Community Service

My professional organization, the National Association of Social Workers http://www.socialworkers.org/, advocates for social workers to be volunteers and involved in community development activities.  Over the years, my involvement has waxed and waned. I think this is true of many social workers who have to balance the very taxing demands of their profession with family commitments and community activities.

There was a time when I was involved in the neighborhood association movement in Lubbock http://www.unitedway-lubbock.org/partners/luna.shtml . This was a lot of work, but also provided me with many personal growth activities, and afforded me the opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

I have been volunteering my time and talents to the local branch of the National Association of Social Workers for many years. 

I was recently called to jury duty, and made the voir dire panel. I spoke up, said what I had to say, and was not chosen to be on the jury. I think I am glad because I was not sure I wanted to decide someones fate in the case before the panel, but I would have served gladly.  I have been called for other jury duty: city jury; county jury; federal jury.  I have served on the county grand jury.

Last weekend, I spent Saturday and Sunday morning working with other volunteers from the Llano Estacado Audubon Society http://www.llanoestacadoaudubon.org/  who were working on the bird observatory feature we are building in a city park.  I was delighted to be able to help with the project.

I have spent a large portion of my life not getting involved, but when the right project presents it self, I am there.

Currently, I am on the board of directors of Catholic Family Service of the Diocese of Lubbock. I was asked to chair a committee to asses the counseling program at the agency.   I have been able to offer other services as a board member. I am very glad to do so.

In 1977, I moved from Millers Falls, Massachusetts to Lubbock, Texas as a LAMP volunteer to the Diocese of Amarillo.   I planned to work a year, was offered a paid position, and stayed on. Some years later, the Diocese of Lubbock was formed. I stayed at the agency 10 years before I moved on. It was a good place to be, and I am thrilled to be back at the agency in a board member capacity.  

Giving back can present itself in many  forms.  I hope I can meet some of them.