I've applied to do volunteer work one evening a week at a Girl Guide's club. I had a meeting last week with the lady in charge (she's just been newly appointed too, so we're both newbies) and she went over the plans for when the club starts back over the summer.
She wants to make up a welcome pack for the parents/families, and a monthly newsletter.
She said she works full-time so wants to know if i can take on both these tasks. I've said i work too, albeit part-time, and can't we half the workload?
She gave me a bit of a funny look and said 'How about i'll do the monthly newsletter and you do the welcome packs.'
I felt a bit awkward at this stage, we were in her house, and i could sense some confrontation coming (which i hate!) so agreed.
Then she went on to tell me what should be in the welcome packs.
It's a bloody novel she's wanting! She wants ten pages on describing what out club's about; rules and our ethos; an annual timetable; info on myself and her; what snacks will be on offer; what actvities we'll be doing etc etc.
I said, 'Okay, let's brainstorm just now so i can get a first draft of it and type it up next week.'
She gave me ANOTHER funny look and said 'Ummmm, didn't we just agree that you'd do the welcome packs yourself?'
So i left it.
She then went on to tell me that she wants them all printed out in colour, binded and laminated by the time the club restarts in a few weeks.
This is going to cost a fortune! I said, 'That's fine as i live next to a print shop anyway, but i'll need the money upfront.'
Another funny look. "Ummm what money?'
'The money from the club's accounts. The money left over from last year that the girl's paid. The money that's intended for funding things like this.'
She gave a bug huffy sigh and said, "I don't know about that as i don't have access to the accounts yet. Can't you pay it just now and we'll see if we can sort it out when we start back?"
I was feeling really awkward and rather mousey by this stage (she's really intimidating! But i'm such a pushover i'd be intimidated by a gerbil), so i mumbled "I'll have a think and get back to you." And i left.
She's text today: "Hey X, what's happening with these welcome packs?"
I've yet to respond.
Help me! This volunteer work is something i really want to do, but i didn't think i'd have to pay for it!
Another reason i feel like i should just pay out and do the welcome packs is because this girl has agreed to drive me there and back each week (free) as we live practically two streets from each other, and otherwise it would cost me £15 in taxi fare each week.
But i know if i don't stand up to her now, she'll be expecting me to fund other Guide-stuff in the future.