I was approached the other day about a specific category of volunteering – seniors! What difference does it make, I originally thought, but with further discussions the following points and concerns surfaced.
Seniors often bring a wealth of experience, generally have extra time to spare, have significantly greater “life-experience,” quite often have substantial connections and can commonly provide service to all ages. Not a bad resume! On the other hand, seniors often can be “set in their ways,” may have physical limitations greater than younger volunteers, may not have the latest technology talent, and may have some intolerance for involvement in the youth market. Valid concerns.
Recruiting and working with seniors demands some additional attention, understanding and preparation – you want to provide a good experience while utilizing their valuable talents. By this time in their lives, seniors have learned good judgment, have a sense of the value of their time, and increasingly want to make a difference.
When you line up the senior’s passion and willingness with the needed thrust, you have a great team. Seniors are dependable, have a sense of job purpose and task completion often missing in the younger ranks. The additional compassion that comes from seasoned aging is nothing but a positive. Recruit seniors – go for it!
So seniors – yes it’s about you! Carefully look for opportunities (check out this column for example). Call ahead and ask about how work is done in the areas in which you have interest. Ask about working environment, transportation, safety, length of shifts, purpose of the function you intend volunteering for, how the organization and unit is managed, who are the clientele and – look for a match for your existing talents and desire. Will the organization also train you in areas of need? Given the above – let’s get with it and talk about volunteering.
Check out the following opportunities – just suggestions:
• Madison House Retirement & Assisted Living is located in the Totem Lake area. Opportunities include: interacting one-on-one with residents; water color instructor, playing a musical instrument or leading a sing along, assisting in the dining room, leading a discussion group, hosting a monthly travel group, scrapbooking photos of events and activities, office work filing and putting packets together, gardening, Tai Chi instructor – and more. Volunteer hours and postings are done according to mutual schedules.
For information, visit www.mhretirement.com or contact LeAnna West, active living director, lwest@mhretirement.com, 425-821-8210.
• AARP is a dynamic organization, focused on Seniors and active nationally as well as in our community and state. Some very interesting and valuable opportunities for volunteers exist in the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide for 2013 where positions in preparation, greeting, technology and English as a second language exist. Additionally, check out the AARP Executive Service Corps. Lastly, check out the AARP Create the Good effort where AARP refers inquiring Seniors to numerous local and national opportunities including Hunger Programs as well as the National Park System. AARP is also active in Driver Safety programs saving dollars for Seniors.
For information, visit www.aarp.org or contact John Barnett, Washington state president, johnandyokobarnett@gmail.com, 425-889-0207.
Remember – send in suggested volunteer opportunities to the Kirkland Reporter, attn: Bill LaMarche.
Bill LaMarche is a 36-year Kirkland resident, retired, and active community, national and international volunteer. Bill can be reached through the Kirkland Reporter at letters@kirklandreporter.com
