Anyone who knows me or had read any of my posts knows that I volunteer en femme. This is an idea I got from asking for things to do in a post here sometime last spring. My reason for writing this post is to make those who are looking for things to do while dressed or are looking for ways to get out, know what a truly wonderful way of getting out and interacting with others volunteering can be. I love the idea that I am blessed to be able to represent the CD community in a positive light.
We all probably have e-mails set up for our female personalities. I started by sending e-mails to a number of places that traditionally seek volunteer help. I was open and honest about my intentions. I let it be known that I am a crossdresser and am seeking to do things while dressed to help others, instead of the same old bar and shopping routines. A true win-win. No one knew who I was so there was little downside in sending those e-mails. A wonderful woman, who runs the volunteer arm of the local Salvation Army reached out and we set up a meeting. I attended that meeting dressed in what I thought a woman of my age would wear to an office job interview. Things went well and since early June, once a week Kandi does miscellaneous projects (spreadsheets, setting up and writing letters, transcribing board minutes, etc.) and the return I get is immeasurable. Everyone treats me well, so much so that I have been invited out to dinner, invited to the homes of my “co-workers” and this week, I am being presented with an award at the annual Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation dinner.
When you volunteer, the people who you work for want help and tend to be more accepting, thereby giving you the opportunity to prove to others that you are a good person, worth knowing. I have been able to dispel many myths held by the general public and it has been heartwarming. I have now also extended my volunteer opportunities to my church and to a local (gay) men’s choir and the return I receive greatly outweighs anything I do for them. Please understand I do not write this post for any praise, just as an example of what we as a community can do to advance the perceptions of us in public. As I have read here time and again, we change minds one at a time and hopefully someday girls like us will not have to hesitate to go out as their true selves. I think I owe that for all the help and blessings I have received since ol' Kandi became a reality. Hope this helps at least one person out there.
biggest hugs
, That is so awesome being a volunteer for a worthy cause , 
Originally Posted by Eryn
