Saturday, October 01, 2005

Looking For Some New Work

I'm at a point in my life where I have some free time and would like to give something back. I've been doing a little research and decided to apply for some volunteer jobs that sounded interesting, rewarding, challenging, expanding.


I need to get the heck out of the house and away from my computer and these sounded like ways to that and possibly help someone out.

We'll see, I might not even be an acceptable candidate, but I thought it was worth applying.


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Volunteer Position Description Summary - "11th Hour Volunteer - Stay with patient who is actively dying because patient has no one or family is uncomfortable being alone.

* Requirement: Be willing to be called at the last minute. Must have experience being a Hospice volunteer and have taken the core training.

* Time commitment: Be available 4 – 6 hours assignments perhaps 6 times a year."


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Volunteer Position Description Summary - "Oral Histories Assist patients with life reviews.

* Requirement: Learn how to write or record life histories. Be a good listener and be non- judgmental. Attend our specialized class. Attend hospice volunteer classes.

* Time Commitment: 4 – 6 hours per patient. A guideline is for you to do six life reviews a year."


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Snohomish County : Volunteer : VGAL Program

The CASA/VGAL program provides court appointed special advocates for children who are victims or alleged victims of abuse or neglect.

Working with the judge, attorneys, and social workers, the CASA/VGAL helps to establish a secure place for these children, preventing further abuse and costs to the child and society down the road.

Specially trained volunteers are appointed by Superior Court judges to represent the children's best interests during dependency action brought against the parents.

Although attorneys previously handled this function, it has been shown that properly trained volunteers can more effectively serve the children's best interests in the dependency process. CASA/VGALs are not to be confused with Family Court Guardian ad Litems. CASA/VGALs do not represent either parent in a custody dispute due to divorce. CASA/VGALs represent the child only.

CASA/VGALs assume no financial, legal, or custodial responsibilities for the child. Their role is limited to gathering and presenting information and speaking on behalf of the dependent child in court. The Program's goal is to ensure that a child's right to a safe, permanent home is acted on by the court in a sensitive and expedient manner.