SOME OF MY VOLUNTEER WORK

81 – 83  Women’s Coalition of Milwaukee,

                Public Speakers Bureau

I was trained to be a public speaker on the subjects of the prevention of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse and neglect.  Over the years I have published stories on these subjects and hope to be able to continue to do so.  I was the first man ever to get an award from this organization for my active participation in the community education project. 

81 - 84   Family Services of Milwaukee,

               Crisis Counselor

Families in crisis need help.  I was on duty one night per week for four years.  Their training program was excellent.  My Supervisor, Ray Gurney was fantastic.  Also, the referral books I had were very good too.

82 - 83   Underground Switchboard, Alcohol

               and drug addiction counselor

This was a revolutionary project at the time.  We offered free confidential counseling to those with drug and alcohol related problems.

97 - 01   American Red Cross, Disaster

               Action Team & Logistics team

               member

Most of the disasters I went to were fires and floods.  Sometimes it was difficult because people often lost everything.  In cases of grief counseling it was especially difficult.  Their training and certifications programs were nothing less than spectacular.  Every month for one week I'd carry a pager and radio.  I always worked the 6pm to 6 am shift.  We had to be able to instantly respond to disasters.  It was terrific work and I miss it, and the people I worked with.

05 – Present In Nonsan, South Korea:

        volunteer English language teaching

        at orphanage and another community

        center for disadvantaged youth.

The kids I teach are wonderful.  Most of them are good learners.  It's great!  People who don't do volunteer work have no idea regarding all the genuinely fun things they're missing.  Seeing youngsters develop new skills and even attaining mastery is joy.