What do you do and does it feel like you're making a difference? My job does that but I don't feel like I am all the time. I wonder if volunteering somewhere on the side will help and make me feel useful again though I know I'm doing it anyways.

When I wasn't working, all I could think about was working.

So, no.

I actually meant on their days off or after work or something.... but I know what you mean. I wanted to work right away and not volunteer, though it's actually a really good way to get into the workforce, but I wasn't having it. And though I'm in it right now, I have a lot of free time and end up feeling depressed all the time and bored, so need to find something to do with that time instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself.

Yes. For the past four years I've volunteered at a major art museum in New York. I lead at least four tours a month (usually 2 tours on 2 days - 2 hours) to museum visitors. In addition, I attend monthly professional development training sessions (2 hours) where we discuss best approaches and practice touring strategies. Recently, we've also started learning more about giving accessibility tours for partially-sighted/blind and deaf communities.

The museum where I volunteer has a very different philosophy on tours so we are not allowed to lecture/memorize and talk about 10-15 works per tour; we are supposed to facilitate a discussion about only a few works per tour. If the group talks about the art more than I do, I'm doing a good job! In addition to the time spent actually giving tours, I spend several hours (10+) preparing each time we have a new exhibtion - attending the curatorial overviews, reading the catalogue and relevant essays, looking at the exhibition, choosing my works, and actually developing my tour. Even though I don't get paid, I (and the museum) take it very seriously. I have formal, annual evaluations and a contract that sets out exactly what is expected in terms of committment. I also have to agree to abide by the museum's Code of Ethics.

When I lived in Chicago, I was also a volunteer guide for two years at an art museum where I worked.

I absolutely love it! I have a Master's degree in Modern Art/Critical theory so this gives me a chance to put my academic background to use. I love that every 3 months or so, I get to learn in depth about an artist or art style that perhaps I didn't know much about. I've learned so much about politics, culture, history, etc. that I would have never known without art history. I love getting to meet people from all over the world, who have different backgrounds and levels of knowledge about art, and talk with them about something I feel is important. With modern and contemporary art, there is always the possibility of the "that's not art, my dog could do that" comment. I love when someone on my tour has what I call the "a ha" moment and realize that they do understand that crazy art and they don't need to feel intimidated by contemporary art.

Two other great perks are that I get an ID badge from the museum which allows me to get into pretty much any museum in the US for free and we get free exhibition catalogues for each show.

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[Edited 2/4/12 6:46am]

Ive volunteer'd at Choc Hospital Orange County CA

those brave kids, to lose em is heart wrenching.

[img:$uid]http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/jonwolslau/Choc.gif[/img:$uid]

[Edited 2/4/12 10:21am]

Now is the FIRST time I'm not volunteering somewhere. I've ALWAYS volunteered....even when I worked and attended school, I still volunteered.

If its something you feel passionate about, that you enjoy, it will not feel as if you are doing something "extra"....it will just fullfill you if you are missing that feeling of fullfillment.

i am looking into volunteering with our church in the park, it helps the homeless in our community.

Sometimes, different things, mostly something with kids, after school stuff. I miss it when I'm not doing anything, but sometimes a parttime job or school take up the time so I get away from it for a while. Recently, I've been looking to volunteer at our local elementary science center, but I've got to go through some courses first.

jone70 said:

Yes. For the past four years I've volunteered at a major art museum in New York. I lead at least four tours a month (usually 2 tours on 2 days - 2 hours) to museum visitors.

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[Edited 2/4/12 6:46am]

I combine my volunteering with my work.

Today we volunteered a workshop to help Scouts get their Art Merit badges.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/IMAG1034.jpg[/img:$uid]

I've worked with make a wish.

I also done some work for Ronald McDonald House.

Both things are so much fun.

Wow, you guys do some really great things. I haven't volunteered properly in about 6 years, though 3-4 years ago, I was volunteering short term at different places, though I didn't realize it was for the wrong reasons. So I'm trying to find something that will not make me feel like a robot.

I've volunteered for about 3 years now editing the City's youth magazine, but I'm not finding it enjoyable anymore but I love the kids, they are so great. Not sure what to do...

johnart said:

jone70 said:

Yes. For the past four years I've volunteered at a major art museum in New York. I lead at least four tours a month (usually 2 tours on 2 days - 2 hours) to museum visitors.

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[Edited 2/4/12 6:46am]

yes i do - even when i do work, its good to make time ~ if u dont do it or never tried u should just once!

[Edited 2/6/12 8:15am]

My work gives everyone one day a year to go volunteer somewhere. I used mine to volunteer at a food bank and the work there was far harder than my job, and far more rewarding. It was mainly sorting food/ donations, washing out and packing coolers for kids' lunches, etc. Totally worthwhile.

Almost all the theatre I do is considered volunteer work, because the groups I work with are all 501(c)3.

Genesia said:

Almost all the theatre I do is considered volunteer work, because the groups I work with are all 501(c)3.

Same here. My theatre work is volunteer. Been pushing about 13-20 hours a week past month or so. So it's not too bad at all. + I love theatre.