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When Volunteering Turns into a Demanding Job Offer?

A few months ago, I reached out to a local volunteer organization that works with teenagers and young adults at risk of social exclusion.

This group operates like a vocational training center, focusing on IT skills and network support.

When I initially contacted them, I offered to volunteer by giving a talk or running a workshop. They responded, asking if I could do it in English šŸ«– (which is not our native language), and I agreed.

Fast forward, they got back in touch.

They asked if I could organize a full English course, find and manage another teacher to co-host it, and cover weekly classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 AM.

Unexpected.

I had to explain that with a full-time job and teaching responsibilities in a master's program, there was no way I could commit to that kind of schedule.

Iā€™d be happy to give an occasional talk, but covering twice-weekly English classes? šŸ¤·ā€ā™‚ļø

Their response was, to be honest, quite blunt. It ended with something like, ā€œmaybe you can find a replacement.ā€

A replacement?

Iā€™m not sure if there was a misunderstanding or if this person is used to making demands. I mean, this is a volunteer association, and all the effort would be unpaid.

Disappointing.

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Thanks for reading.

Top comments (2)

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joelbonetr profile image
JoelBonetR šŸ„‡

I couldn't agree more; bossing around volunteers is disgusting.

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ajborla profile image
Anthony J. Borla

I thought it would be illuminating, perhaps even amusing, to provide a famous science fiction writer's take on providing effort (or the product of such effort) for no compensation.

Here is the YouTube link: Excerpt: "Dreams with Sharp Teeth"

Please note, the language is harsh in parts, so viewer discretion is recommended.