Hi there, 

Volunteering to help yourself

I’ve always felt guilty about not volunteering for the local food bank or other good causes. I avoid signing up because I hate being over-scheduled and worry about feeling obligated, especially if I’m not being paid. I run a number of Meetup book clubs and other groups, but I never used to consider that “volunteering.” I even pay for a Meetup membership to do so because I enjoy it. 

That made me realize that volunteering is whatever you want it to be. It’s your time, and you get to choose. What is clear is that volunteering will not only help others, but it will also help you by lessening depression, increasing optimism and sense of purpose in life, and counteracting loneliness. Volunteering only two hours a week is associated with a reduced risk of death in older adults.

The best volunteer opportunities will bring you into regular contact with like-minded potential friends. When we’re younger, we are thrown into proximity with the same people on a daily basis at school and then at work, and friendships develop organically. After retirement, that doesn’t happen as easily. Volunteering can bring you into contact regularly with people in a way that fosters connection and community.

But where to volunteer? That was the question that stumped me when I was considering a recurring volunteer gig. I didn’t want to sit at home alone and make calls and write postcards for a political campaign or put away books at the library. I wanted to be with people, especially after two years of isolation during the pandemic. I live in an area with a lot of retirees, and some volunteer opportunities are over-subscribed. If you're in the same boat, here are some ideas for volunteering that will help you spend time with people who share your interests.

• Volunteer at an animal shelter. If you’re an animal lover this will bring you into regular contact with other local animal lovers, plus the staff of the shelter. And, of course, you’ll meet a lot of new furry friends. 
• Offer to help out at a local cultural organization. Museums and theaters rely on volunteers to do a lot of unskilled work like ticket-taking, ushering, and a host of other tasks. If you love art, music, or theater, you’ll be sure to meet others who share your passion.
• Get involved with a cause. Whether you are interested in saving the environment, helping the homeless, or improving education, you’ll meet others who have the same goals. Make sure the organization has actual events you can attend where you’ll get to know other volunteers. Some groups have charity sales or parties run by volunteers.
• Canvass for local candidates. You’ll be partnered with another volunteer to go door-to-door and suffer the indignities of having doors slammed in your face together—a bonding experience. 😊 (I know: I went through it and made a friend.)
• Join an organization’s board of directors. Whether it’s your HOA or the community theater, boards of directors are always in need of passionate and involved members. You’ll get to know the rest of the board and the organization’s members and be in a decision-making position.
• Become a volunteer firefighter. Admittedly, this is not a choice for the faint of heart, but if you’re physically fit, it may be very rewarding. If you can’t assist with firefighting efforts, there are support positions as well. In either case, you will become part of a dedicated group that bonds in a way other groups don’t.
• Volunteer at a hospital. The seniors at the reception desks in hospitals are often volunteers. It’s a great way to meet hospital staff and other volunteers.
• Advocate for children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or guardian ad litem volunteer. You could save a child’s life. This is a cause close to my heart because I raised a foster child.

If you’re stumped for how to find potential volunteer opportunities, check out this article and these links:

• VolunteerMatch
• AllForGood
• Catchafire
• iVolunteer.org
• Idealist
• Volunteer.gov

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