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Deborah wrote:
I have yet to find a charitable organization that wants
volunteer TW services. No kidding!
I guess I've had better luck. I have been working with a local AIDS
organization that provides a meals-on-wheels type of service. I started
about a year ago as a cook, preparing meals every other Saturday morning.
Over time I became more involved, understanding how the entire organization
worked. Just recently, I became certified as a food handler and realized
how my experience as a TWcould benefit this organization. I'm helping
design their web page, writing instructions on proper food handling for our
newly instituted HACCP program (similar to ISO), and setting up a database
for the dietitian.
If I had approached them about tech writing at the very beginning, they
probably wouldn't have understood how I could help. But by getting involved
in other ways, I was able to make suggestions for improvement in a number of
areas based on my own experience. My suggestion to those who want to
volunteer...find something you feel enthusiastic about and ask how you can
help. Be willing to make a commitment and over time you'll discover how
your TW experience can help the organization.
Sharon Key
Documentation Specialist
Data Research Associates
(standard disclaimer)
