Volunteer Work

United States
September 8, 2010 7:05pm CST
I started doing this remotely via computer for different companies but never got any real results. So I decided last month to help this non-profit get their social media standing up to par. It's work I'm familiar with but would like to get some outside experience. The organization wants first for me to proof and submit press releases for a one-time event to media outlets. They had no media contacts. I had to pull a list from online and work from there. There was a little work involved and I enjoyed it until I came in one day last week and was told that my way was outdated and that there's software that can do the same job - AFTER IT WAS 99% COMPLETED. All this rubbed me the wrong way and I felt I was better off staying at home and taking care of my own business. I told them that my method cost them nothing and in some cases, they were able to see the results, also my listing was a lot better than what they were working with. The last person they had just left the job with no notice or anything. The good part is that there is another non-profit that is much more organized and have more flexible schedule since I'm back to punching a clock next week. I told the original non-profit that I can work from home since they operate during the day only. In the meantime, it's almost like they are happy to be disorganized and wait until the last minute realize things. It makes me want to not have anything else to do with them but I promised that I would see it to the end. What do you think?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@magtibaygom (4858)
• Philippines
9 Sep 10
Reading your story, I was disgusted by the first non-profit organization you tried to work with. How come they are not appreciative of your work and take note that you are just working as a volunteer with them? Where's the spirit of gratitude in them? Gone?
• United States
9 Sep 10
The thing is that I'm trying to be understanding as re-learn how to be a team player. I keep re-playing that moment and I just tell myself 'Maybe it came out wrong?' Like if a person is five feet tall and obviously overweight, you don't just call them "Stubby". Furthermore, I tried to explain that sending out mass mailings does not guarantee placement as every media outlet has a different directive for sending them out. Someone else may have more experience but the thing is that I was the person who actually got the ball rolling in that area. They will not pay someone to do this :(
• United States
9 Sep 10
I volunteer at Comic Conventions and at my university. I love volunteer work. You do get rewards, but in a different way.