You’re a relatively new resident at your retirement
community, or you will be moving in soon, or you’ve been there for some time
but haven’t yet found volunteer opportunities that really appeal to you.
You see others around you with meetings to go to that they
find satisfying. There’s obviously a hospitality committee welcoming newcomers,
engineering monthly birthday celebrations and supporting holiday parties. Other
groups put on monthly meetings with lunch and outside speakers. A dozen
standing committees oversee various aspects of community living, like the residents
association, and informal groups and committees interested in wellness and
exercise, safety, outdoor environment, travel, book clubs, card playing, choir,
entertainment, and ever so much more.
Many people have urged you to “get involved,” and for some
it’s automatic and simple. They plunge right in, meet people and put their
skills to good use. If you’re one of these, congratulations! Have at it!
However, if that’s not you, you may prefer instead to chat
with the director of volunteers, to find suggestions where you may be most
comfortable and have the most to contribute. Many have made successful choices
that way.
