Volunteerism as Retirement Plan: The Untapped Resource

by Andy Buck, United Way Capital Area
Published November 14, 2008
as part of "Volunteerism Wrap" that appeared on every issue of the Statesman

At 59, just two months into her long-anticipated retirement, Donna LeValley was bored.

"I was twiddling my thumbs, looking for something to do," Donna explained. "Don't get me wrong: I was happy to be retired. But I can read and watch only so much TV before I get restless."

Donna is not alone in having "retirement fever." For 32 years, she'd dedicated much of her energy and time to her job with the state; and that dedication paid off when she was able to retire early with a healthy pension in tow. Still, the adjustment from working to restless was a quick one.

"I'd made a list of projects I wanted to complete when I retired. I finished them all within two weeks. Then I thought, 'So now what?'"

That's when Donna decided to become a volunteer-a decision that Donna claims "changed my whole life."

Much has been made in recent years about the oncoming flood of baby boomers entering retirement, and the strain that they will put on the economy, workforce, and healthcare systems. But for years now, nonprofits and charity organizations have recognized that retirees have a vast amount to offer as volunteers.

"For starters, our senior citizens have a wisdom and perspective that few others have," says David Balch, President of United Way Capital Area. "That wisdom-about the community, about how to get things done, about where our priorities should be-is an invaluable and often untapped resource for nonprofit organizations."

And so Donna LeValley, a little bored and full of love for her Austin neighborhood, signed up with Hands On Central Texas (www.handsoncentraltexas.org), the volunteer center at United Way that matches would-be volunteers with volunteer projects.

"Becoming a volunteer, especially for senior citizens, is what you make it," explains Fred Lugo, Director of RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program). "If a retiree simply wants to fill up some time by helping a local women's shelter organize their supplies and stuff envelopes, we can help. If they would rather join an Advisory Board or committee for a local environmental group, we can help. If they want to invent their own project, we can help there too. The bottom line is that every retiree has time, talent, and treasure to offer. It's a win-win situation."

For Donna LeValley, it was all about neighborhood clean-ups. For years, she'd watched as her south Austin neighborhood, and the small park at its center, grew dilapidated. Now that she had the time and energy, she was going to change that. So with the help of some neighbors, Donna organized a "Clean the Neighborhood Day," which drew over 50 people to help mow lawns, pick up trash, move larger debris and overgrowth to the city dump, and repair the playground equipment and install new safety light at the park. "It looked great by the end of the day-like the neighborhood I remember from years ago."

Studies suggest that retirees who become active volunteers often dedicate more time than other volunteers. One reason is obvious: They have more time. But Armando Rayo thinks there's something else to it. "I've been directing volunteers now for over a decade, and senior citizens are without a doubt the most energetic group I've seen. They understand not only the importance of civic engagement, but they also have the organizational know-how to get things done well and on time."

However, the same studies that prove senior citizens dedicate more hours to volunteerism also show that they volunteer at a lower rate than the rest of the population. Armando Rayo thinks that's because volunteerism-as a part-time and ongoing endeavor-doesn't occur to them as an option. "So our job is to constantly remind people: There's always work that needs to be done. Our community depends on volunteers to fill in the gaps, and so we try our best to shout that from the rooftops."

Donna LeValley has another take on it. "I guess when I was working, I didn't have the time to stop, look around, and ask, 'How can I give back?' At least not as often as I should have. But now I've got nothing but time, energy, and imagination. Volunteering is going to be as much my legacy as my children and grandchildren."

After her successful "Clean the Neighborhood Day," Donna jumped right into her next volunteerism project: Starting a campaign to collect new and used toys for children suffering from terminal illnesses at local hospitals. When she mentions this new project, she grins, "This is the best way I can think of to spend my days. It's a lot more entertaining-and far more rewarding-than soap operas."

How to Volunteer

Want to volunteer but don't know where to begin? Go here to access Hands On Central Texas, the volunteer center at United Way Capital Area, for more information. As the largest volunteer center in Central Texas, connecting more than 10,000 people to volunteer projects each year, Hands On Central Texas has something for everyone. If you know the kind of work you'd like to do, or if you're looking to begin your very own pet project, Hands On Central Texas has the resources to help you see it through.