So I found out that the Georgia Aquarium is looking for volunteers as they work towards opening later this year. I think aquariums are somewhat interesting and I've got more time on my hands than I'd like, so I signed up.
Well, first of all, I have to have my own health insurance. They cannot accept liability for people's health when they are volunteering there. Thus the 40 million Americans who do not have health care are further barred from contributing to society through volunteer efforts. Just one more problem with our screwed up health system.
Next, after getting past an interview (how badly would I have had to behave so as to have been unacceptable as a volunteer, and I did check: being a Democrat does not disqualify me) I also have to have a drug test. Clearly, people wanting to give away their time is suspicious on the face of it. I mean, it is obviously anti-capitalist to be willing to give something (time in this case) for nothing, isn't it? But being far removed from any illegal drugs (as far as I know) I had no problem passing this hurdle either.
I am now scheduled to attend the first of five training classes I'll be taking (a total of 18 hours in class) so that I can be properly prepared to help others. I can see the sense in this. If I'm planning to tell others about the Aquarium I need to know something about it.
Eventually, I will have to pay for a membership so that I can be allowed into the Aquarium in order to volunteer there. At least that also includes discounts at the gift shop and whatever uniform clothing they expect the volunteers to wear (so I'm told). I just hope they have some 3X shirts.
If I can make it through all of these hurdles, then eventually I will be able to get into the Aquarium and donate some of my time there as a volunteer. I just hope that posting this doesn't get me fired before I get started.
Posted by JoKeR at August 09, 2005 09:26 PM | TrackBack