Got to Serve Somebody!

You all know (or should know) that I'm no Bob Dylan fan. While he may be a great songwriter, he's greatly lacking as a singer. However, back in his pseudo-christian days (when we were in college), he did a song called "You've Got to Serve Somebody." Somehow we turned it into "You've got to serve somebody tater-tots" since that was one of the only eatable things in the cafeteria at St. Thomas College.
It seems an appropriate title for a post on volunteering. I really like volunteering and spend several hours a week doing so. Lately I've been reflecting on my volunteer activities and why I enjoy them so much. Here are some of my current volunteer activities.

• I started out as a reader for the State Services for the Blind in 1988. I always enjoyed reading and thought I had a good reading voice so I applied. I read some novels, then a show for teenagers. For the last 17 or so years, I've been reading a show on spirituality. I read articles and books on spiritual practices and activities. I stay away from dogma and doctrine. It usually takes me about 75 minutes to read a one-hour show (broadcast Sundays). 
• In 2009, I started volunteering for the Minnesota Fringe Festival and have increased my commitment to them every year. I added in serving on a theater board (Theatre Unbound) in 2010 and have started volunteering for other local theater and arts organizations as well (Mixed Blood, Torch, Hennepin Theatre Trust, Illusion, Cowles Center for Dance). 
• In 2013, I started volunteering for Quatrefoil Library (our local GLBT-focused library) and work primarily as a desk volunteer. I always wanted to be a librarian!

There are hundreds (thousands) of organizations that need volunteers. I choose groups that use my talents and skills in new ways, or that feed an interest/love I already have. I love theater so volunteering for theater companies is a natural extension of that passion. I love books and want to be supportive of GLBT organizations so the library was an easy choice. I like to read and find reading about spirituality inspiring (sort of pun intended) so the SSB was a great option.
I also like easily defined and finite tasks. My work tends to be very broadly focused and never-ending. Ushering at a play takes a few hours and has clearly defined responsibilities (take tickets, hand out programs, make sure nobody misbehaves, clean up afterwards). I also like the appreciation and support I receive from the staff at the organizations.
What don't I want to do? I'm not good at asking for money (no matter how much I support the organization). I prefer not to work with groups of children (I've mentored a teenaged girl and loved it; I tried teaching senior high religious education and didn't like it). I don't want to do something that's too much like my job.
Sometimes I wonder about turning one of my volunteer passions into a career but I don't think it would work. Years ago, I did a lot of volunteer work for my church and thought I'd combine my passion for spirituality with my leadership skills so I went to seminary. It wasn't a good fit though. I didn't want my spiritual life to become part of my job (and vice versa).
At this point, I'm not planning to take on any additional volunteer commitments. I'm not closing the door on it though - who knows what exciting opportunity might come along!