Monday 4 February 2013

Volunteering and the Social Worker



Hi Everyone,

I hate to keep apologising for not keeping my blog up to date but this time I have the perfect excuse and it`s not related to work!

I have raised my hand to the call of volunteering.  So now in the midst of taking an online course for work I am also volunteering every week with youths and trying to get another youth volunteering project off the ground.  But it dosen`t really feel like volunteering since I am having a lot of fun and I am passionate about helping children and youth.

Also, on another brighter note, I am now in the process of resurrecting my social and romantic life. It has been years since I have felt connected to my community, which includes making an effort to establish good friendships, or even have the energy to date - as these are just a few of the things that being employed in the wrong social work job can rob you of.  When all your physical and mental energy is taken up by your job and you have nothing left to give, it makes having a well rounded life nearly impossible.  And I can`t tell you enough of what a positive effect that having a good social work job is having on my life.  I actually WANT to help others on my free time!  But I also have clearly defined my boundaries when it comes to volunteering.  I volunteer with a positive organization and although I have responsibility regarding the youth, I am mostly just expected to be a listening ear for them and an activity companion.  I can easily do that!  And for the other volunteer project I am working on, it`s for at-risk youth but I am participating in a committee member capacity which allows me to utilize my previous front line child welfare experience.

A year ago I would never have imagined having the time or ability to be volunteering but when these opportunities came up, I chose them and I did not let them chose me!