Volunteering and Mentoring
Retirement and the pre-retirement years can finally offer the time for volunteering that didn't exist when a person was younger. The following are some resources to help in this process.
www.craigslist.com
Just go to craigslist, put in your city and find the section for volunteers. You'll see many organizations that are looking for people right in your area.
www.ncna.org
The National Council of Nonprofit Associations connects 22,000 members in 45 states and the District of Columbia, linking state and regional nonprofits.
www.usafreedomcorps.gov
This is a US government organization with a range of volunteer projects. There is a special section on the home page for Baby Boomers, the Get Involved program. Its in collaboration with the nonprofit community and private-sector organizations. You can also call them at 1-800-424-8867, or visit, www.getinvolved.gov to find what is best for you.
www.volunteermatch.org
Just put in your zip code and what your interests are and this site will help find the volunteer job that is right for you.
www.score.org
If you would like to offer your expertise from the business world to help entrepreneurs and small businesses, this is a good organization to offer your services. You can finally share the wisdom that took you a lifetime to gain.
www.civicventures.org
This is a think tank, redefining the second half of life as source of social and individual renewal. They have an Experience Corps, where people over 55 can serve as a tutor and mentor among other programs.
www.easi.org
This is the Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement (EASI), a national nonprofit coalition of environmental, aging and volunteer organizations. There is a national network of 12,000 local organizations. If you would like to get involved in environmental protection, contact them.
www.experiencecorps.org
Located in 19 cities, this is a way for people over 55 to help correct social problems such as literacy.
www.unitedplanet.org
The worlds largest cultural exchange, in over 150 countries is devoted to supporting communities in need, and promoting social & economic prosperity. For example, right now they're establishing a Laundromat at a shelter for battered women in Guatemala. The goal is so the women may become more self-reliant when they leave the shelter.
www.seniorcorps.org
An organization for those 55 and older to help others.
Other places to search:
There are virtually unlimited opportunities to volunteer your time. If there is a particular medical condition, such as cancer or juvenile diabetes, which has affected you, a family member or friend, donate your time.
The local newspaper or free weekly will almost always have a section of organizations looking for volunteers.
Books:
Civic Engagement and the Baby Boomer Generation, by Laura Wilson and Sharon Simson, Haworth Press, Inc. Laura Wilson is the Director of the Center on Aging at the University of Maryland, and Sharon Simson is a Research Professor there. This book is a great resource for people who are looking to give their time in a meaningful way, and how to go about it.
