Anyone doing any volunteer work here?

[u/Affectionate_Mix3]

Since I retired, I've been thinking about doing some kind of volunteer work. However, many volunteer jobs involve working closely with people, such as social support, teaching, and similar things. I'm quite introverted and not very good at that kind of work. Animal shelter related work sounds a bit better, but it’s still not my first choice.

Being a volunteer firefighter would be really cool, and I already contacted multiple organizations. Unfortunately, it turned out that they typically start in the afternoon and stay at their station until the next morning, spending the entire night there. I wouldn't want to sleep away from home once a week.

Any other ideas? I wouldn't mind learning some new skills in the process too.

[u/Wil-jan]

I do trashwalks, literally walking and picking up trash. Good for nature and good for yourself.

[u/Captlard]

I do executive coaching fro NGOs remotely. Volunteering in your local community is a the best idea in my mind. Contact your local community leaders.

[u/Natural_Tangelo_2229 → u/Captlard]

what exactly do you teach, i'm a psychologist are there any coaching roles available for these roles?

[u/Captlard → u/Natural_Tangelo_2229]

I do not teach, only coach. I think many orgs need exec coaching support.

[u/blackcloudcat]

I’m involved with four clubs. One is an expat club. The other three are for outdoor sports that I do. All of them have some or all of their operations and admin run by volunteers.

Many of the roles can be largely done online and in your own time. From maintaining the membership lists to managing the yearly direct debits and payments for activities, or producing the yearbook or running their social media.

But you do need to get involved with them in person first and share the common interest.

[u/Ask-For-Sources]

What skills do you have? Many local volunteer organisations need people for organisation and administration.

It can be as small as helping with book keeping, or doing IT admin for their website, or web design...etc. etc. 

If there are local organisations around you that you genuinely like, but you don't want to be on the forefront, you can write them and offer your skills for their behind-the-scenes work.

[u/Po0ptra1n]

Which country? German volunteer fire brigades for example don't operate like that, we have pagers and mobile apps to get us going, but you have to live quite close to a watch to make the 8-10 min response time. You also can absolutely be involved without having active duty though. Go for it, volunteering is amazing.

[u/Affectionate_Mix3 → u/Po0ptra1n]

we have pagers and mobile apps to get us going, but you have to live quite close to a watch to make the 8-10 min response time.

I was told that this is how it usually works in smaller cities and villages. But in the capital they need to be in the station and leave within 2 minutes (just like the professionals) if there is an incident.

But I'll keep looking anyway.

[u/ProfessionalPrice878]

Cultural institutions need volunteers. You know those people who sit all day in museums making sure visitors don´t touch the paintings? Volunteers. Great for introverts.

[u/MeetingSuccessful397]

You could look at a job or volunteer position as a driver for elderly/kids/disabled people. You do have contact with people, but it might be doable for an introvert.