April 15 – 21, 2007, is National Volunteer Week. The theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week is “Inspire by Example”.

In his proclamation of National Volunteer Week, President Bush states “During National Volunteer Week we celebrate the spirit of service in America and honor those who demonstrate the great character of our country through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion”.

Visit the USA Freedom Corps website where you can learn more about National Volunteer Week, download the 2007 Volunteer Toolkit, or search for a volunteer opportunity in your area.

Read the President’s proclamation

Many older adults and retirees would love the opportunity to volunteer and be of service to their community. Volunteering can also be a stepping-stone to learning new skills while utilizing the skills you already possess. It can also be a great method of social networking. Volunteering offers a lot of positives, but finding the right volunteer job for you is the most important first step.

AARP has an informative article called Finding the Right Opportunity. The AARP article suggests you start by asking yourself these questions:

* Why am I interested in volunteering?
* What type of activities am I interested in?
* What are my natural strengths and gifts? What do I really enjoy doing?
* Would I prefer a small local organization, or a larger regional or national one?
* What issues do I care most about?
* How will my desire to serve fit in with my current time commitments?
* How much time do I want to give? What days, or parts of days?
* Would I prefer to do something in my own neighborhood, or travel to another?

They also suggest you consider becoming an AARP volunteer. Check out the article for information on finding the right volunteer opportunity and for a link to the volunteer opportunities in your state.

The Eldercare Locater has launched its 4th annual drive to encourage older adults to volunteer during the holiday season and share their unique abilities and talents.

Studies show that older adults who keep physically and socially active suffer less depression and fewer physical ailments. Volunteering provides purpose and an opportunity to contribute.

The Eldercare Locator links to local Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI programs that can connect older adults to a variety of volunteer programs that involve people of all ages and backgrounds. These include planning events for children’s charities, visiting the homebound, serving as a foster grandparent, and cooking and delivering meals to those in need.

‘Tis the season for giving and the rewards are oten greater than any gift you could receive this Christmas.

Eldercare Locator

Looking for an enriching and rewarding volunteer opportunity coupled with exciting travel adventures? Global Service Corps providers volunteer services all over the world, providing people of all ages, from 18-85, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and also experience another country and culture. Programs are from two weeks to six months of duration.

For more information visit their website. Retirees with the desire and time to travel are welcome to participate in the programs. Read about one such retired 77-year old who enriched his own life and the lives of those he met and worked with while living with a local family in Tanzania.

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Global Service Corps site