Volunteers Needed: NILMDTS

[Cajungaltx]

I'm the Houston area coordinator for NILMDTS.org for the Texas Medical Center. I don't know how many of you are aware that we have a group like NILMDTS in our area, but we do, and it's pretty active.

I only handle the coordination for the Texas Medical Center volunteers, however if you would prefer to volunteer in one of the outlying areas, I can point you to the A/C for that area.

Our TMC volunteer group is a bit different than most. We have an 'on call' schedule - you simply sign up for a day or two per month, and those are the only days that you are 'on call'. If a call comes in on that day, then you handle the session. If no calls come in, then you still did your volunteering for those days.

But our schedule only works as long as we have adequate numbers of photographers. Right now, some photographers take 2 or 3 days every month. My goal is to get it so that at MOST, they take 2. Ideally I'd like it to be only one per month but that means I need more warm bodies...professional photographers.

In an effort to ensure that all families receive the same quality gift from volunteers in our program, it is imperative that NILMDTS photographers have professional photography and editing skills. This does not necessarily mean, however, that all of our members are full-time professional photographers. Some pay the bills from other full time or part time jobs. However all accepted into the photography portion of the program possess a professional skill set in photography, lighting and editing techniques.

You can view a photographer recruitment video here: (Sorry about the photodex installment requirement, they work with NILMDTS)

I'd be happy to answer any questions anyone has about NILMDTS - and point you in the direction to sign up.

You can email me at donna@dbeardphotography.com if you want to ask questions you don't want to post. But please, post them, it may be the same question someone else has and is afraid to ask.

Thanks,
Donna

[Kalrog]

I hadn't heard anything of this group previously - I can't imagine working in a situation like that on a daily basis. Thank you.

[Sonny]

They have been many members to volunteer for NILMDTS. You might want to do a forum search for 'NILMDTS' to see if they are still available.

Having children myself and experiencing a miscarriage with my wife, not sure if I could wipe away enough tears to see through my viewfinder. The photogs that have volunteered are amaing people. Hats off to all of you!

[Polimom]

I'd never heard of this either, but having visited the site and watched Maddux's video, I can't remember when I've been more moved. I don't think I'd be able to hold up emotionally -- I've been crying for half an hour -- but what a profound gift your group gives.

Very powerful. I hope you find more photographers.

[Cajungaltx]

Originally Posted by Kalrog

I hadn't heard anything of this group previously - I can't imagine working in a situation like that on a daily basis. Thank you.

You don't actually work in it on a daily basis as a photographer.

For instance, I'm on call today. So our Vonage phone line is forwarded to my cell phone from 6am to 11pm. If we get any calls, then I will arrange to go to the particular hospital to do the session. If not, then at 11pm, I forward the phone to the photographer who is on call tomorrow. And they cover for their day...and so forth.

I can't imagine doing it on a daily basis... there are some areas of the country where the Area Coordinator handles 80% of the calls because they don't have enough photographers to handle the volume. I couldn't do that.

We are quite lucky to have an awesome group of volunteer photographers, MOST of whom don't live inside the loop.

[Cajungaltx]

Originally Posted by Sonny

They have been many members to volunteer for NILMDTS. You might want to do a forum search for 'NILMDTS' to see if they are still available.

Having children myself and experiencing a miscarriage with my wife, not sure if I could wipe away enough tears to see through my viewfinder. The photogs that have volunteered are amaing people. Hats off to all of you!

Sonny,
Thanks for the suggestion. I can actually look the photographers up through the NILMDTS that are already part of our group. But just like any volunteer organization, there are some people that know about it, and some that don't. And because TPF has such a large base in Texas, I thought it might do some good to say something.

As for the crying through the viewfinder. I can completely relate. My 11 year old asked me how could I do it, and not cry. I told her, that I cry every time... but it's amazing... I can cry with the families but the minute the camera comes up, it's about them, and getting the images for them to remember their little ones.

Sandy Puc at the training session she did said said that she hardly ever hears a photographer say that he or she is worried they don't have the skill to do it, the concern that she hears most often is that the photographer will cry. She said that if you DIDN'T cry, she would worry about you.
Donna

[tresorph]

Donna, I read about this organization a year ago but didn't get the cajones to inquire as a prospective volunteer. Many moons ago I was a rape crisis volunteer counselor that visited hospitals on call, so while not entirely the same - I do miss the volunteering.

Maybe in a few months when my life's dust settles, I'll contact you.

[Cajungaltx]

Thanks Michaelle. It took me a couple months to talk myself into filling out the paperwork.... and then it takes a month and a half or so to get the paperwork processed, and get the Volunteer Service Agreements returned and to get your first shadow session (while it is useful, not a requirement) done... before you are put 'on call'. So I look forward to hopefully working with you!

[Jaggz]

Just adding my $.02 in here....having used this (actually a former person of this organization) in the all too recent past, I can say that the services offered are priceless and you can take great pride in knowing that you give a gift that will forever be cherished and held so personal and dear to the family's heart.

Yes, it is emotional...which to me is by far the hardest part...photographing someone in the "worst" times of life. But like I mentioned, the photographs are all that these (us included) will ever have. My wife and I plan on volunteering for this organization once a little time has passed...and the pain isn't quite so near to the surface in our hearts. For those of you doing this already - major props to you - you're an angel of light in times of darkness.

In loving memory of our three precious angels - called home way too soon {10/15, 11/07, & 11/07 2008}

[Cajungaltx]

Originally Posted by Polimom

I'd never heard of this either, but having visited the site and watched Maddux's video, I can't remember when I've been more moved. I don't think I'd be able to hold up emotionally -- I've been crying for half an hour -- but what a profound gift your group gives.

Very powerful. I hope you find more photographers.

Daryl,
The emotional impact is unbelievable. Even after having been part of this group, I do not frequent the website unless I need something specific because it IS so emotionally powerful.

But of the sessions that I've done, I have yet to NOT hear back from a family that simply says: Thank you.

We've had sessions that we could not cover because we did not have a photographer on call those days, which has brought me to posting on this forum hoping that a few more would take the leap and start working with us.
Donna

[phillip ino]

Already an affiliate 'tog in Austin! Yes, very difficult and emotional to do, but what you accomplish and the gift you are giving to those who need it is unmeasurable.

[Cajungaltx]

Thank you Jake - I followed your families story when I first joined TPF and I'm glad to know that NILMDTS was able to offer your family their services.

[Jenny Z]

I've been seriously considering doing this, and I definitely will now that you guys need folks. I'll be getting in touch with you soon (I'm on my way out the door)

[Cajungaltx]

Originally Posted by Jenny Z

I've been seriously considering doing this, and I definitely will now that you guys need folks. I'll be getting in touch with you soon (I'm on my way out the door)

Thanks Jenny!

[C!LLY]

I would like to do this but there is no way that I can be on call. do you have to be on call to volunteer?