Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Volunteering - hmm

The company I work for does a great deal of volunteering work - which I think is great. I think its great that the company provides opportunities to volunteer in areas that are close to us, both physically (like in the neighborhood over) and otherwise (ideologically? theoretically? intellectually?)
That said, I don't feel behooved at all to take part and I wonder if that's not the way its supposed to be. Am I supposed to feel pressured to take part in a project just because my department is supporting it? Does our workplace come into our lives so much so that it dictates how we volunteer our time? And is it selfish that I want to keep that time to myself - and is it so bad to be that selfish? Am I purposely setting myself outside of the company culture - and is that ok?
Don't get me wrong - I'm not against helping out in the community. Although I will say that when it comes to working with complete strangers, I'd much rather cut them a check. Especially with children - I'm not so great with children. I treat my own more like an adult that I probably should. Well, and disabled adults, or adults that are mentally or emotionally disturbed, which is usually the groups of people you work with when you volunteer.
Agreed that these are great projects, even necessary, one might say. But not every time do I have to say, "Well if no one else will do it, I suppose I will."
People always complain that they never have time for themselves. I do like to make time for myself, and reserve time for myself, and I don't think that I should be ashamed to say it. It's not selfish, its healthy.
Volunteering should make you feel good - this type of thing never does make me feel good. I mean, I would love to volunteer, lets say - at a charity gift shop where you get to see all sorts of cool used stuff. Or at the Jewish Agency Archives - whoo hooo! That's my retirement "job".
I think I'll leave the dealing with children and strange adults to those who get more out of it. Hope that's ok.

That said - one of my favorite Ani Difranco quotes is:
'cause i know the biggest crime
is just to throw up your hands
say
this has nothing to do with me
i just want to live as comfortably as i can
you got to look outside your eyes
you got to think outside your brain
you got to walk outside you life
to where the neighborhood changes


Something to think about. How do I incorporate this into my life?

1 comment:

Leah Goodman said...

#1. Some companies encourage volunteering by giving you a few hours on the clock. If they're not doing that, then you're not obligated.

#2. If you don't have enough time for yourself and your family, then blah on the volunteering.