Transcript: Volunteerism chat

The following is the transcript of a live chat with a representative of Serve Rhode Island, a state commission for national and community service.

moderator says (2009-1-21 16:37:26):
Good evening and welcome to our chat about volunteering. A representative of Serve Rhode Island is here to answer your questions.
*** (2009-1-21 16:55:23):Moderator disabled moderated-chat function, you can free chat now.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 17:9:47):
Hi! Thanks for joining the Volunteer Center at Serve Rhode Island chat. How can I help you?
red says to (2009-1-21 17:11:58):
Are there any opportunities to do research for local organizations in the So County area. I have 32 years of librarian/research skills and would be interested in helping if there is a need?
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:13:20):
There are certainly plenty of organizations in the South County area who need help. If you give me one moment I’ll do a search to see what I can find.
red says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:13:56):
thanks
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:16:3):
A Place to Grow Inc. in Wakefield is looking for a volunteer to help them research grant opportunities. Does this sound like something that may interest you?
red says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:17:31):
maybe, sorry, I have to cut this short as somthing has come up..will search the Volunteer website when I have time.tnx
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:18:13):
feel free to e-mail us at and we’ll be happy to help more.
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:18:23):
Welcome jim210.
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:18:26):
How may I help you?
jim210 says to (2009-1-21 17:22:3):
I don’t have a question right now.  Just checking this out, as I might be interested in doing some volunteer work.  I figured that I would learn from other peoples’ questions.  I will also visit your web site.  I have built and sold successful businesses and would possibly be interested in mentoring in the South County area.
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:22:35):
That’s great. There are certainly organizations who could use your skills.
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:23:13):
I recommend you visit our website and registe as a volunteer. Once you’ve done that, you will be given a list of opportunities that meet your interests.
jim210 says to (2009-1-21 17:23:26):
OK, thanks.
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:24:12):
just go to http://www.vcri.org and click on “sign up” for the Volunteer Serve Corps on the main page
Woonsocketmom says to (2009-1-21 17:27:40):
Hello from Woonsocket - What is out in RI to volunteer at ?
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:28:50):
Hi Woonsocketmom. There are over 800 volunteer RI opportunities listed on our website. What are you interested in?
Woonsocketmom says to (2009-1-21 17:30:3):
either something with the elderly, soup kitchen or with children (I am a classroom mom at my children’s school) I am a home maker and have nothing but time on my hands
Woonsocketmom says to (2009-1-21 17:30:9):
{laugh_smiley}
Woonsocketmom says to (2009-1-21 17:30:31):
anything during the daytime is great cause I only go into the classroom 1 day a week
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:30:47):
Well there are definitely opportunities for all three in the Woonsocket area!
Woonsocketmom says to (2009-1-21 17:31:14):
great I will go and register at the site…
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:31:30):
I’ll do a quick search for you, but I recommend you visit our website at http://www.vcri.org and click on “volunteer registration.“ By registering, you can get a list of opportunities that are specific to your interests.
Woonsocketmom says to (2009-1-21 17:31:38):
thanks
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:32:19):
hi can someone from massachusetts volunteer in RI?
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:32:44):
Absolutely, skowt2001.
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:33:5):
We also have a few opportunities on our site in SE Massachusetts.
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:33:19):
I am looking to do something in accounting or working in the schools with kids, do you have anything like this?
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:33:39):
was looking to tutor or teach
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:34:27):
Woonsocket Mom, I recommend you contact Connecting for Children and Families in Woonsocket. They have opportunities to work with children and in a food pantry. Phone number: 766-3384
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:34:47):
Yes, skowt2001. Are you willing to travel to Providence, or are you looking to volunteer in another part of the state?
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:36:26):
sure am, providence would be great, I am in fall river. I passed the the mtel over here in mass all i have is the subject matter now, so looking to help out in math
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:37:14):
just graduated in accounting also at umassd
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:37:49):
I’ve found a few opportunities in Providence for accounting and math. Hold on a sec.
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:38:21):
k Woonsocketmom says to (2009-1-21 17:38:30):
Excute me I have a question - are there any opportunities in RI where I can involve my 2 children ? ages 6 and 9
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:39:9):
ProVisions United, a global food organization based in Providence is looking for an accountant to help. Phone number: (401) 965-9202
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:39:51):
Yes, WoonsocketMom, there are definitely some opportunities for families.
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:40:31):
Let me take a look for you.
Woonsocketmom says to (2009-1-21 17:44:25):
thank you again
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:44:26):
There are opportunities for you to work with Hope for Animals, an animal adoption agency. Another great opportunity for your family is to volunteer together at the Providence Childrens Museum, although that’s obviously in Providence.
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:44:32):
No problem!
jad says to (2009-1-21 17:44:36):
Hi, wondering where one gets a list of places to volunteer
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:45:25):
Hi, jad. If you visit our website, http://www.vcri.org, you can do a search of over 800 volunteer opportunities in Rhode Island. I recommend you log on and register as a new volunteer so you can get a list generated for you that meets your interests.
jad says to (2009-1-21 17:46:15):
Thank you, I will check the website out.
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:46:59):
many thanks do you have anything for tutor or teach in the schools? {smile_smiley}
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:47:28):
Certainly. Let me take a look.
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:47:57):
I am doing the
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:48:19):

