What we’re about
Shortcut to Calendar - https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/events/calendar
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Hi.
Thanks for checking out our group.
A quick note to any who message(d) me – Meetup has a weird bug where anyone can email (me) an organizer, but if you're not a member of this group or another group we're mutually both in, then Meetup won't allow me to respond. It might be an anti-spam feature. So if anyone messaged me in the past, I'm sorry for not replying. I honestly tried, but Meetup's messaging system is strict. If anyone doesn't want to join this group, but has a question, try emailing me at wisejunkemail@gmail.com
Okay...now about our group:
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This group is different.
Various volunteer opportunities are posted.
Events are flexible. You choose what interests you and fits your schedule, availability, and geographic area.
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If you want to make a difference and "be the change,"
Consider volunteering for community service events.
Giving back & helping others is rewarding, fulfilling, and satisfying!
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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, gathering in large groups is not recommended, so meeting new people is tricky right now. However, many people are struggling and suffering, so if anyone feels comfortable going out in public, a few volunteer events are posted in this group, so you and a few others are welcome to participate in helping our neighbors and fellow Americans.
COVID-19 is dangerous and possibly deadly, so please do not leave home unless you understand and accept the inherent risks, and can/will take the necessary safety precautions to protect yourself and others.
During these difficult and scary times, fortunately some kind, caring, compassionate, and good-hearted people are here to lend a hand and help others in need.
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Description from the previous group organizer(s):
"People Helping the Community is a group of individuals who have the common interest to help those in need. Our members will team up with other organizations from all over Los Angeles to provide support wherever it's needed. We are active, and provide a variety of monthly volunteer events from feeding the homeless, trips to orphanages, visiting senior centers, Reading to Kids, Habitat for Humanity, and other great events."
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Another person, Derrick ?, started this group and is the original organizer. I don't know what happened, but other people became organizers, and for a period of time, no volunteer/community service events were posted, and when the previous organizer stepped down, I started posting events so members in this group could still participate and get involved with the original goal & mission of helping people.
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Examples of volunteering:
https://www.instagram.com/socalvolunteers
https://www.facebook.com/socalvolunteers/photos/?tab=albums
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3 groups to choose from:
• Volunteer in LA — https://www.meetup.com/LAVolunteer
• People Helping the Community in LA — https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers
• SoCal Volunteers United in OC — https://www.meetup.com/SoCalVolunteers
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FYI: Many people ask, so I'll mention it here. Wiseman sounds like a fake name, internet moniker, or nickname, but it's my real name. Ironically, I'm pretty dumb. ;)
And if what I look like matters, use a web browser and go to
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/members/69743242
and under my main photo, click on "Tagged photos" and you can judge me...and decide if you want to join our group/events/trips. :)
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Introduction & Elaboration:
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/events/218808844
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Suggestion:
If anyone joins this group, editing your email settings is recommended. Many "reminder" emails are automatically sent everyday by Meetup.com, which can become annoying and overwhelming. Changing email preferences takes a few seconds and is worthwhile.
After joining this group, go to https://www.meetup.com/account/comm/LosAngelesVolunteers
...and set "Meetup reminders" to "Never"
Feel free to change other settings to reduce emails.
For anyone using the Meetup app, in the lower right corner, click "Profile"
...then in the top right corner, tap the 3 vertical dots and then "Manage notifications" and then "Email Updates" and scroll down to tap People Helping the Community and set "Meetup reminders" to "Never"
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Upcoming events (1)
See all- Washington DC ??? [Tentative Idea]Washington, Washington, DC
Note: This is not 100% happening. It's tentative.
My expectations are low, so zero people/nobody might be interested and/or available for this.
As a kid, I liked American History (along with math, science, etc.).
In middle school, I joined a school trip to NYC, Philly, and DC -- and loved it!
In 2022, I finally re-visited DC and had a blast...even met up with a group member who joined our group camping trip in Zion who later moved from SoCal to DC.
In 2023, I returned to DC for a few days, but got sick a day prior (due to some little kids), so I didn't do/see much last year. :(
A few months ago while in Boston, I wanted to explore the historic sites, but ended up doing something else, but was able to check out a few historic things in Philadelphia.
The Summer Olympics has made us feel patriotic, so now I'm thinking of going back to DC in January 2025.
It might be cold (inclement weather).
In 2022, I liked re-visiting the monuments, war memorials, and Arlington National Cemetery.
The National Museum of African American History and US Holocaust Memorial Museum were edifying.
My memory is unreliable -- but I vaguely recall watching on tv, the inauguration for Obama (2008/2009), which was historic & inspiring.
The upcoming weeks/months might be chaotic...and some predict crazy shenanigans after the November election (lawsuits, county elections officers & state AGs not certifying the results, Supreme Court involvement, riots/violence, etc.).
But if somehow, a woman prevails and ends up being elected, despite millions of Americans being indignant and protesting -- as someone who appreciates history -- it'd be cool to witness the inauguration in person, the first woman president after 40+ men.
Politics is a taboo and triggering / polarizing topic.
Regardless, if anyone else is crazy about possibly going, feel free to lmk.
To reiterate -- this is not 100% happening.
It's possible a man might be the next president/dictator.
So I booked refundable R/T flights, a refundable Airbnb, and a cancel-able rental car.
Rental cars might be sold out -- so I'm okay with Uber / public transportation.
After November, flights / lodging might jump in price.
Refundable options are recommended because the future is uncertain. Democracy might end.
It might rain or snow in January, so something to keep in mind.
I'm flying in on Saturday to Ronald Regan airport (DCA) and leaving on Wednesday b/c return flights on Tuesday are pricey.
Feel free to arrive/depart whenever you want. Your choice
Other airports to consider are Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore (BWI).
Each airport should have access to a train station that goes to Union Station.
Lodging in/near DC can be expensive.
If January is too cold or if the inauguration doesn't appeal to anyone -- feel free to visit during another month (e.g. cherry blossoms).
Plenty of websites with advice about visiting...such as
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28970-i40-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc
https://www.visitwashington.com
https://travel.usnews.com/Washington_DC/Things_To_Do
This trip idea is flexible.
You can choose what day to arrive & leave.
For flights, I recommend checking
www.google.com/flights
www.kayak.com
www.skyscanner.com
www.southwest.comTo reiterate, DCA, IAD, and BWI are all reasonable distance from DC...and all three have public transportation access.
Ok. This is a basic intro / overview.
If anyone is serious about going, feel free to lmk and we can discuss & coordinate.
Let's pray democracy can continue. Let's go, USA!
Addendum:
Years ago (2017 - 2020), I posted events for Women's Marches and a few years ago, about Black Lives Matter.
A few people messaged me or posted comments.
FYI - I'm pretty obstinate and set in my convictions, values, and principles.
I'm a fairly positive, happy, optimistic, and kind/loving person.
If anyone is filled with anger, hate, prejudice, etc., then that's your/their prerogative. Some people are sexist / racist.
I dislike most politicians, both Republicans and Democrats--and I'm Christian, so feel free to send me a nasty / negative msg -- but please understand you won't change my mind and you're wasting your time. haha
:)
Suum cuique!
Let's end on a happy note.
"As an American, it makes me sad to see that nothing is made in the USA anymore."
"I just bought a new TV, and it says 'Built-in Antenna.'"
"I don't even know where that is."
;)
