To give up volunteering?

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

I’m on the committee of a local group. My children have benefited from this group for a few years and I’m happy to give up my time and skills and sometimes my money (outside of normal fees for my children) in helping them run it.

However, there is just such a lack of communication. The main people have been involved for many many years and it’s clearly their baby and they know what they’re doing. They are constantly begging for help with threats that it will have to stop running if people don’t step up and help but it’s such hard work to get proper information.

My example this week- I’ve been asked to buy something for an activity. I ask how many? No reply. I buy them and say ‘I’ve got x, y, z is this enough? Let me know by Thursday so I can get more if needed.’ No reply. The event/activity is tomorrow morning so I’ve no time now so sort it if it’s wrong.

I suffer with anxiety so this is really stressful for me but I imagine it would annoy most people. Wwyd?

Interesting that you say the people in charge know what they are doing, but they beg with threats and can't answer a simple message.

It sounds like you have done your bit and it has served its purpose and it's time to say goodbye.

Yes so for instance- a Christmas party. They’ve done one every year for 20 years, no exaggeration and they ask for help, say it can’t go ahead if they don’t have volunteers to stay, to donate food, make hot drinks etc etc. Then you might say- ooh my friend is a face painter she’s happy to come along for free and you either get ignored or no thanks we don’t do face painting.

Then I might say oh I’ve bought 50 cupcakes- is that enough? No reply. I’ve no idea how many people they expect to be attending!!

Is this Brownies/Scouts by any chance?

I'm a District Commissioner and I get similar complaints from parents about long standing leaders and parents who would like to help all the time.

I've worked with volunteers all my life and would have been all over someone as willing as you like a rash

Time to find a better group to work with ... though you'll still have to put up with hearing how hard done to they are and how nobody's willing to help

.. and how no one brings any new ideas, but their tried and tested ways are the best.

You’re on the right path heratnumber7

Some of the older crowd are very stuck in their ways - they drive my nuts.

Have you ever thought about starting your own unit? You sound enthusiastic and both organisations are crying out for new volunteers.

It’s the same with the PTA at my kids’ school. Desperate, apparently, but then tell you of their (evening) meeting dates two days in advance. I need more notice than that!

I know, unfortunately I don’t have enough time to start a new pack. I give as much as I can to them and help on the school PTA. I’ve three dc plus work full time and Dh is a shift worker. We’re pretty stretched!