It can be frustrating how long these things take. When I moved back to my hometown, it was two years before I found out about a volunteer committee aligned with my interests and expertise. I served on it for 4 years before even realizing that I could apply to the more formal committee that was in charge of it. I've been on that one for almost 2 years now and *finally* feel like maybe possibly I'll be able to start realizing some of my own priorities for my town in 10 years or so!
this is so helpful to hear! i have no context for how long things take nor the many steps it might take to find my spot. i appreciate you sharing your experience in more detail.
Circling back to this thread with a little surprise that made me smile. The city reached out to me about being on the community health commission (not interested on first blush) and when I dug in to their work plan I found this topic on the list: Social Connectedness -- Study and report examples of city-level strategies to communicate public health topics that enhance social connectedness.
It could not be more perfect for my personal interests or professional skills. Thought of your kind notes, Antonia, reminding me that it might meander but I'll find my spot eventually. And here I am, about to step in to a spot that might be exactly right for me.
I loved reading this so much! Every turn in this small story made me happy. I hope the steps continue to help you find a place that feels like a good fit. Keep us updated on your meander! (I am trying to shed one commitment that I created for myself--an annual school board candidate forum--but after running it again last night I realized that nobody else is going to take it on and what I really need is someone to take over the organizational parts of it I don't like and am no good at. I've been doing this forum for 5 years and I'm still meandering!)
Thanks for seeing me and sharing your experience. Good reminder to me that this might not be the plan now that doesn’t mean it might not be someday :)
All we have is each other. 🧡
It can be frustrating how long these things take. When I moved back to my hometown, it was two years before I found out about a volunteer committee aligned with my interests and expertise. I served on it for 4 years before even realizing that I could apply to the more formal committee that was in charge of it. I've been on that one for almost 2 years now and *finally* feel like maybe possibly I'll be able to start realizing some of my own priorities for my town in 10 years or so!
this is so helpful to hear! i have no context for how long things take nor the many steps it might take to find my spot. i appreciate you sharing your experience in more detail.
I think most of us are just stumbling around trying to figure all this out, so you're not alone!
Circling back to this thread with a little surprise that made me smile. The city reached out to me about being on the community health commission (not interested on first blush) and when I dug in to their work plan I found this topic on the list: Social Connectedness -- Study and report examples of city-level strategies to communicate public health topics that enhance social connectedness.
It could not be more perfect for my personal interests or professional skills. Thought of your kind notes, Antonia, reminding me that it might meander but I'll find my spot eventually. And here I am, about to step in to a spot that might be exactly right for me.
I loved reading this so much! Every turn in this small story made me happy. I hope the steps continue to help you find a place that feels like a good fit. Keep us updated on your meander! (I am trying to shed one commitment that I created for myself--an annual school board candidate forum--but after running it again last night I realized that nobody else is going to take it on and what I really need is someone to take over the organizational parts of it I don't like and am no good at. I've been doing this forum for 5 years and I'm still meandering!)