Posted by Arieanna in Leisure & Activity, Retired and Working
Whether you’re retired, semi-retired or still working, you may already be volunteering. If not, it might be just the thing you’re looking for.
From the Times Leader, many retirees are considering their retirement time as a time to give back, explore passions and see what happens. When we dream of retirement, we dream of doing things for ourselves - travel, hobbies, personal projects - but it can quickly become empty.
When we retire, we don’t just lose our drive. We’re skilled, ambitious folk and just kicking back, or even doing menial volunteer work like stuffing envelopes, just doesn’t cut it.
Look at Bill Gates. Retired. Really. What he’s doing now is philanthropy. It’s work, but he doesn’t get paid for it. It’s therefore volunteer. Think about it. Bill Gates is chanelling his skills and energy in a new direction, one that really matters.
“They don’t want to just go and volunteer,” said Nancy Long, executive director of the nonprofit Executive Service Corps of Washington. “They want to make a difference. They want to see an impact of what they do.”
Experts believe this growing pool of older adults has awesome potential, but they fear it will be wasted unless organizations can convince baby boomers that they should give back to society — and then follow that up with worthwhile opportunities.
A national campaign to make that happen is building across the country. Civic Ventures, a California-based think tank, is taking a lead role in promoting volunteerism among baby boomers.
One of its biggest initiatives is The Next Chapter, which helps communities mobilize older citizens.
There are a lot of challenges with this new breed of volunteer. We’re picky. We want to make a difference and be recognized. We want individualized things to be a part of, not a standard plug-n-go volunteer slot. We view volunteering as something to explore and work at. And this adds great satisfaction to life.
Have you begun exploring volunteer options in your community or at large?
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