SO YOU THINK IT’S EASY TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER?

SO YOU THINK IT’S EASY TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER?

Life has taught me a number of irrefutable truths. The number one lesson I have learned is that, “No one wants to be told what they should do, about anything, by anyone.” For example, I should not tell you to read further, but I break that rule with every blog entry. Secondly, I have learned that, “Nothing is easy.” That truth was vividly reinforced when I decided to seek a volunteer job. What could be difficult about that?

After a lengthy search for volunteer opportunities, I decided that I would volunteer with a “Seniors Helping Seniors” organization. I thought a simple email or phone call to apply would result in me being on the job in a matter of a day or two. Six weeks later, I am still working through the application process to offer my services to help someone less fortunate than myself, with no renumeration. I am one step away from completing the ten step process. 

Of course, I needed to make a trip to a local police station to apply for a Police Information Check. It was necessary to explore the data bases of the RCMP, CIA, MI5, FBI and probably the Dark Web to see if I was associated with any criminal activities during my exciting life’s work as a teacher. I am still waiting for the decision.

I was then required to confirm that I was a responsible driver, as my volunteer work would involve some short distance driving. I had to submit a copy of my driver’s license, a 5 year Driver’s Abstract listing all of my driving infractions and proof that I possessed adequate insurance in case of accident. I hope that my ticket for driving 40 kph in a 30 kph school zone at 7:30 pm in a pitch black December evening when it was minus 30 degrees will not nullify my application. (I did not chose to challenge my ticket on the grounds that there were no children within ten miles of the playground in the subzero darkness.)

I have just completed a half hour online training module on working with seniors, am signed up to attend an hour training session and am required to review and study the 25 page volunteer manual before I am deemed worthy. Several forms dealing with confidentiality, rules of behaviour and conduct, and an agreement to follow the guidelines provided, had to be signed. I was fully expecting to have to sign an organ donation card, leave a stool sample and a vial of blood in order to start volunteering, but it was not required. 

Finally, when all of the requirements have been completed and I have passed them all, I will be able to assist a needy senior with their grocery shopping every two weeks. I shudder to think of what would be required if I had to assist them every week! 

I seriously do not object to the very close scrutiny and vetting that is required when applying for a volunteer job, but it is a concrete example to confirm Ken’s Second Truth, “Nothing is easy!”