Volunteering

I'm fortunate to have had many opportunities during my working career, and it's my turn to give back, now that I have the time. My motivations are not entirely altruistic, however. I get a lot out of it too. Here's a great essay about why you should volunteer.

If you are looking for opportunities to volunteer, a great resource is VolunteerMatch, which was selected by Time Magazine as one of the year's Top 10 Sites in its 2007 annual survey of news, business and cultural touchstones.

Most of my volunteer activities have to do with web site design and audio engineering – great outlets for both my creative urges and my closet geekiness. Here are some things I am working on now, most through VolunteerMatch:

The International Cancer Advocacy Network (ICAN), a non-profit organization that assists and empowers late-stage cancer patients worldwide with cutting-edge information regarding anticancer drugs in clinical trials as well as physician referrals at the patient’s request based on the patient’s reported medical situation. I developed and maintain their website.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Delaware County. This organization offers adults age 55 plus the opportunity to share their time and talents on a regular basis in a variety of settings throughout their communities. They are based in Delaware County, PA. I redesigned their web site and maintain it.

Somerset Art Association, a non-profit organization located in Bedminster, NJ that welcomes artists of all ages to explore the visual arts through educational and interactive programming designed to encourage and promote arts awareness. I redesigned and maintain their website.

The Nanotechnology Research Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on supporting the acceleration of nanotechnology awareness, education, recognition, funding, research and American innovation. I developed and maintain their website.

The Conversations Network, a listener supported non-profit podcast network publishing a wide range of recordings on the latest in technology, traditional and emerging media, and social change. I am working as a post-production audio engineer.

Mid-County Senior Services. This organization in the Philadelphia area has a program called Chore Connection that links community volunteers to low income older adults who need help to stay in their own homes. I help them with their promotional materials.

The Queenie Foundation, an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to education about the humane treatment of animals and pets. I redesigned and maintain their website.

The Montgomery County Concert Band, a top notch all-volunteer community band based in Lansdale, PA. I developed and maintain the band's web site.