As 2017 draws to a close, let’s look at ways to improve our time spent volunteering in general. What might that look like?
Volunteerism is one way to give service to others. Retirees make up a large portion of that service, but all of us can find ways to support others in our communities.
- Provide financial support to agencies and organizations that provide needed services for others.
- Attend meeting and events near and dear to your community-minded heart. Auctions, banquets, fun runs and many more activities let you engage with service groups while enjoying a social encounter.
- Participate with an organization that provides local support. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) coordinates county-wide efforts in most counties and states. They have contacts for everything form volunteering in classrooms to meals on wheels, working at state fairs, helping home-bound people, driving, working with youth organizations like boys and Girls Clubs and the Y, etc. They will find something to engage everyone according to their time constraints and interests.
- Join a state-wide, national or international service organization. Most service begin in grass roots participation. Step up. Locate the organization online or through RSVP or other service organizations and off you go. At the end of the day you’ll feel glad you did!