A week of volunteering

We expected that volunteering would be part of our Malaysian life. It will keep our brain cells alive and help us meet people and settle in. Teaching social science does not instantly translate into volunteer opportunities. Our skills had to match a NGO's needs. In 2008 I had interviewed Malaysian NGO staff, and I contacted then when we returned. Some had ideas of what I could do, and others, including those in the same organization, were less certain.

Initial face-to-face contact is a must. Doug has emailed NGOs and rec'd no responses. Currently he is helping the same feminist groups that I am. Not exactly what he had in mind, but the staff members are welcoming and easy to work with.

This week at Empower Doug worked on its contact list and I lent a hand preparing its report on CEDAW. At AWAM, All Women's Action Society, Doug updated its website and I went to a SHout (Sexual Harassment Out) meeting. My role is evolving. I was initially asked to document the campaign, which builds on my knowledge of NGOs and collaborations.

We were recruited by an Empower staff member to volunteer at CETDEM's Hari Organik (organic day) located in a park adjacent to an outdoor market in Petaling Jaya at SS2/63. A reward of volunteering was eating amazing organic food. Enclosing herbs, nuts, seeds, jam and berries in an envelop of leaves provided an amazing taste experience.  The maker of this treat stopped production to see my expression when I ate the proffered food.

Doug joined CETDEM.  On his application when asked about his kitchen garden, he said "Killed in 2010".  He wants to learn about container herb gardens in Malaysia.  I hope that Doug can learn to recreate some of the food we ate.

If she offers a cooking class we'll be the first to sign up!

Doug won the first lucky draw of the day - two large buns (or small loaves) of wheat bread. He bought homemade non-gmo, non-msg soya sauce, bean paste. and body wash. The body wash salesperson was a natural. Doug complemented her on her skills - her response was why don't you buy a large bottles instead of one small one?  We ended buying two small bottles for the price of one large one.

Paper hat - perfect
accessory for Hari Organik

What we did we do other than eat (slow food) and shop? We staffed the handicrafts table and assisted with setup and general clean up.  Doug helped with tasks requiring height (he could remove signs without the assistance of a chair or step ladder).  And we chatted with other volunteers and learned more about Malaysian life.