Karen Taylor: Bridge to Volunteering Presenter with The Centre for Volunteering
"From my experience working as a Bridge to Volunteering Presenter with The Centre for Volunteering, I have gone from being frightened of taking risks to 'having a go'. I have learnt to say 'I can!' instead of 'I can't!' and I have found the volunteering experience incredibly rewarding. I challenge anyone to do something positive for themselves and others!"
In 2002, I rang The Centre for Volunteering and asked them about what was involved in becoming a volunteer. They suggested I attend the two hour Bridge to Volunteering seminar held every Friday morning. The seminar I attended was informative and, I must admit, my first thought of what volunteering involved was visiting people in nursing homes or serving in a Salvation Army shop—not that there it is anything wrong with that, as Seinfeld would say—but I was amazed at the different types of volunteer positions that were available.
There were positions available in fields as varied as counselling, designing web sites, acting, tutoring, community radio, photography, being tour guides for the ABC or art galleries or museums, and helping deaf children with sign language. You could also work on special events and get involved in festivals, fundraisers and street fairs for City to Surf, Clean Up Australia Day and the Royal Easter Show.
After resigning from working in the same job for over 28 years I then went from working five days a week to literally nothing and the days just drifted into each other. I had no self-confidence and was frightened of 'taking risks' in my working and personal life. I went . I wasn't ready to throw myself back into office work in a hurry and so I thought seriously about volunteering.
I attended a second two-hour Bridge to Volunteering talk and, while watching the speaker presenting the information, I thought that would be something I'd like to do. I applied for the position of Bridge to Volunteering Presenter, passed the interview and attended some extensive training. I remember presenting my own first Bridge to Volunteering talk, I was very nervous (lucky they couldn't see my knees shaking!), my heart was beating so fast, but I thought if this is the worst it gets, then that's okay. I felt a sense of achievement. From there, I was sent to various high schools to talk on the benefits of volunteering in front of about 100 students at a time.
As well as presenting the Bridge to Volunteering, I now regularly visit schools, attend various expos and give talks to groups and as a result of my involvement I have even secured a paid position as well – something I had only dreamed of achieving in the past.
The experience
What are the benefits of volunteering for me? I feel valued—volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. It's a challenge—I've had the opportunity to try something I probably would never have had the chance to do in the paid workforce. I have met some wonderful people I normally wouldn't have met. It has broadened my outlook on life. It also looks good on my résumé and, if you are in between jobs, it gently eases you back into the workforce.Did Karen inspire you to volunteer? Find out how you can become a volunteer.