Volunteering in Retirement: How Do I Find the Right Fit?

Volunteering in retirement is a great way to give back to the community in a meaningful way. It also provides opportunities to make new friends with people who share your passions. You can volunteer on your schedule and commit as much or little time as you want. We asked Robin Popik, owner/founder of Volunteer Strategies Solutions and former Volunteer Resources Supervisor for almost 30 years for the City of Plano in Texas to share her thoughts on volunteering with our readers. Here’s what she told us:

Where To Start?

Think about it.  You’re retired and finally have time to do what you want to do, but what exactly is that?   Becoming a volunteer sounds nice, but where should you look?  How do you find the right volunteer opportunity, “the right fit”? To get a little closer answer the following questions.

• What am I passionate about?
• How much time am I willing to share?
• When am I available?
• Do I want to use my business skills or do something completely different?
• How far am I willing to drive?
• What are the benefits?

Passion and Mission:

Make a list of organizations whose mission connects with your passion. Look online to learn more about their short and long-term goals – how do you feel about them, is it still a match?

Ask people you know what they’ve heard about the organization; do they know someone who volunteers there? Maybe you’ve been to a fundraising event or another activity. How was it organized? What did you like or dislike about it? If you are impressed with what you learned about the organization, lout look for a list of volunteer opportunities on their website and a way to sign-up.

Time, Availability, and Location

Retirees are busy, if you’re not now, wait and you will be.  Whether you’re taking classes, babysitting, going to the gym or catching up on reading, time seems to slip away just as it did when you were working.

So how much time are you willing to give and when is your schedule free to volunteer?  On average organizations ask people to volunteer 4 hours once or twice a week.  If you are looking at a board position remember to factor in the time involved in meetings, projects, and responsibilities. You may also want to add in driving time if you find an organization that is not close to your home.

Business Skills or Something Completely Different?

This may sound like a simple question, but believe me it’s not.  Ask yourself, do you want to use your business and leadership skills during retirement? If yes, then consider sharing your LinkedIn profile with the organizations you’ve chosen and see where there might be a match.

But let’s say you decide you want to do something completely different, like walking dogs, reading to children, helping in a kitchen or being a docent, then share that with the volunteer coordinator.  But what if the organization needs your business skills – then what?  You’ve already vetted the organization and really like them, you don’t want to keep looking, but you also don’t want to go back to work!!  Let them know how you feel, remember this is your time and your passions.  If you decide it might be something you’re willing to do, take your time to think about it.

Benefits to Both You and the Organization

You may hear people say that volunteering is “free Labor”… well, I have to disagree.  It’s a labor of love that you share with the organization. Whatever you choose should be something you feel passionate about. Keep in mind, like a job, it’s important to find the right fit so don’t rush it. A wrong fit can easily cause frustration for you and the organization. But knowing your interests, skills and timeframe will help you find “the right fit” to make volunteering meaningful for both you and the organization.

Here are a few volunteer websites to get started…

Volunteer Ideas for Retirees:

VolunteerMatch.com
Idealist.org
Voly.org
Pointsoflight.org/handsonnetwork

FAQs

Volunteering in retirement is a rewarding and fulfilling way for retirees to stay engaged, give back to their communities, and make a positive impact. Here are some commonly asked questions about volunteering in retirement:

Why should I consider volunteering in retirement?

Volunteering in retirement offers numerous benefits, including staying socially connected, maintaining mental and physical activity, finding a sense of purpose, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

What types of volunteer opportunities are available for retirees?

There are various volunteer opportunities suited for retirees, such as tutoring or mentoring students, assisting at local nonprofits or charities, participating in community clean-up projects, volunteering at hospitals or senior centers, and contributing skills and expertise to organizations.

How much time do I need to commit to volunteering in retirement?

The time commitment can vary depending on the volunteer opportunity you choose. Some roles may require just a few hours per week, while others might involve more time. Many organizations are flexible and appreciate any amount of time retirees can contribute.

Will I receive any training or support as a volunteer?

Many organizations provide training and orientation for their volunteers to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities. Additionally, there is often ongoing support and guidance available throughout the volunteer experience.

Can I volunteer remotely from home?

Yes, many organizations offer remote volunteer opportunities, especially in the digital age. You can contribute your skills, such as online tutoring, virtual mentoring, or remote administrative work, from the comfort of your home.

Are there any age restrictions for volunteering?

In general, most volunteer opportunities are open to people of all ages, including retirees. Age is not typically a barrier to volunteering, and many organizations value the life experience and expertise that retirees bring to their programs.

Are there any costs associated with volunteering?

In most cases, volunteering should not involve any direct costs for the volunteer. However, there might be some exceptions where volunteers are expected to cover certain expenses related to their specific roles. It’s essential to clarify any potential costs with the organization beforehand.

Can I volunteer while traveling during retirement?

Yes, volunteering while traveling, also known as voluntourism, is becoming increasingly popular. There are organizations that facilitate volunteer opportunities in different parts of the world for retirees who want to combine their passion for travel with making a positive impact.

Can volunteering affect my retirement benefits or taxes?

In general, volunteering should not affect your retirement benefits. As for taxes, most volunteer expenses are not tax-deductible, but it’s always best to consult with a tax professional to understand how specific situations might apply to your case.

How do I find volunteer opportunities in my area to fill my time when I retire?

There are several ways to find local volunteer opportunities in your area. You can start by checking with local nonprofits, community centers, schools, religious institutions, or online platforms that connect volunteers with organizations in need.

Robin Popik, an experienced leader, and trainer, is the owner/founder of Volunteer Strategies Solutions, an organization dedicated to helping individuals and companies build resilient volunteer programs. Robin worked for the City of Plano, Texas as the Volunteer Resources Supervisor for more than 27 years, creating numerous award-winning programs. She excels at management and strategic planning of meaningful community engagements; program development, design and expansion; increasing the power of partnerships; and program marketing and analysis. She holds a Master’s in Non-Profit Management and is here to help you with all your volunteer needs.