Project Sledgehammer

Career Volunteering in the US with Career Volunteering, Inc.'s 'Project Sledge Hammer'

For anyone interested in doing voluntary work in the US, the following Volunteer Statements, will give you some fantastic ideas. Some of the Volunteers also share their feelings, which give you some idea of the wonderful benefits to be gained from just getting in there and having a go.

Please note, Career Volunteering also have a large information base, including streaming audio about goal setting, career planning and an informative tutorial on how to find a career volunteering opportunity.

"Here are some success stories about Project Sledgehammer, a project of Career Volunteering, which is volunteering on a real personal level. These young adults did some real problem BASHING."
Mark Stefanick, Founder; Project Sledge Hammer.

Animal Care

"Currently volunteering at the Hawaiian Human Society for sheltered animals and The Honolulu Zoological Society."
- Shellie K. (Pre-vet Major providing time and expertise at an animal hospital.)

Community Care Work with the Elderly

"I have been volunteering for three weeks now and I really like being able to meet and help people in the community. I have seven clients who are over fifty-five and are low income. I like meeting new people especially seniors because they are so knowledgeable and I always learn something new about life."
- Rene A. (Community Collaborative Studies Major assisting low income seniors.)

Computer Technical Support Volunteering

"I really enjoy volunteering at Protonic.com. I can put my skills to use, help people, learn, gain experience for future paid jobs, and have fun doing it. I really enjoy the automatic mentor and quality assurance aspect. As an initial technician, all emails are reviewed by quality assurance and bounced back to you if you need to add to or modify your message. It is a nice learning experience."
- Brant G.

Counseling

"While receiving formal training from a local crisis intervention center, I successfully counseled a suicide call-in. I saved another person's life."
- Lori S. (Psychology Major counseling at a hot-line center.)

"I am currently a peer counselor. I will be a peer advisor during the summer program. I have also volunteered at a nursing home and a hospital."
- Chandra M. (A Psychology Major doing counseling work.)

"I like to talk with people about their problems. People have always been able to talk with me. I am a person that listens well and can always relate to the person I am talking with. I have been through a lot and love to help out people who are going through what I once did."
- Heather S. (Psychology Major counseling at orphanages.)

Environmental Preservation

"I learned a lot of helpful information that I am sure will be of great importance, not only in my life, but in the future as well."
-Lesley D. (Environmental Science Major preserving a wetlands.)

"Three years ago I began doing volunteer work for a nature preservation center. I do farm work and some office work. I love it! Over the past three years, I have met many people who share similar interests with me and I also got experience in areas of my interest. Now I know what I want to do with my life."
- Alyson R. (Earth Science Major finding her career path.)

Food Distribution to the Needy

"I worked at the Red Cross Distribution Center."
- Neily M. (Dietetic Major distributing food and supplies with The American Red Cross.)

Back to the top

Homelessness

"Have worked as nurse-assistant in both long-term and home health aid facilities; have volunteered time to feed the homeless with a church organization."
-Brandy D. (Environmental and Occupational Health Major caring for the hungry and needy.)

"Enlightening and rewarding."
- Emily J. (Inter-disciplinary Studies student devoting time to help the Homeless and promote AIDS Awareness.)

Hospital Care Work

"It wasn't what I had planned to be doing there, but the important thing to be - is flexible! I learned valuable skills that ended up helping me in school and employment."
- Michael L. (Psychology Major as a hospital volunteer.)

"I work at Women's and Children's Hospital. I see eleven and thirteen year olds go home with babies in their arms. Yet, they don't know what to do with them when they get home. I hope to be able to open the eyes of the young and keep some of them out of my hospital. Maybe I'll be able to give some of the kids their childhood. I see so many that lose it because they get pregnant. If I could show them or explain that they can't go to the mall on Sunday with their friends because they have to feed their child and nobody else but mommy can take care of them. Maybe they will think twice about having unprotected sex. This will also bring them in on AIDS awareness. This is very vital to the teenage world. If we get more of them to use condoms, then we can help eliminate the AIDS virus."
- Nedra G. (Biology Major providing Teen pregnancy and AIDS prevention.)

"I volunteered at a local hospital - I passed out surveys about meal plans, helped patients fill out their menu and listened as a dietician interviewed patients."
- Marie M. (Food Services Major recounting her food experience at a hospital.)

