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 🫖 (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.
I’d be happy to give an occasional talk, but covering twice-weekly English classes? 🤷♂️
Their response was, to be honest, quite blunt. It ended with something like, “maybe you can find a replacement.”
A replacement?
I’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 (4)
Thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like a tough situation, and I can understand your disappointment. Offering your time and expertise as a volunteer is already a generous contribution, so it’s frustrating when expectations shift so dramatically.
Take care, and I’m here if you want to talk more about it.
in/rodrigo-santiago-pimentel-155-ab-2332
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.
I fundamentally agree.
Just a detail: he is talking about a company making a product (dvd). The point is absolutely correct : they want to make this product reducing the costs and are used to get work for free.
I’ve been in this association , I do understand the value of trying to reach teenagers that might end up doing drugs.
The association get money from another source for sure (local government) , but I see a difference to a company?
Anyway, I doubt they will call me even for the talk I volunteer in the first place.
I couldn't agree more; bossing around volunteers is disgusting.