What is a good way of getting word out in to the community that I want to help people?

Question

Hello! Basically I am moving to a city soon, and want to help people there who are in need of company, simple education, handywork, fundraising, a bit like MacGyver or the A-Team (without a multi-tool or machine-guns repsectively).

Anything from helping an elderly person get their shopping to chipping in when a youth club needs a fresh l**k of paint.

How can I get the word out that I want to help, without belonging to one specific charity?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Contact the various charities, councils and youth clubs etc directly.

Although, be aware that most organisations will require you to 'register' or whatever their procedure is. This is because you could be in contact with vulnerable people, or in peoples homes and it's not very responsible for organisations to send 'strangers' into vulnerable peoples homes or put them in contact with children.

Answer 2

Hey Dan!

My sugestion would be to put an ad in the newspaper or you can stick notices up asking for work.

Good Luck and I hope you like it there!

:)

Answer 3

I think I can help with your problem, it starts with googleing the city and state of were your moving to, then look up events that are coming up and find the person in charge, tell them you would be happy to help,  recycling centers will always have charitable people who usually work at other places as well, strike up a conversation with the people there and if they start to talk about other charitable jobs volunteer with them, this also helps to make new friends in your comunity. be a friendly person and always do your best, you'll be asked to help another time if you do.

Answer 4

contact various charities of your choice and tell them what you can do and when you might be available--great idea

Answer 5

look in local papers see who needs voluntary work, this may lead on to other things you can help with.

Answer 6

Contact the local voluntary office:

http://www.do-it.org.uk/

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/J...

http://www.volunteering.org.uk/

It would not be safe for you or the other person to not go through an organisation.  If you are religious you might want to contact your local place of worship too.

Answer 7

try asking the goverment about it, if doesnt work ring up in help call line

Answer 8

Actions speak louder than words.  Just getting out and finding projects or things that need doing and rolling up your sleeves and doing them will send your message loud and clear.

Look for community projects in the area in which you can participate, go by the local Chamber of Commerce or other community organizations and get your name added to their e-mail or mailing lists as a volunteer.  Join local organizations such as Kiwanis or Optimists who participate in a variety of projects.  Or find a need in the community and work at organizing your own project.

You may have to start small at first and build a network of folks who recognize your sincerity and talents.  In this day and age, people like you are few and faw between and most have come to associate community service with court-ordered.  You may have to build trust and respect with some, and work within the systems and heirarchies of existing organizations so that you don't duplicate services or "steal their thunder".  Be prepared to start with the menial behind-the-scenes tasks first, and don't get your feelings hurt if someone questions your motives or methods.

Do you belong to a particular faith?  Most church congregations also conduct lots of ministries and outreach projects.  Connect to people of like faith, and you will likely find others doing things just as you described where you can sign up to help.