Randomly threw myself into the world of politics and marketing

[Neil Morton]

Among the volunteer work I have done is driving for the partially blind, cooking snags for the local Softball Assoc. and a couple of others, but the most recent was a disappointment. I signed on for the local Seaman's Mission only to find I was amongst a bunch of fuddy duddy religious nutters. None of whom had been to sea. Needless to say I'm back cooking snags for the young 'uns.

You are all correct when you say helping people is rewarding, you just have to pick the right group.

[j.sabourn]

#8... Stephen I did not mean to say I was not a volunteer as you imply, I said I did not volunteer for anything. I am a member of one of the biggest charitable organizations in the world, and do not have to volunteer for anything as just get charitable jobs to do, without volunteering. I never volunteer out of principle knowing 9 times out of 10 it would interfere with other committments. I know our society depends on outside of government funded jobs. Unfortuanetly if there wasnt people like yourself and others we would be a lot poorer off. Keep up the good wrk. Cheers John S

[Keith at Tregenna]

I'm sorry but you are very wrong about volunteer work.

For one example: The Scout Association is very important to me, I have been a member since age 10 and have since risen to manage a cub pack of 25 cubs on a weekly basis as the Head cub scout leader. I don't get paid, and I'm certainly out of pocket for my participation in scouting. But It wouldn't exist without the countless volunteers like me, giving kids experiences they would never have the opportunity to experience or the confidence that brings. Your cynicism can be calmed by the fact that I actually get a lot of reward from it, just immaterial.

It's not about "being a mug working for nothing" - It's about having belief in the intrinsic value of the work you do that no capitalist/bottom line society would pay for.

My best ever mate, gives more than a 100 percent to SCOUTING, back him and family, the Same. K.

[happy daze john in oz]

Among the volunteer work I have done is driving for the partially blind, cooking snags for the local Softball Assoc. and a couple of others, but the most recent was a disappointment. I signed on for the local Seaman's Mission only to find I was amongst a bunch of fuddy duddy religious nutters. None of whom had been to sea. Needless to say I'm back cooking snags for the young 'uns.

You are all correct when you say helping people is rewarding, you just have to pick the right group.

Neil, sounds as if you have been to Port Melbourne, Flinders street extention to the mission. Yes it is a bit of an odd spot these days but they still do a lot of good work, but on a Sunday............................

[robpage]

Theere are a lot of worthwhilst good causes , but if you get an interview ,Stephen then I would suggest that , you show your love for scouting as something you are ready to move on from , It is a rope that you will have to cast off , I interviewed a young lad for a job once in a factory working a seven day week , he was a good candidate , except he had a passion for Sunday Leauge Football , when asked how he would cope with sunday Shifts , he had worked it out , he would juggle his shift times , ask his workmates for favours , and combine his job and his love of football together , I never found out if his plot worked someone more suitable came along . So remember , you need the skills that Scouting has brought you , but you will be waway for six months at a time , and will have to convey that it will not affect you .