VeniceIsSinking's pre-recruitment through recruitment thread

[ADPiLove]

Maybe I'm a little biased, but what would be uncomfortable about volunteering at the Ronald McDonald house? My chapter just cooks dinner for the families living there and sometimes play with their children (most of the time, there aren't many younger kids around). I was only uncomfortable once because I was trying to use my limited Spanish to find out what one woman needed, but between two people who could speak a bit of Spanish and one girl who could speak Italian, we figured out how to help her, and it was a bonding experience. All of our girls love going there to help out. The people there are really nice and quite thankful.

[texas*princess]

Originally Posted by ADPiLove

Maybe I'm a little biased, but what would be uncomfortable about volunteering at the Ronald McDonald house? My chapter just cooks dinner for the families living there and sometimes play with their children (most of the time, there aren't many younger kids around). I was only uncomfortable once because I was trying to use my limited Spanish to find out what one woman needed, but between two people who could speak a bit of Spanish and one girl who could speak Italian, we figured out how to help her, and it was a bonding experience. All of our girls love going there to help out. The people there are really nice and quite thankful.

I was wondering the same thing? Maybe just sad to see families dealing with bad stuff?

My chapter went to our RMH every year and I don't remember seeing families around at all. Maybe it was the time of day, or whatever. We mainly helped out by doing work that they needed done - painting, gardening, etc. It was lots of fun.

[EGAOPi]

Just remember to keep in open mind. I've unfortunately seen negative results for girls that went in with stereotypes in mind/previous experiences & observations...it's great that you're well-informed, but there is much more to sorority life than what you see from the outside. Go by how you feel during recruitment--that's when you'll know if you've found your home. Good luck!

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by ADPiLove

Maybe I'm a little biased, but what would be uncomfortable about volunteering at the Ronald McDonald house? My chapter just cooks dinner for the families living there and sometimes play with their children (most of the time, there aren't many younger kids around). I was only uncomfortable once because I was trying to use my limited Spanish to find out what one woman needed, but between two people who could speak a bit of Spanish and one girl who could speak Italian, we figured out how to help her, and it was a bonding experience. All of our girls love going there to help out. The people there are really nice and quite thankful.

Not having done it myself, I was refering to it being hard for some people to see families dealing with very difficult times and very sick children. Same thing with working with an older population. I personally have a hard time in any situation where I go and end up talking to a bunch of people I don't know whether that's in a nursing home or otherwise.

I hope that makes sense. It's just something outside of some people's comfort zones. I was certainly not putting down the RMcD House, it was just the first example that came to my mind.

[33girl]

Our philanthropy is Special Olympics. Obviously there are some people out there who aren't good at dealing with special children (or just children in general, not only the special ones). It all depends - I'm sure we have chapters full of special ed majors who love doing things w/ the kids and are participating in hands-on things constantly and if you were not of that mindset, it might turn you off to the chapter. So, I completely understand where VIS is coming from.

[ADPiLove]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Not having done it myself, I was refering to it being hard for some people to see families dealing with very difficult times and very sick children. Same thing with working with an older population. I personally have a hard time in any situation where I go and end up talking to a bunch of people I don't know whether that's in a nursing home or otherwise.

I hope that makes sense. It's just something outside of some people's comfort zones. I was certainly not putting down the RMcD House, it was just the first example that came to my mind.

Ah, gotcha. I know you weren't putting down the RMcD house, I was just wondering what concerns you thought there might be. Some of the people are fine talking about what is happening with their children, others just eat dinner and leave without really talking to us, which is fine. It's their choice, and it is sad to hear their stories, but they have a lot of hope attached to them as well.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by ADPiLove

Ah, gotcha. I know you weren't putting down the RMcD house, I was just wondering what concerns you thought there might be. Some of the people are fine talking about what is happening with their children, others just eat dinner and leave without really talking to us, which is fine. It's their choice, and it is sad to hear their stories, but they have a lot of hope attached to them as well.

Yeah. I think it would be kinda cool myself. It really fits in with my future career interests and even If I'm not a fan of putting myself in the situation, I really do like helping people.

[IvySpice]

Yeah, no kidding. And moreso than not liking, but to "absolutely dislike"? How do you dislike fighting breast cancer, child abuse, etc.???

I thought she meant that she didn't like the philanthropy EVENT the chapter runs, as opposed to the beneficiary of the philanthropy. Purely random examples, but I know of a chapter that did a rather raunchy bachelor auction that might make someone uncomfortable. Plenty of people would absolutely dislike a lip-synch contest. As for me, I hate golf, so if the philanthropy was a golf classic, I would not enjoy working on that, even if it were for a great cause.

If the problem is the way the sisters talk about the philanthropy, I can understand that, too. If the event involves fraternities competing athletically, maybe the sisters are always talking about getting those hot XYZ boys to take their shirts off.

[twotimestalia]

Originally Posted by ADPiLove

Maybe I'm a little biased, but what would be uncomfortable about volunteering at the Ronald McDonald house? My chapter just cooks dinner for the families living there and sometimes play with their children (most of the time, there aren't many younger kids around).

I reason why I'd be uncomfortable cooking for others, is because I'm a vegetarian. Whenever others see me eating everything BUT meat, they ask a million questions and I feel uncomfortable.

As far as kids go, I don't have any, and they also make me uncomfortable!

Just my 2 cents.