<p>Not yet an empty nester, so most of my volunteering is still school related, but I am looking ahead as well. </p>
<p>I help out at the Humane Society, and with a local group that helps kids with special needs. The Humane Society lets volunteers drop in when they are free, so very flexible. The other group has several big, multi week programs during the year, and I pick the programs where I can best help. </p>
<p>I like the idea of working with a literacy program. I used to work with struggling kids when my kids were in elementary school. I could go back to that program. Our town has a good number of refugees. There are some programs to help them, both children and adults. I would love to get involved with refugee services once I am through going to high school sporting events.</p>
<p>Currently taking the 20 hr. volunteer class for our local Hospice. Used to do Literacy Volunteers, but haven’t in about 5 yrs. Thinking about adding that back in in 2014.</p>
<p>I coach youth soccer (3 teams-- maybe 4 for the winter), serve as club manager for our neighborhood soccer club (880 kids spread across 100 teams), and sit on the Board of Directors for a larger soccer organization.</p>
<p>After volunteering at schools for years, I too wanted to do something different and, even though I have a senior in high school still at home, I’m going through the training to become a CASA now (same as post #4), a Court Appointed Special Advocate. I will be assigned to a foster youth, meet with that child weekly and be his or her advocate, ultimately helping the judge in his or her decision-making. I believe this might be the same or quite similar what NJers (#17) is doing.</p>
<p>For those who work during the week, your weekly visits with your child can be during the week. We are told there is SOME work during the week (if you need to meet with the child’s social worker, teacher, etc.) and, if possible, you’re encouraged to show up at their court dates (every 6 months) but, it appears the amount of time that HAS to be during the week can be minimal.</p>
<p>My first year of empty nest I started a math club for homeschoolers. It was for competition math, something most homeschoolers don’t get to do. It was fun but demanding and I only did it for that first year.</p>
<p>I wonder if I could walk a dog or something on my lunch hour though - I never thought about that before. I think I would like it probably even more than the dog would.</p>