Two Rivers

[vaneramos]

Sylvie had suggested volunteering to establish work experience. This morning I dropped into the volunteer centre. The receptionist gave me a form to fill out and showed me two large binders of job listings sorted by interest. A smaller binder lists the most current postings. This week's sheet showed five opportunities.

Two Rivers Neighbourhood Group is seeking volunteer administrators. The organization conducts social development services out of a school basement in my neighbourhood. Last summer Sylvie used a plot in Two Rivers' community garden. Community development interests me. I phoned and arranged an interview tomorrow morning at 11.

They do a police check and Family and Children's Services check on all staff. This freaked me out. I have no record of any kind, but it stirred up old bullshit about me being an unfit father, the church equating gayness and pornography with pedophilia. I would rather disclose my orientation upfront and work in a supportive environment. But the last thing I need is a sticky issue right away.

I called Sylvie this evening. She believes the group will be open-minded. But tomorrow is only a fact-finding session. I don't have to make decisions or reveal anything that makes me uncomfortable.

Comments

[jwg.livejournal.com]

Good luck, volunteering sounds like a great idea.

I'd think that when you tell them about all the stuff you do with Marian and Brenna that will be in your favor.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks. The woman I met this morning seemed more interested in my writing skills, but that is fine, too.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you, B. I'm feel optimistic about it so far.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it wasn't the background checks specifically that worried me as much as my previous experiences of homophobia, and the fear that the average person wouldn't want a gay man working around children. I got good vibes from the woman I met this morning though, and I think she had me pegged anyway.