Looking For An Organization I Can Volunteer For

I’m trying to find an organization I can volunteer my technology consulting services to in Tampa, Fl.. But man, it’s a lot harder than you’d think.

Trying to do a web search for organizations isn’t easy. The organizations that come up don’t really help me decide who I should contact or why.

I tried hitting up the social “community” via Twitter and asked

Looking for a non-profit organization in Tampa to volunteer my technology consulting to. Know of a worthy organization? JbB

But got nothin’ back, no responses. Which is sad because Twitter is ’sposed to be the perfect place for that. (Is the volunteer scene weak in Tampa, Fl? Haven’t heard from any of you…)

I didn’t really think I would have to look hard to find an organization to volunteer services for.

There are plenty of organizations that need general volunteers, but I’m looking to volunteer my skills, ya know? I want to volunteer something that only a very select few can do, and also gain insight and add value to my business. Geeks learn by crackin’ open a manual or spending hours on internet forums. I ain’t a geek… I learn new techniques by actually engaging technology. So by volunteering  my unique skill set, I can gain experience. Learn something like certain older hardware doesn’t work on Windows 7, or learning about how Google Apps is awesome and free for non-profits…

In other words, helping charity organizations helps me. I think I’d really enjoy teaching some inner city youth computer classes or helping organizations that help the homeless harness the power of social media to engage and interact with their volunteers or helping organizations streamline their operation online with Google Apps. I know there are people like me who help charity organizations out there, I read about them all the time in different cities and states, so being in a big city like Tampa, Fl., it’s a shame it’s not easier to connect with organizations like this.

But I’m sure I’ll find something at some point, and when I do, I’ll keep ya updated. And if you know of one, or happen to volunteer and have some advice for me, hit me up via the comments or at twitter.com/johnBbaird. My web site is johnBbaird.com.

Peace, JbB