professional staff overseeing everything.

I am very sorry if the pp was rejected by CASA, but if they weren't given a reason then something occurred to indicate they would not be a good fit in this role.

Yikes, that would be awful if the CASA thinks they are going to adopt the child

Well, often people applying to be CASAs are aware of the program because of some prior interaction with a CASA or with the legal system regarding kids. So their ultimate goal might be to become parents, and they have wonderful intentions. But because of their ultimate goal they may not be clear-headed enough for a CASA role.

Alternatively, one can be a CASA and be subjected to significant pressure to become the solution, rather than advocating for the solution, for a child. More than once in my role as a CASA I had a social worker, foster parent, group home staff person or family member say something like "if you believe in this kid then you adopt him/her - you should be the solution, not us..." It's inappropriate but it happens. Similarly, the goal of the system is family reunification - and that can be difficult to advocate for if a child has been removed from a harmful family environment. So a CASA really has to be able to navigate very fraught waters, and if I bring my own personal agenda/dreams/opinions to the role it's a problem.

[Anonymous]

Match with a new refugee family and help them in any way you like or can. Collecting donations, helping with job hunting, English conversations, signing up for benefits, learning the new bus route….etc. The virtual community of volunteers is very supportive.

https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/i-was-a-stranger-and-you-welcomed-me

“These were ordinary people going about a big task by ordinary means.”
— Malcolm Gladwell

https://www.irocenter.org/

[Anonymous]

Fairfaxcasa.org - info session 7/13.

It’s a tough position but meaningful- the posts about it being a clique do not ring true to me.

[Anonymous]

Seconding the recommendation for A Wider Circle--they have always struck me as particularly tuned in to the needs of volunteers, and to matching different volunteers with meaningful work.

For longer-term/longer-hours, look for an AmeriCorps Seniors position--can't say enough good things about this life-changing organization. Good luck finding the perfect match!
https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps-seniors