If Detroit ever wants to recover, it's going to have to accept a little help.
I've tried to volunteer with four non-profit organizations in the last three months, and after my experiences, I'm not surprised that metro-Detroit cities are crumbling, because they haven't found a way to accept help when it's offered.
My first attempt was working with the Free Press' widely publicized Reading Corps. I thought it would be an excellent opportunity, and also assumed some of my coworkers would want to help, so I contacted the organizers in an attempt to learn about what would be expected of corporate partners. While I received several reminders to attend the Reading Corps orientation, no one was able to help me answer a few basic questions about corporate partnerships, but everyone I spoke with said 'The questions you have will be answered at that time.' While I understand the need for efficiency from DPS, I wasn't willing to give up a Saturday unless I knew this was an instance where I'd be able to help. I wrote back saying that I wasn't willing to commit without knowing the answers to a few basic questions. I finally got a number for a program supervisor, and upon calling she told me she was 'on a deadline' and would call me back. I'm still waiting.
Next up, I tried the local branch of a national mentoring program. Three times. I'd been involved with the program for two and a half years in college, and still keep in touch with my mentee. However, my third email prompted a response of 'According to my computer system, I have no record of an inquiry being placed by you to become a volunteer mentor,' even though I recieved the email address from an auto confirmation saying my volunteer submission was received. With that warm response, I assumed volunteers probably weren't treated very well.
Again, using the Freep for guidance, I contacted a local school that helps young mothers in Detroit. I wrote a note saying how much I admired their mission, and would love to help out. Nothing.
I decided to try my luck outside the city, and was finally able to find a group that was holding volunteer orientations. I waited three weeks until the next available orientation, left work early, and drove to meet with their team. Before starting, they let me know that their program requires forty hours of training in the month of May to work with their organization. This wasn't posted anywhere in their volunteer information packet. I'd even written ahead of time to let the organizers know I was coming, and this was never mentioned. I'm not sure if this forty hour training is mandated by law (it was a domestic violence prevention/support group) or the organization, but it seems like they'll lose a lot of potential volunteers as a result.
In three month hunt I've wasted more time looking up non-profits and groups than I care to admit. I could've spent at least twenty hours feeding meals, tutoring kids, etc. but instead, I'm still looking for someone who will take my help.
I realize non-profits are struggling now more than ever, but isn't that a reason to accept help?
So metro Detroit non-profits - from the sounds of it, you're all doing great. If there are one or two groups still looking for help, let me know - my schedule is free, and I want to help, but I worry that countless others wills top trying.
