I think everyone reaches a point in their career where they question if they have chosen the right field. I reached that point last year. It’s not that I don’t love what I do- it’s that I don’t feel that my work as a photographer really makes a difference. This is very hard for me to admit on my photography blog~! Last year, I started looking into graduate programs in the human services field. My GRE scores expire soon, so for me it’s now or never because I am not retaking that monster of a test! =) I have had to ask myself some pretty serious questions over the past year. Do I really want to continue a career in photography? Or is it time for a career change? I know who I want to be. I want to be a person who inspires, encourages, and lifts others up. Does photography allow me to be that person? I don’t think so.
After months of introspection, I finally came up with a solution. Why not continue a career in photography and volunteer a few hours a month to a good cause? Last summer when I was looking into local nonprofits, I stumbled upon the Guardian Ad Litem program. What in the world is a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)?! Never heard of it. The more I read about the program, the more excited I became.
A GAL is a trained volunteer who investigates and determines the needs of abused and neglected children. They advocate for a permanent and safe home for every child. They visit the children at least once a month and prepare court reports that give the children a voice. There are over 400 children a month in the Mecklenburg court system for abuse and neglect cases. Hundreds are still unrepresented.
So what did I do after reading about this program? I submitted an application! My three references were contacted by the GAL program. Then, I was contacted for an interview. Shortly after the interview, I received a letter welcoming me into the program. I signed up for the Feb/March training sessions. The last session took place yesterday. I’ll finish up my court observation hours on Monday and be sworn in on Tuesday. I have already been contacted about taking a case! I know this work will be challenging, but at the same time it will be so rewarding! I can’t wait to get started.
I volunteered for one other local organization in January. I met Kerry O’Leary at the NC Conference for Women. Kerry is the Director of Dress for Success in Charlotte. Dress for Success is an organization that provides professional attire for disadvantaged women. Their goal is to give women the tools they need to gain employment and to become successful. Last year, the Charlotte division suited 400 women. Monetary donations and clothing donations are always appreciated! More information on how you can help here: http://dressforsuccess.org
If you are interested in becoming a GAL and can commit about 10 hours a month, you can find the application here: http://www.galcharlotte.com