"When I became a volunteer at my local hospital, I decided to work in the ER (Emergency Room) unit. I love medicine, and thought this was a great opportunity where I could learn a lot of medical terminology and procedures as I worked with direct contact with the doctors. Unfortunately, I was treated like dirt and became the R.N.'s (Registered Nurse) lackey. I cleaned and made beds, stamped and shredded paper, delivered charts, and transported patients to their designated rooms. The doctors were too busy, and when there was no "crap" work to do, I was always in the way. I worked my butt-off and wasted a lot of time volunteering ten plus hours for a day to make and clean beds. Finally, though, I got my chance. A chance set out by two people who gave me a smile and hope in my purpose for staying those extra long hours in the ER. They are the only people that actually let me do certain medical things with one special thing. They gave me respect. I put on a heart monitor on some patients, open and lay out tools and sutures for the surgical doctor, cleaned a "bloody" patient, and taught me how to put on an EKG (Electrocardiogram ) (though I couldn't perform it because of hospital policies... I'm not certified.) I finally learned something of use in the medical field. Along the way though, I never took notice of how much help I was providing. Though I disdain what I call crap work, I never knew it eased off some of the work of these R.N.'s. The ER is very busy at times, so I'm sure I was of much help that I can provide. I also found out that the hospital wasn't just medical procedures, but also a relationship between the patients. Once I talked with an elderly man for two hours and gave a crying child a lollipop. I brought a smile to each of their faces and gave a smile to myself. I also realized I am very lucky to be at the hospital ER. I have witnessed the procedure of stitching among other things. Some of the R.N.'s never had such contact while they were at nursing school. Lastly, I thought what made it especially great was its people. I was wrong because not only did I not get respected, but I got treated like crap. What made it great was that I did what I wanted to do and learned about medicine. However, I also was wrong again because the people do make a place special. I was part of the people who made the ER special to the sick and hurt patients who needed help. My service brought smiles to patients and gave the "mean" ER R.N.'s some load off."
- Jay N. (Pre-med Major proclaiming his bedside manner while doing ER volunteer work.)

Laboratory Work

"It makes me feel good when I help others out. It feels nice doing something for someone else and getting nothing in return, but a smile and thank you."
- Sharon E. (Pre-med Major doing lab volunteer work.)

Music & Theater Community Entertainment

"I have donated several hours of my time to volunteer work and community service over the years, and I feel that I have learned a lot from it. Some things I have learned are that a helping hand is priceless. I have not seen the faces of some of the people that I have helped, but I am sure there were many smiles. I believe if more people were willing to donate even half of the time to helping others as I have, the world would be a friendlier, safer place.
- Tiffany C. (Music and Theater Major singing to forgotten Elderly and as well as performing in three Community Theater Productions.)

Back to the top

Organising

"Actually being President of ASD (sorority), I set it up so members of ASD could go to a Habitat for Humanity house and work on it one Saturday. I plan doing this next semester for our organization"
- Jill D. (Interior Design Major that managed a volunteer group for Habitat for Humanity.)

Physical Therapy

"I have volunteered in Physical Therapy and it has increased my interest in the medical field for my Major in Biology. I am interested in volunteering in either a medical field or an ecological field. This page has given me ideas on where to look for possible positions."
- Tammy S. (Biology Major volunteering in Physical Therapy.)

Recreation & Tourism

"I study Parks and Recreation with a specialization of Resort Recreation Management/Tourism. I experienced some volunteer activities and practicum helping, planning and implementing recreational events and activities. I also participated in a tour with people with disabilities to help them. These experiences gave me the pleasure of making people happy through recreation activities and trips."
- Tamiko I. (Parks & Resort Recreation Management/Tourism Major implementing recreational events.)

Research

"Worked on research project at Women's Research Institute and also volunteered at a local hospital."
- Stacy R. (Biology-Genetics Major lending her help for various projects.)

Social Work (Helping Families come together)

"Have volunteered at the Family Service Center documenting visitation between non-custodial and child(ren)."
- Janet K. (Sociology Major helping to mend broken families.)

Special Needs People Care (Mental & Physical)

"I have volunteered a lot of my time to MR (Mentally Retarded) individuals. I want to continue to volunteer throughout my life. I have found it to be a great learning experience along with helping MR individuals realize how wonderful life really is."
- Kelly E. (Occupational Therapy Major helping Mentally Retarded individuals obtain life goals and encourage Recreational Therapy.)

"I work one on one with a mentally and physically challenged adult in the B/CS area. It is very rewarding for both he and I."
- Josh G. (Biomedical Science Major working with a retarded citizen.)

