Poll Would You Accept Help From An Organization?

[shimmerz]

I am currently taking a course on Social Entrepreneurship. I have joined a group that is looking to build a group of 'Seekers' and 'Helpers' that would build a geographical network to aid those in need, whether it be a car ride(s), shopping, gardening or tasks around the house etc., on a volunteer basis. As we have been discussing, someone made the group aware of an organization in Australia that is ramping up. Here is the website.

Dead Link Removed

There is is video on the home page and a PDF file that describes the goals for the organization in further detail, if you click on the links in the grey text area below the video. Our group is hoping to partner with them as a 'global social enterprise' partnership.

I am wondering how many of you, given the structure of what you see on the website, would feel comfortable utilizing this type of service? Would your PTSD stop you from reaching out for help even if you knew this organization existed? Your responses may help more people than you know so please, if you have a moment, take a moment to fill out the poll (after reading about the structure of this Australian non for profit), let me know if this group could, in fact, help you.

Comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scout86]

What a great idea! (This used to be what "neighbors" were for.) Although I can't imagine ASKING for any help, I'd consider volunteering, for sure. I didn't watch the video, but I guess there'd have to be a way to check people out a little, to make sure they weren't con artists are something.

 

[shimmerz]

Thanks Scout. Change made to include an option for 'I would prefer to be a Helper'.

 

[Friday]

I have concerns.

There's a "pink mustache" trend that's been kicking off down here in some cities that is somewhat similar... In that anyone who has a car can act as a cab. Just sign on with the company, get your pink mustache to put on your car, and the app. I hate it. (Local) Police hate it. A lot of cities hate it (not all). All of the licensing, background checks, etc. ...All the safeguards... (and also red tape and expense) are neatly bypassed. In many cities there are ongoing lawsuits. There's no fee / it's all "by donation" & "suggested donation".

It's only one of several companies getting around the laws and regulations for public safety (and therefore the expense for the company), as well as employer/employee laws by making jobs volunteer & pay by donation

So major concerns there.

On the other hand... I also believe most people are pretty decent and a database of this nature is long overdue. We have the technology, and it's simply stupid IMO that there are hundreds of thousands of people who would like to help others, or have something to do (for a variety of reasons) with no central database of any kind to go peruse and sign up on. Along with most likely an equal number of people who need things done. The hardest part has always been connecting those 2 groups.

As @scout says, once upon a time (and in small communities) that's what neighbors were for! Not so long ago, it's also what social organizations (churches, clubs, etc.) did.

Again, IMO, it's not that people want to help people less these days (or are all selfish and uncaring)... It's that schedules have changed. Most families are dual income or single parent. The "normal" 9-5 job with weekends off? Isn't a job most people have anymore. Even "normal" day shift workers...People are working 8-6, not 9-5, & are leaving the house at 7 to get to daycare, and coming home at 7 from daycare. Weekends are crammed with 10,000 obligations that were unmet during the week. But I only know about 1/3 of people with that schedule. In my circle? Hours are wacky. Yes... People do have free time... But it's not consistent. So they aren't joining weekly clubs to socialize or give back to the community. And the volunteer process, even for those so inclined, is difficult. Not only the interview process... Places want weekly commitments. Which people simply -again- don't have the freedom of their paying job, and desire to spend time with with families, to do.

 

[Sandstone]

There was a thread a while back about someone whose volunteer driver turned out to be some sort of wanted psycho. This was from a supposedly vetted organisation. I'd have major concerns about safety, and also about my reactions alarming the volunteer

 

[illusionist]

I couldn't use it due to safety issues.

Stenni....your post reminds me of the time I paid someone to do my jungle of a garden. I ran in and out with cups of tea, bites to eat....as long as he was outside I felt safe. Eventually he asked to use my toilet...panic!..." err I'm waiting on the council coming out to unblock it, sorry"

 

[anthony]

Yep and nice find @shimmerz, I just signed up as a potential helper.

 

[GWhizz]

Seems like a great idea - we have similar organisations over here to help elderly etc. But I can't see myself as a helpseeker so it wouldn't be something I'd look for personal help from.

 

[shimmerz]

someone whose volunteer driver turned out to be some sort of wanted psycho.

I can't find this posting anywhere @stenni . Any other clues so I can check it out.

The responses make me a little sad tbph. I can't stand the thought that we couldn't possibly support one another, or that there couldn't be a network that we could consider safe to lend a hand to those with PTSD. Must we be so alone?

Sorry, I think I am pretty melancholy today. Perhaps I am just a PollyAnna when it comes to supporting each other. Maybe it isn't possible IRL to have a support network. That just hurts so damned much though.

 

[GWhizz]

@shimmerz I don't think it's that there's anything wrong with the idea - it's just that some of us have ingrained protective mechanisms. It may mean we avoid benefit because our fear inhibits us. But at the end of the day, it's down to how much we can put trust in the hands of a stranger. I personally just can't - I would only be leaving myself open to more personal blame, as I'd feel as though I put myself in a compromising position.

I'm sure it comes down to an individual level. And hey, at least some of us feel safe enough to offer help to a stranger.

 

[shimmerz]

it's just that some of us have ingrained protective mechanisms. It may mean we avoid benefit because our fear inhibits us.

Yes. Thank you @GWhizz . Clearly I am just in a space of weirdness today. It is true what you say. It is the nature of the PTSD beast. I will keep thinking as I go through the course and build the organization with the team. Perhaps there is something..... thank you for being so candid. I appreciate it.

 

[illusionist]

I think it's a great idea...good to know that the option is there for people to seek help. You can't do any more than that Shimmerz....it's up to people to take the next step, and accept it.