Voluntering

[wolfter]

I have volunteered at many agencies over the years and really enjoy the benefits I receive from doing so.  I decided it was time to step up to the plate and do my part with the AIDS crisis and contacted the CATF in Columbus.  

I spoke with the nicest person and I explained my experiences both professionally and personally and indicated I would like to help wherever my skills would be best utilized. She then explained the application process and the fee associated with them. It's only $10 and I will gladly pay it, but am a little taken back by it. I've never had to pay to volunteer any other place and I've worked with other agencies that required back ground checks and such.  

Is this becoming standard practice?

[leatherman]

http://www.catf.net/volunteer.html
the info says that fee is for the background check.

I think the fee sounds odd for a volunteer position; but I do applaud you for making the effort to offer your services. I know this past year of working for my ASO and the SC task force has been rewarding. I'm certain I'm making a small difference in the way our government budgets for this disease and it's treatment; and I know that my prevention and education efforts have made a small difference in the infection rate and community stigma. On a personal level, not only has volunteering given me something to fill the hours but it's given those hours a purpose.

You're welcome to move down here to SC where I think we're #8 with the highest new infections, plus we have an ADAP waiting list. We'll put you to work in my ASO (Catawba Care) in Rock Hill and/or on the SC HIV/AIDS Task Force - with no fee!

[wolfter]

I could only live there for 3 months out of the year.  I don't do heat well at all.  I love my winter weather!  But thanks for the offer.  Perhaps a visit the next time I head to FL.

[leatherman]

I love my winter weather!  But thanks for the offer.  Perhaps a visit the next time I head to FL.

I must admit that I miss the snow after these past 25 yrs up in the Cleveland/Canton area. A year and a half back, and I'm still having some culture shock. (Oh god! I miss Yankees because they don't talk so funny LOL). If you go to FL to see your mom via 77, I'm living on the same side of the highway here in SC as I was up in OH, so stop in.

I am curious to hear other comments about this fee. Maybe after the CATF accepts you, you can ask and find out more. Perhaps that agency, in a big city, has had more problems that say a place like the hick agencies here in rural SC. Although I was talking about this with a few friends and we've never heard of any agency (breast cancer, schools, hospital, hospice, etc) charging a fee of it's volunteers.

[Ann]

I would venture to say that in today's economic climate, they're charging the fee so as to not eat up funds that could be put to better use.

Charging the fee would weed out potential time-wasters who volunteer but only show up once or twice before disappearing. Background checks, while not terribly expensive, do cost money and if that money is spent on someone who just disappears, well, it's a waste. This way even if they do disappear, it is at no overhead cost to the organisation.

It wouldn't surprise me if more agencies are doing this now days.

[Joe K]

I would venture to say that in today's economic climate, they're charging the fee so as to not eat up funds that could be put to better use.

It wouldn't surprise me if more agencies are doing this now days.

Given how stretched HIV services are in America, nothing surprises me anymore. At one time, we gave dinners and parties for volunteers, to acknowledge their contributions to the cause and now we charge them for background checks? Something is horribly wrong with this picture. HIV services are being squeezed from both the top, through underfunding and the bottom, by having to charge volunteers so they can donate their time. What a truly sad development.

[Jeff G]

The zoo where I live wanted a 45 dollar a year and a 60 hour a year commitment in order to volunter .

I have complications from being POZ so long , I never know how Im going to feel each day until I face it so voluntering at a place where they really need and count on me is not the best idea , I have found other ways to be of service and help out when I can .