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While being all we can be, flight, fight, win etc, many of us find time to volunteer in our community. Let me offer a few thoughts: volunteering often gets you in touch with civilian perspective and creates contacts that could lead to future employment. Volunteering can cover a gap between paying gigs and demonstrates that you are willing to contribute while you wait for your next big break.You can make your community one you want to live in. One connection can lead to another where you learn a transferable skill. Your vocabulary begins to incorporate civilian terms vs military acronyms. Learning a common language helps with resume building and interview skills necessary to make a smoother transition. There are so many different areas you can build new strengths or teach others what you know. IMHO, just like the idea that everyone should spend 2 years in military service, I believe everyone should find an area they can grow while volunteering. The photo I've included is from a theater listed on the historical registry and is in the midst of being restored to its former glory when the likes of Harry Houdini and Gypsy Rose Lee performed. A lot of big names come through and it is a nice size to feel warm and welcoming instead of huge and unnavigable. What are some positives you see? Where is your favorite place to volunteer?
Col Mike Burroughs, TSgt Hunter Logan, Jp4, SPC Mark Kasinki, LT Col Steven Ford, SMsgt Minister Gerald A Thompson, CSM Jane Baldwin, PVT James Strait
Col Mike Burroughs, TSgt Hunter Logan, Jp4, SPC Mark Kasinki, LT Col Steven Ford, SMsgt Minister Gerald A Thompson, CSM Jane Baldwin, PVT James Strait
Volunteering
Transition
Leadership Development
Community
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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There are so many different volunteer opportunities. A lot of them make use of military skills. I take it that Maj Kim Patterson is referring to transitioning AD personnel, but this subject applies to reservists and civilians equally.
There's CERT (disaster response teams composed of state-sponsored civilians), which is perfect for military because it's transferable to almost every city in the country.
If you're overseas, there are thousands of "virtual" opportunities that will allow you to practice skills, especially computer skills like web development, SEO/SEM, data analysis, research, or cyber defense. Check out internships.com - most listings are volunteerships rather than internships. Some are paid.
If you're AGR/ADOS/MILTECH, there's police reserves, which is perfect for those looking for deep gov't careers in national security upon their exit date.
Would be nice to get a list going on here. Lots of resources out there.
There's CERT (disaster response teams composed of state-sponsored civilians), which is perfect for military because it's transferable to almost every city in the country.
If you're overseas, there are thousands of "virtual" opportunities that will allow you to practice skills, especially computer skills like web development, SEO/SEM, data analysis, research, or cyber defense. Check out internships.com - most listings are volunteerships rather than internships. Some are paid.
If you're AGR/ADOS/MILTECH, there's police reserves, which is perfect for those looking for deep gov't careers in national security upon their exit date.
Would be nice to get a list going on here. Lots of resources out there.
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Honestly, I like that volunteering is encouraged in the military because most of us get stationed hundreds or thousands of miles away from home. While some of us do go back home when we drop the pack, others choose to plant roots where they were stationed so they can stay close to the military community. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to get to know a community you may not be quite familiar with. Personally my favorite places to volunteer are schools and helping children. I've got 2 girls who will soon be school aged, so this gives me a sneak peek at some of the programs schools have to offer the children.
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There are also several organizations out there that do a lot of work in the community. Organizations like the American Legion, VFW, Lions Club, Rotary Club, etc. are doing a lot in the community to help a number of causes. These organizations also have local community leaders, and politicians who are either members or support them. So they are a great way to network and also help make a difference at the same time.
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Maj Kim Patterson
Thank you for reminding us of these very important groups with long histories and connections to community leaders. Great networking opportunity!
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