"I have worked with handicapped students by helping them do fundraisers, as well as taking them to Kennywood Park for a day of fun and excitement. Planned picnics for them and banquets, anything to help them in school. Raised money to get a handicap accessible door put in at the community college. Working on the hotline at the women and children shelter."
- Ruth H. (Sociology Major counseling and caring for the disabled, women and children.)

Teaching AIDS Awareness

"I have gone to area elementary schools to share my knowledge of AIDS with little kids and answered questions they had."
- Kelly M. (Education Major teaching AIDS Awareness.)

Teaching Computer Literacy

"My volunteer experience was life changing. I have never experienced anything like it. You go in thinking that it isn't going to be any fun and you come out a different person. I would encourage everyone to volunteer at least once in their life. "
- Nikesha J. (Education Major that taught Computer Literacy to the computer illiterate.)

"I have had classes in computers. I have visited a nursery home and have helped out in a Daycare. I love working with people."
- Molly M. (Computer Science Major enthused about teaching Computer Literacy.)

"In short, I've volunteered my time to my major field of study. I have tutored students at my University in my Major, and have consulted with Professors on both course and personal issues in computers."
- Rod H. (Computer Science Major tutoring struggling students about computers.)

"I participated in the Youth Computer Literacy Program here at Vanderbilt last spring. Our purpose was to expose younger students who probably have little access to computers elsewhere. I was paired with a young girl who was exceptionally bright but was virtually ignored at home. She loved working on the computer and always hated to leave at the end of our weekly session. It was a wonderful yet saddening experience; we taught these children something valuable and made some wonderful friendships, yet I sometimes wonder how these children will turn out... will they be successful? Some of them are so bright but no one cares for them."
- Carolyn G. (Computer Science Major teaching low income elementary school students basic computer literacy.)

"After several low-wage jobs, I decided to go back to school. I am enlightened by improving myself through education and feel good about giving back any skills that I learn to the community."
- Jesse M. (Computer Information Systems Major teaching computer literacy.)

Back to the top

Teaching Drug Awareness

"I have had many problems involving substance abuse with myself, and it was a great opportunity to help others with what I learned from my problems and from the classroom."
- Jennifer L. (Psychology Major crusading with drug prevention education.)

Teaching - Environment

"I have taught students in Biology and other natural sciences. I specialized in teaching Fifth to Twelth Graders about micro and macroinvertebrates on a boat for a non-profit organization. I have also lobbied for environmental legislation in Washington D.C."
- Jessica T. (Biology Major not only tutoring Biology, but lobbying for a better environment.)

Teaching Languages

"I have recently returned from teaching English as a foreign language in Japan. While living there for two and a half years, I was virtually illiterate and hated that aspect of my stay. I vowed that I would help people in America who wanted to learn English as their second language. I met someone from Peru and am currently tutoring him one hour three to four times each week, between classes. We're having a great time and I'm learning a lot about Peru."
- Paula B. (Education Major tutoring English.)

Teaching - Music

"Teaching string classes (violin, viola, cello, bass). Purpose is to understand children in different school environment and to observe their behavior. Interacting with them helped me create a better environment for them to learn. Also, teaching these classes can help build up the program and keep children involved with school activities which eventually keep them out of trouble."
- Brian V. (Psychology Major teaching music to keep students focused on a positive outlet.)

Teaching - Poetry

"Working with High School students in a Public High School, translated textbook discussions into real life. It gave me a sharp awareness of the ways schools have changed or not changed, since I was in high school. I became aware of the intricacies involved in teaching teenagers. It made me aware of my own privileges, past and present and put me in a position, where I was initially very disconnected from the kids in the class. I learned how to build trust and respect and I grew to really like the students and worked hard at acknowledging their abilities. I discovered many wonderful poets and tried to let them know that they were Writers and had talents. I enjoyed the experience while, at the same time, I felt frustrated. It was a real life peak at what it is like to teach in particular urban classrooms.
- Ena H. (Secondary Education Major volunteering at two local Public High Schools assisting a Poet/Teacher.)

Teaching Special Education

"Very positive! Enjoyed it a lot! I definitely want to go into teaching and think that mentoring and tutoring are worthwhile activities for High School Students to get involved in."
- Trish M.(Special Education Major who volunteered in a Special Education Classroom at an Elementary School.)

Working with Children

"It was a great experience and I learned a lot about people and how they react to different things."
- Unique L. (Early Childhood Development Major volunteering with child sports.)

"My experience can only be summed up by the words inspiring and fulfilling."
- E. J. Z. (Sociology Major leading a children's youth group.)

For more information please visit them at: http://careervolunteering.org

Source: Career Volunteering Inc

Back to the top