Where to volunteer in Austin, Texas?
May 19, 2012 8:14 PM Subscribe
Needed: Austin-area non-profits at which to volunteer my time.
The goal: to get into a top-20 MSW program with a focus on family and child welfare.
The method: volunteer! I applied two years ago to a program and was told that the only thing missing from my application was volunteer experience.
The trouble: I can't be a CASA because as far as I can tell, the time commitment is too big. (I work a 40 hour week). I can't volunteer for the state family and child welfare office because I already work there in an administrative position and the hours would conflict with my actual job.
Is there any place I can volunteer in the evenings or on weekends? Do any Austinites have experience with places that are especially awesome? Help!
(I've seen the related questions on this. Since what I'm looking for is a little more specific and those are dated, I'm asking again.)
The goal: to get into a top-20 MSW program with a focus on family and child welfare.
The method: volunteer! I applied two years ago to a program and was told that the only thing missing from my application was volunteer experience.
The trouble: I can't be a CASA because as far as I can tell, the time commitment is too big. (I work a 40 hour week). I can't volunteer for the state family and child welfare office because I already work there in an administrative position and the hours would conflict with my actual job.
Is there any place I can volunteer in the evenings or on weekends? Do any Austinites have experience with places that are especially awesome? Help!
(I've seen the related questions on this. Since what I'm looking for is a little more specific and those are dated, I'm asking again.)
The Get Involved section on KUT's website lists many organizations looking for volunteers. Maybe you can get some ideas there.
posted by Daddy-O at 9:12 PM on May 19, 2012
posted by Daddy-O at 9:12 PM on May 19, 2012
Looks like Austin has an affiliate of the Hands On network; generally these organizations offer flexible volunteering, with no set time commitment, and to have relationships with dozens of service agencies.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 5:21 AM on May 20, 2012
posted by Sweetie Darling at 5:21 AM on May 20, 2012
Best answer: I volunteered at Safeplace and it was great. You need to go through a 40 hour training (at nights and Saturday mornings), and my recollection is that you can get credit for this time spent.
They also have a ton of different programs and can use help in many different areas. Obviously, there is the hotline as referenced above. But you can also volunteer (as I did) for "house support", which is helping the workers in shelter itself at any time of day since it is open 24/7. You can also be on call for visits to the hospital for rape victims if needed or volunteer in the warehouse. There are many. many more programs (many for kids since the majority of Safeplace clients are the kids that come in with their battered parent) offered that I have not listed here that provide volunteer flexibility.
Also, on the volunteer training front...I was a bit daunted by committing to 40 hours of training and kind of dreaded it. Turned out that the training was fantastic. Safeplace is a top notch place and it is nowhere near "depressing" or sad--it is really a place of hope and recovery. Can't recommend it highly enough.
posted by murrey at 6:37 AM on May 20, 2012 [1 favorite]
They also have a ton of different programs and can use help in many different areas. Obviously, there is the hotline as referenced above. But you can also volunteer (as I did) for "house support", which is helping the workers in shelter itself at any time of day since it is open 24/7. You can also be on call for visits to the hospital for rape victims if needed or volunteer in the warehouse. There are many. many more programs (many for kids since the majority of Safeplace clients are the kids that come in with their battered parent) offered that I have not listed here that provide volunteer flexibility.
Also, on the volunteer training front...I was a bit daunted by committing to 40 hours of training and kind of dreaded it. Turned out that the training was fantastic. Safeplace is a top notch place and it is nowhere near "depressing" or sad--it is really a place of hope and recovery. Can't recommend it highly enough.
posted by murrey at 6:37 AM on May 20, 2012 [1 favorite]
One more thing..you can me mail me if you have any other questions.
posted by murrey at 6:38 AM on May 20, 2012
posted by murrey at 6:38 AM on May 20, 2012
Austin Harm Reduction Coalition is an amazing organization.
posted by jaksemas at 11:52 AM on May 20, 2012
posted by jaksemas at 11:52 AM on May 20, 2012
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posted by Devils Rancher at 8:54 PM on May 19, 2012