Another happy afternoon spent doing the volunteer thing

[catherineldf]

Just got back from working registration at the Headwaters Walk for Justice down at Boom Island. The Walk is a big fundraiser in these parts for everything from voice mail programs for homeless folks to drug treatment programs to various prochoice, refugee support and queer groups. I've been volunteering at it for about 8 years now and it remains one of my favorite local events.
Today was perfect - weather was gorgeous, turnout was high, everything went well. I got to see a couple of friends I'd been wanting to touch base with and meet some new folks. One was a guy doing local migrant worker organizing, another a woman doing community media work. My big pleasant surprise of the Walk though was Rev. Dr. Nadean Bishop, the first out lesbian ever called to be a pastor at a Baptist church. We'd been wondering why one of the local Baptist churches had a float and a booth at Pride, and this was our answer. She was at the Walk for the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights, and was a lot of fun to talk to. I'm a pagan and tend to be pretty 'Christian wary' in general, particularly the more conservative flavors but she definitely went a long way toward winning me over. Don't think I'll convert any time soon but I'd be willing to sit through a talk or two. And it's always nice to meet trailblazers who come across as great human beings. :-)

Comments

[gypsy1969.livejournal.com]

That's really great. Surprising about the Baptist thing, but great. I am a UU Christian and I don't tell folks about it because I'm Christian wary too, I think folks will get the wrong idea about me.

Volunteering is that much better when you enjoy yourself and know you are making a difference!