Posted by John Schenk on 8/17/09 11:25pm
Msg #300521

FREE PRO BONO WORK...yes, we can do that too...

I was answering a post and got to thinking about Pro Bono work (Free services) and how that applies to notaries (Didn't have anything to do with the post but something that popped into my mind). Most of us probably aren't thinking about doing anything for FREE these days, but I think this applies to notaries, as well as all professions.

What popped into my head is going to the local Salvation Army, or Faith Mission, or other such similar organizations, and offering our notary services for FREE. As a PROFESSION, we also should give back to the community, shouldn't we? Every organization in the world gives something back to the community, and hangs their hat on that. Maybe NNA does that, I don't know. Maybe some other notary association does that..I don't know. I don't know of any charitable thing that notaries do.

I think that I want to offer this service for FREE. People that are homeless need docs notarized sometimes. It will be one doc, usually, and I'm going to start offering to do that. Possibly going to the Salvation Army once a month for 30 minutes, Faith Mission for 30 minutes...it seems like the right thing to do, if you want to do something for FREE that might make you feel good.

You fit it into YOUR schedule, as you can. It's something that I am considering doing. I think it would be a nice service, and make me feel good in helping other people. It could be very limited, or you could open yourself up to tremendous amount of time doing this, but it would be your own call to make. I think I want to offer that service.

Your input is appreciated.

JJ

Reply by Michelle/AL on 8/17/09 11:38pm
Msg #300523

John I currently offer free notary services (no charge

whatsoever) to two homeless shelters. Case managers/social workers at a couple of hospitals also know to let me know if there is a family in dire straits that needs notary services.

I stay so busy that I don't do enough volunteer/community service work. By offering free notary services I feel as if I'm doing something. One homeless shelter contacts me frequently. The other - not so much.

Reply by John Schenk on 8/17/09 11:42pm
Msg #300525

KUDOS TO YOU! You are a credit to our profession! n/m

Reply by sue_pa on 8/18/09 6:58am
Msg #300534

Re: John I currently offer free notary services (no charge

I am very curious what docs you've seen homeless people needing notarized.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 8/18/09 2:29pm
Msg #300636

Sue, primarily letters (typed by Case Workers)

or forms requesting certified copies of birth certificates.

Reply by jba/fl on 8/18/09 12:23am
Msg #300527

I don't have to go far to see the need in my own neighborhood. Sometimes I don't charge, but if someone really wants to pay and insists, I charge $1. I know my neighbors, know their circumstances, and just choose to assist because I can.

We don't have to notarize living wills in FL, but some states do require this be done. If yours does, you may want to offer that someday emphasing true life cases (Terry Schivao comes to mind) and the importance of having ones own wishes followed. Evidently, back to school offers opportunities - contacting a school or health clinic could be of value also. A nursing home near you - the opportunities could be endless.

Good luck with this - you will find it rewarding.

Reply by John Schenk on 8/18/09 12:41am
Msg #300528

Great job! Not saying anyone doesn't do it...just saying that I haven't really done it. I've notarized thousands of docs over the yeasr that I didn't charge for, but not for a charitable purpose. I guess I never really thought about it much, hence my post. Nothing comes to mind that the notary profession is known for their charitable contributions to society, and maybe that should be made known to the public that notaries DO a lot of charitable/free notarizations.

Just another aspect of being a notary. One that makes the profession look better, and one I haven't personally really tried to do a free public service, which is MY BAD! My confession. Bless me fellow notaries for I have sinned.

JJ

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/18/09 2:53am
Msg #300530

Excellent suggestion

There's been lots of mention over the years by different people of doing pro bono work in various settings. In fact, I'd bet most of us have notarized for free at some time or other, but it never hurts to be reminded again. However, I'm going to suggest that we do it because we can make a difference to some people in need, not for the recognition. Besides, it's probably good karma anyway!

Reply by roxy/fla on 8/18/09 6:28am
Msg #300532

Re: Excellent suggestion

A great idea! I have just recently started volunteering in my community for various causes and have never felt so good! There are so many people in need without the support of families - basically alone so much of the time. Just by showing you care can change their whole outlook on life. Thanks for the excellent suggestion. I am definitely going to start offering these services as well.

Reply by CF on 8/18/09 8:16am
Msg #300545

Re: Excellent suggestion

This is a great post....I am going to call my local Senior Center and see if they would/ could have the need for some free Notary services. Seniors have been hurt very badly by the decline in the stock market. Many have lost years of financial support that they were counting on and have no way to earn it back.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 8/18/09 2:30pm
Msg #300637

Blessings on John Schenk! n/m

Reply by TRG_wy on 8/18/09 8:31am
Msg #300546

I have never charged anyone. Always have been Pro Bono

except of loan closings, and the like.

Individuals needing simple notarizations get free rein. When the state only allows $2 it just isn't worth it either. I didn't become a notary to get rich and I am more than happy to help others.

Reply by Roger Killackey Jr. on 8/18/09 6:44pm
Msg #300691

Re: I have never charged anyone. Always have been Pro Bono

Great attitude

Reply by MW/VA on 8/18/09 9:30am
Msg #300559

Good post, John. Not everyone is aware of what "Pro Bono" (no charge for services) work is.
I'm in business, but I have a heart. This has been discussed before, but is worth repeating.
The state law sets the maximum fee I can charge. This is set up to prevent price-gouging.
I can charge anything less than that or nothing at all, I just can't charge more. When I'm called to a nursing home or hospital I adjust my fee on a case by case basis. My usual minimum general notary work fee is $25 with travel. I will often adjust that to $5 or $10, or nothing at all. I particularly do Pro Bono work in adoption cases. I agree that a certain % of our business should be done in the name of community service.

Reply by 101livescan on 8/18/09 9:46am
Msg #300563

Thank you, John, for reminding us all how important it is to give back to the community. I had a young man come to me, just released from prison where he has spent all of his adult life. He needed something notarized to be able to get a certified copy of his birth certificate so he'd have identification to get into community college for drug and alcohol counseling degree. He was having all his many tattoos removed. Living in sober living facility in town and going to scheduled probation sessions. Month later he called me again, needed something else notarized, he was on his bicycle, could I come to him. I did, met him at Macdonald's and bought him something to eat while I notarized his document. He was so hungry, he ate it down in a nanosecond.

I said, if you ever need any assistance, and I can help you, please call me. He was so thin and gaunt, my heart was aching. I was hoping I made a little change in his life and let him know there really are people out there who care....he was trying so hard to get work in a very poor job market here on the Central Coast. He could have been my son.

A couple weeks later, I received a collect call from this young man from the County jail. I called the desk sargeant, he told me that Tim has grabbed someone by the throat and shaking him.

Back to prison he goes.

I will still reach out and try to help people, you never know when you're going to make a difference in someone's life.

Reply by KODI/CA on 8/18/09 11:31am
Msg #300594

For over a year i, and others in San Diego, do Pro Bono work for San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care. Most notarizations are for health care directives and once in a while for a POA. When two of my relatives passed away the Hospice people in their respective states were so helpful I realized how important these opportunities to "pay back" are.