Amp U T chat is for amputees.
[amputee/_private/headerb.htm]| VOLUME 2 # 3 | JANUARY 22, 1996 |
IN THIS ISSUE
No, we aren't asking for any...so it's safe to read this. (grin)
The amputee community appears to be far less organized than other "disabled" groups. We wonder at why this is and what can be done. Possibly, there is just too much division/dissension among individuals so that there can be no "coming together." Another possibility is apathy; "someone else can do it," "it doesn't matter what I say/do/think," "I can't talk to people/can't write," etc. Possibly those that have "done so much, with so little, for so long" are just worn out.
Where are the volunteers? Scarce, in hiding, and abused?
We have seen other organizations that make very good use of volunteers and have a very strong "platoon" of foot soldiers. They proudly display the number of volunteer hours worked each year, and each year those hours go up. In fact, there are groups that Joyce has worked with that depend heavily on the volunteers so that is possible to provide community services.
Enthusiastic volunteers work hard, and many state that "you couldn't pay me enough to take this job," yet, they will do ____ for free. Why? Why are these volunteer programs so successful, why do others fail?
From my observations there are several commonalties.
There is always "something" that the volunteer gets from their participation. Sometimes the "return" is education, socialization, or pride. When a volunteer program works well, these "returns" fortify self-esteem.
The organization needs to help the volunteer find his or her special talent/interest. No one wants to struggle along doing something they are uncomfortable with or don't have an interest in. Also, they need to have training. "I don't know what I'm suppose to do," will stop most people before they start. And the organization has to appreciate and utilize the talents and abilities of individuals. For example, don't have someone that works well with children, stuck behind a desk where she never sees anyone.
ASK the volunteer what he of she wants to do. Maybe a person who works with children all day long wants to do something different and would rather be behind a desk.
All training and material should be free...there is nothing so insulting as to give your time and energy generously, and then to further be expected to pay for the privilege of working for nothing. It's just not economically sensible.
Try to divide the least popular tasks between several people and rotate them. I might clean the rest room once a month, but I don't want to do it for life.
What will kill a volunteer organization would be to have work for twenty, done by three.
Not every volunteer has to take on a monumental task. It could be just stuffing envelopes...it doesn't have to be raising $$$ for this year's benefit.
As a volunteer leader you should realize it is your responsibility to seek sufficient volunteers for a job. Successful organizations have a VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR. This person is sometimes paid and takes care of the above mentioned things.
Recognition; it can be a simple pat on the back, "atta boy," a thank you card, a mention in the local newspaper, or an annual group dinner, merit, certificate or years of service pin. Your volunteers need to know they are appreciated and not taken for granted.
Don't abuse you volunteers--sounds simple, but you'd be surprised at how many people feel like one of the park statues--you know, with the pigeons.
As a volunteer you should remember that it's okay to say "no." You can't do everything and you "have a life," too. It's better to take on one task that you can handle, do it well, and follow it to completion that to take multi-tasks and not be able to follow through. (That also is not good for your self-respect.)
Rather than critiquing an organization from the side lines, join them and make a difference.
Chat Tonight: Volunteerism
NOTE: John will be having revision surgery this Friday, therefore, there may not be a newsletter of chat next Monday. Check your email for any change of plans.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This FAX was received about a month ago. Since it's not email I couldn't cut and paste so, I'm transcribing. Please pardon typos, they are more than likely mine. This letter was address to New Jersey Congresswoman, Marge Roukema by an independent prosthetist.)
Dear Congresswoman Roukema:
I am writing to you regarding my extreme concern about managed care practices. I am a Licensed Physical Therapist and a Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist with 25 years of rehabilitation experience. In recent years, managed care networks have become prevalent in the insurance market. While statistics may show a cost savings, long term costs may be higher, in addition to a significant reduction in quality.
I am involved in a service oriented profession. In order for practices to receive exclusivity within an insurance network, cost and service must be reduced to a minimum. The current policy in managed care networks is to exclude all providers with the exception of a select few. I have been attempting to contract with various networks with little success. The story is consistent. Initially, I am told that my specialty is not yet being contracted only to find out months later that contracts have been made. Insurers do not want to negotiate with small practices. Administratively, the desire is to negotiate regionally of nationally. Many patients who have been seen for years at a particular practice are forced to seek services elsewhere. Outcome does not seem to be a factor in the selection of providers but rather the "bottom line."
The elimination of choice seems to be systematic and discriminates against small businesses. While making record profits, insurance companies are reducing service and benefits at an alarming rate. I have been providing quality service at a reasonable rate during my entire career. I am proud of the service I provide as well as the outcome. Ironically, we are in an age of tremendous technological improvements, yet we are headed toward mediocrity.
I am most concerned about the involvement of managed care in the Medicare program. It is now possible for insurance companies to eliminate competition, even in federally funded programs such as Medicare. As in many networks, patients are penalized for going out of the network. I do not understand how the exclusion of "any willing provider" will reduce cost. While this may be an old fashioned philosophy, competition in a free market situation should provide the *best* service at the lowest possible cost. The emphasis must remain on the best service rather that the lowest cost.
I am extremely concerned about my ability to remain in business in such an atmosphere. Many of my peers have "sold out" to large corporations or have been driven out of business. As the owner of a small practice, I can provide complete quality service without the administrative cost incurred by a large corporation, as I have control of how I conduct my practice and my business. REFORM IS DESPERATELY NEEDED. Insurance companies have been creating there own rules and unless something is done in the near future competition and choice will be eliminated completely. Cost savings can not and should not include the reduction of service and quality. I hope my concerns do not go unheeded. I anxiously await your response.
R. A. B.
(NOTE: The amputees are not alone in their frustration and concern about Medicare, insurance companies, and health care reform. We might be at the end of the line, but the prosthetist are in the middle. It might be a good time to consider writing to your representative.)
THE ADVICE (DISCLAIMER)
Please be sure to read the information at this link at least once.
The use of a telephone HEADset can be a real convenience. Buy an inexpensive one (hands free phone like available from Radio Shack, for example) and connect it to the phone. Disconnect the HANDset cord from the receiver and phone. When the phone rings put the HEADset on first and then remove the original HANDset to activate the phone. (The original handset is just used as a weight on the telephone cradle.)
It's bad enough that parking lot snow is plowed and stored in the handicapped parking places. :( As the snow melts it manages to puddle in the handicapped spots and turn to ice. Carry a wide-mouth, shatter proof plastic container, filled with sand. Keep it in easy access (not in the trunk.) When getting out of the car, if you see ice sprinkle some sand on it first.
Have a hint, tip, or suggestion? Please email us and we will consider it for use in the newsletter.
"Emotion is the chief source of all becoming-conscious. There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotion."
--Carl Gustav Jung
© Copyright January 22, 1996 J. Meyer All Rights Reserved