Question: I recently retired, have time on my hands and would like to volunteer for a good cause. Past experience has shown me that many volunteers are just given busywork. That's not for me. Any suggestions on how to find a volunteer position that suits me?
Answer: Your spirit of voluntarism is admirable. Today, many nonprofit agencies struggle to meet growing demands with shrinking resources. They are recruiting even more help from older volunteers, known for their dependability, motivation and experience. A 1992 survey conducted by Louis Harris and Associates, Inc., found that 26 percent of Americans age 55 and older volunteer through organizations.
Charitable organizations are not the only beneficiaries. Research shows that volunteering can boost self-esteem, a sense of competence and accomplishment, and counteract stress and depression. Volunteering may also be an opportunity to learn new skills that may help you find a paid position later.
Older adults who enjoy their volunteer activities advise would-be volunteers to set goals, as if they were looking for a job. Make a concerted effort to match your interests, abilities, and needs to a particular volunteer activity. Consider the following:
With whom do you want to work? Some older volunteers enjoy being with members of the younger generation. Others prefer working with adults. One volunteer may be suited to assisting the disabled; another at helping the homeless. An introvert may be happiest in small group activities, while an extrovert may revel in larger events. Some volunteers like helping clients; others assisting staff. Some prefer to work with people; others with materials or machines.
What do you want to do? You can choose a volunteer activity that taps skills you've honed over the years, or one that is an opportunity to develop new interests. Consider whether you want a physically demanding position or one that's sedentary.
Where do you want to volunteer? Think of location. Determine how far you're willing to travel, calculating costs in both time and money. Once you reach the volunteer site, do you prefer to stay put or are you willing to travel to other places as needed?
How much time can you devote? Be realistic. Volunteer activities should blend with your lifestyle, not create competing demands on your time.
What interests you most? Above all, select a cause to which you feel a strong commitment. Do some soul-searching to discover where you want to make a difference.
After pinpointing your preferences, seek out volunteer programs whose needs and interests match your own. Friends may be good sources of referrals, but look outside your social network too.
Start by contacting a volunteer placement program or bureau (listed in the white pages of your phone book under "volunteer"). These agencies match men and women with local organizations. You can also contact groups you know--such as the Red Cross and United Way, or local civic and religious institutions.
Check the yellow pages under "social services," "volunteer services," and "senior citizens' service organizations." The calendar or community section of your local newspaper may also provide leads.