Compelled To Volunteer
A few days ago I was reminded of a phrase I hadn't used in years; when someone representing the local county volunteer fire department knocked on my door. Years ago as a Seminole War living history interpreter I used to say I was 'compelled to volunteer' when a visitor asked me why I joined the army. In my spiel I recounted traveling to New Orleans and becoming involved in a questionable altercation with some individuals of ill repute. The U.S Army was in the area recruiting men to fight in the Florida territory and were aware of my situation. I was given the opportunity by the army to "volunteer" to fight the Seminoles or suffer the consequences. Being compelled and having little choice, I agreed to volunteer.
Back to the door knocker who was trying to 'compel me to volunteer'. I find it annoying that people volunteer to do something and then make other people feel guilty for not supporting or paying for it.
Please don't try to shanghai me for your volunteer effort because you don't have enough hands to complete it. Especially in this situation where voters recently decided to allow the county to collect $2.50 monthly or $30 a year from residents to fund volunteer fire departments. I suspect that some voted "yes" for one of two reasons: (1) it is easier to agree to payroll deduction than deal with the guilt trip incurred while facing a volunteer door to door solicitor twice a year, (2) what if we don't contribute and our house catches on fire?
Wash some cars. Cook some stew and sell it. Sell your four-wheeler. Auction your bass boat.
You figure it out. If that doesn't pay for it, dissolve the program. It doesn't deserve to exist.
I didn't volunteer for it, you did.
vol-un-teer: 1. To perform or offer to perform a service of one's own free will.
2. To do charitable or helpful work without pay.
All this has convinced me that it would be a service to my neighbor if I mowed his grass. I've decided to volunteer to do the job. I really think it would be the right thing to do. I was thinking I should do it today but it will probably be a few days before I can get to it. First I have to come up with a list of equipment I'll need; lawnmower, boots, goggles, hearing protection, gas, equipment shed, trailer, truck. There will also be costs for incorporation papers and legal fees. Then I'll need to make my neighbor feel guilty enough to buy all the stuff for me so I can volunteer to cut his grass. On second thought, maybe I should meet with local officials. I'm sure someone is willing to help me. I mean I can't do this all on my own. After all, I am volunteering to do this, all by myself. Please, won't you help me?
Are there any volunteers to help me understand this better? If so, send me an email. I'd rather you not knock on my door.
Back to the door knocker who was trying to 'compel me to volunteer'. I find it annoying that people volunteer to do something and then make other people feel guilty for not supporting or paying for it.
Please don't try to shanghai me for your volunteer effort because you don't have enough hands to complete it. Especially in this situation where voters recently decided to allow the county to collect $2.50 monthly or $30 a year from residents to fund volunteer fire departments. I suspect that some voted "yes" for one of two reasons: (1) it is easier to agree to payroll deduction than deal with the guilt trip incurred while facing a volunteer door to door solicitor twice a year, (2) what if we don't contribute and our house catches on fire?
Wash some cars. Cook some stew and sell it. Sell your four-wheeler. Auction your bass boat.
You figure it out. If that doesn't pay for it, dissolve the program. It doesn't deserve to exist.
I didn't volunteer for it, you did.
vol-un-teer: 1. To perform or offer to perform a service of one's own free will.
2. To do charitable or helpful work without pay.
All this has convinced me that it would be a service to my neighbor if I mowed his grass. I've decided to volunteer to do the job. I really think it would be the right thing to do. I was thinking I should do it today but it will probably be a few days before I can get to it. First I have to come up with a list of equipment I'll need; lawnmower, boots, goggles, hearing protection, gas, equipment shed, trailer, truck. There will also be costs for incorporation papers and legal fees. Then I'll need to make my neighbor feel guilty enough to buy all the stuff for me so I can volunteer to cut his grass. On second thought, maybe I should meet with local officials. I'm sure someone is willing to help me. I mean I can't do this all on my own. After all, I am volunteering to do this, all by myself. Please, won't you help me?
Are there any volunteers to help me understand this better? If so, send me an email. I'd rather you not knock on my door.
I completely and totally agree.
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