Vita program here in mass any vita tax program in RI?
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:48:26):
also
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:49:48):
I believe so, I’ll check.
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:50:6):
Volunteers in Providence Schools would be a great place to start if you want to teach or tutor in the schools.
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:50:58):
can you tell me more about that?
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:51:3):
VIPS places volunteers in the classroom to help students in various subjects. Phone number: (401) 274-3240
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:51:28):
Here’s a link to the opportunity on our site: http://www.volunteersolutions.org/vcri/org/opp/11184617.html?return_url=%252fvcri%252fvolunteer%252fsearch-2%253ftarget%253d%2526keyword%253d%2526us%255fstate%253d%2526city%253d%2526zip%253d%2526radius%253d0%2526one%255ftime%255fp%253d%2526%255f%255fform%255fsubmitted%255f%255f%253d%25255fvolunteer%25255fsearch%25255ftcl%25255f1%2526%255f%255finit%255frequest%255f%255f%253d%25255fvolunteer%25255fsearch%25255ftcl%25255f1%2526term%255fid%253d18%2526x%253d64%2526y%
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:52:47):
There is a VITA program through Woodlawn Community Development Center in Pawtucket
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:53:17):
They’re currently recruiting, e-mail
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:53:41):
this is really great, so many thanks, i am going to give it a shot {smile_smiley}
NBC 10 Guest says to softdog (2009-1-21 17:54:11):
No problem! Feel free to e-mail me at or call (401) 421-6547 if you need any further assistance.
skowt2001 says to (2009-1-21 17:54:26):
k awesome
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:10:27):
Hi marb! How may I help you??
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:10:36):
hi!
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:10:48):
were you just on the tv???
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:11:0):
I was!
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:11:4):
cool!
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:11:14):
can you tell me how i can get on tv too?
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:11:16):
{smile_smiley}
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:11:36):
Certainly! I’m sure there’s a volunteer opportunity available in Rhode Island to meet your interests. Let me take a look!
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:11:55):
thank you!
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:13:31):
I could only find one opportunity in my quick search. Channel 12 is looking for volunteers to join its consumer alert team, but I believe you have to be over the age of 55.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:13:38):
Are you over 55, marb?
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:14:2):
oh man. not yet :( i’m only 53
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:14:34):
Oh, well that’s ok! I’m sure there are plenty of other opportunities out there for you.
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:14:41):
i think what you’re doing is great though. volunteering is very important!
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:14:48):
I did find one opportunity for you to donate TVs, but I don’t think that’s what you’re looking for.
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:15:5):
hmm not quite. but if i have any extra tvs around i will donate them!
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:15:45):
Thanks for your support, though! I encourage you to visit http://www.vcri.org and join Serve Corps, our new team of Rhode Island volunteers
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:16:6):
okay, i will definitely look into that! i really appreciate your help
bubbles says to (2009-1-21 18:16:15):
wow
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:16:18):
no problem, marb!
bubbles says to (2009-1-21 18:16:27):
question
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:16:27):
Hi bubbles, how may I help you?
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:16:40):
{smile_smiley}
bubbles says to (2009-1-21 18:16:45):
im wondering when the…......g2g
bubbles says to (2009-1-21 18:16:48):
brb
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:17:10):
Marb, do you have any other interests outside of television?
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:18:50):
well, i love television but i would also be interested in working with kids
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:19:18):
oh great! there are certainly lots of children in the area who could use our help.
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:19:48):
oh good!
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:21:3):
St. Mary’s Home for Children in North Providence is looking for individuals to serve as “picassos” and help paint their children’s area. Do you like art also, marb?
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:21:14):
yes, i love art!
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:22:24):
great! would you like to work with children and art?
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:22:32):
that sounds like fun!
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:23:10):
Here you go: http://www.volunteersolutions.org/vcri/org/opp/10259349638.html?return_url=%252fvcri%252fvolunteer%252fsearch-2%253ftarget%253d%2526keyword%253d%2526us%255fstate%253d%2526city%253d%2526zip%253d%2526radius%253d0%2526one%255ftime%255fp%253d%2526%255f%255fform%255fsubmitted%255f%255f%253d%25255fvolunteer%25255fsearch%25255f2%25255f1%2526%255f%255finit%255frequest%255f%255f%253d%25255fvolunteer%25255fsearch%25255f2%25255f1%2526term%255fid%253d15%2526term%255fid%253d191%2526x%253d19%2526y%253d9
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:23:50):
Hi, Shadowknux94. How may I help you?
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:23:52):
wow that looks like a great opportunity
Shadowknux94 says to (2009-1-21 18:24:7):
hello there.
Shadowknux94 says to (2009-1-21 18:24:33):
hold on a minute…
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:26:16):
No problem.
Shadowknux94 says to (2009-1-21 18:27:40):
ok…
Shadowknux94 says to (2009-1-21 18:28:34):
I am a freshman of the JMW school of Pawtucket. I like to be around animals…anything sound like that around my area that I can volunteer for?
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:28:59):
Yes, I’m sure there is. Let me take a quick look for you.
Shadowknux94 says to (2009-1-21 18:29:11):
Thank you.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:29:24):
I recommend you also visit our website, http://www.vcri.org, and register as a volunteer. Doing so will generate a list of opportunities specific to your interests.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:29:31):
Let me see what I can find right now, though.
Shadowknux94 says to (2009-1-21 18:30:17):
It is hard to find volunteer work for people my age…
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:30:45):
I recommend you e-mail me at or call (401) 421-6547 and I’ll be happy to help you find something when I’m in the office.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2009-1-21 18:30:56):
Thanks for your interest in volunteering!
Shadowknux94 says to (2009-1-21 18:31:51):
Ok, I will e-mail you.
*** (2009-1-21 18:32:40):Moderator activated moderated-chat function.
moderator says (2009-1-21 18:32:59):
Thanks to everyone who participated in our chat.  Unfortunately, our time is up.
moderator says (2009-1-21 18:33:4):
Have a good night.
Shadowknux94 says to (2009-1-21 18:33:14):
Thank you. You as well
marb says to (2009-1-21 18:33:40):
you too! thank you again!