5-Minute Message: Free Tools – Human Help
Many preparedness programs flounder because there is no one available to provide leadership, expertise, or there simply isn’t a warm body to get things done. Experienced people know that “free” volunteers aren’t free: It takes time, commitment, and some tangible resources to recruit, train, and maintain volunteers.
However, current trends are making free human help more accessible and valuable, including:
- Retiring Baby Boomers –thousands, every month, looking to remain active.
- Internships/apprenticeships – needed by students, graduates, job-seekers, workforce returnees, etc.
- Corporate volunteers – companies continue to seek long- and short-term volunteer opportunities for their employees to engage in local communities.
Volunteer Centers are great places to start your quest for free human help for your preparedness projects; several communities have also created job opportunities with Stimulus Dollars; and there are many online sites that make posting an opening easy!
Tip: The Taproot Foundation offers a wide variety of service grants at no cost to nonprofits.
