Oh my goodness, I am a woman in motion. In a previous post I mentioned possible volunteer jobs I wanted to look into and getting more involved at the UU church in Palo Alto.

UUCPA has a talent/volunteer survey on their site one can download and complete. It’s a way to explore how to become involved and find a niche or two in the community. I’ve had it a long time; Sunday I filled it out and emailed it to the office administrator. I received a reply acknowledging this and that one of the ministers would get in touch next week to meet with me. I also received an invitation to lunch after the next service. At first I hesitated, but I decided it wouldn’t kill me to commit to one lunch. (I’m very possessive of my weekend time, especially Sundays, for some reason.) I also decided to attend a potluck dinner this Saturday evening, put on by the members of the Humanist Roots group. They have dinner monthly, and there’s a topic for discussion. I’ll bake cookies and go with a curious mind.

Yesterday I contacted the Read Santa Clara program and learned I’m just in time to attend an orientation on the 16th and join the training program later in the month to become a literacy tutor with adults. I’ll also visit them tomorrow to discuss another program they are developing, the Even Start conversation group program. This will involve facilitating speaking practice with adults learning English who are at a very basic level. And lastly, I’ve contacted the San Jose library and sent an application in to become a reader for kids. I’m playing phone tag with them, and one message indicated there will be a training later in the month. I’m hoping it will mesh with my schedule. (It occurred to me that my mother became a literacy tutor around the age I am now; I remember it was a rewarding relationship of several years with her student, an older woman. I think she was Italian? She used to send us cookies at Christmas.)

The new AmeriCorps members began work today, and it really feels like the days are winding down there. It’s been an intense and sometimes difficult year. I haven’t written about the difficulties, because a blog is not the place to vent about work, but it’s not been all wine and roses (and I’m not referring to the killer schedule). Overall, though, it’s been an excellent experience.

My father emailed me with an idea for possible future work. He pointed out the needs of an aging generation that, as he said, “will set new numbers never before reached in the U.S.” He suggested these folks will need guidance on health and finances and how not to get ripped off by scams. They also need an education on growing old with grace and independence, and how to avoid being warehoused in a facility if they want to remain at home. I’ve considered this trend in the past, and it’s a timely suggestion. There is significant potential for advocacy work as the population ages. I can see the need for education, enlightening people on the process of aging, and fighting ageism. I wonder if I might create some type of coaching practice to provide service for these needs. Hmmm.