By Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com
A former classroom teacher and longtime volunteer herself, Ginger Elliot is now the volunteer manager for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program — or RSVP— of the Pioneer Valley. In her role, Elliott helps guide older adults in identifying the volunteer work that feels the most meaningful to them, and then helps them to find that work.
“There is something very liberating about choosing what you want to do when practical considerations no longer need to be the determining factor, Elliott told Prime of the volunteer experience.
Tapping her expertise, Prime asked Elliott to outline what constitutes volunteering and explain the benefits of offering your time and talents.
Here’s what she said:
Q: “Volunteering” is a broad topic. What types of activities are encompassed by the term “volunteering.”
“Volunteering is freely giving your time and skills to help a cause, organization, or community without compensation such as money, tax write-offs, or tuition credits. You can volunteer for a single event, a few hours a week, or even full-time, and you can often do it either in-person or remotely. Volunteers tend to be motivated by passion for a cause, a sense of social responsibility, and/or a desire to help others.
“For many reasons, volunteering is a perfect fit for older adults. We are most likely no longer raising children or working full-time. Many of us have more freedom than we have ever experienced before. At this stage of life, we might be searching for deeper meaning. Volunteering presents us with an opportunity to let go of old roles that no longer fit us, seek out new experiences, and find a renewed sense of purpose.
“The world has many needs. Opportunities to help are as varied and individual as we are, from serving food at a soup kitchen to reading for the blind to helping an immigrant learn English to serving on a nonprofit board. If you can imagine a way to help, there is probably a volunteer spot for you to find or create.
“Volunteering is not something that anyone has to do. Find something that speaks to you and brings you joy. Volunteering should be something that you look forward to, something that enriches your life. Finally, don’t be afraid to try something new; if you don’t like it, you can always try something else!
Q: Becoming a volunteer has benefits for the cause or organization you are helping. What about the volunteer? What types of benefits can they derive from the act of being a volunteer?
“There are many benefits to the individual volunteer. These can be especially meaningful to older adults. The U.S. Attorney General has declared that loneliness is a public health epidemic, with many adverse effects on physical health, and older adults are one of the groups most at risk.
“There are social benefits. Volunteering helps to connect us with others. It gets us out of the house and leads to a greater sense of purpose. It gives us the opportunity to make a difference in our communities.
“There are emotional benefits. Volunteering helps us to get outside of our own heads. For many, it reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“There are brain health benefits. Volunteering gives us the opportunity to learn new skills and experience different viewpoints. It brings a change from routine and exercises our ability to make choices.
“Surprisingly, there are also physical benefits to volunteering. For example, studies have shown that those who volunteer tend to have lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.
“The most satisfying and long-lasting volunteer experiences are those in which people have achieved a balance between giving and receiving. Taking the time to find a volunteer position that is a good fit for you in terms of skills, interests, values, and time is an excellent way to begin.
Q: Everyone has different talents, interests and availability. Is there a service, website or app that might help individuals find a match for their skills and interests?
“RSVP of the Pioneer Valley is federally funded through Americorps and locally sponsored by Community Action Pioneer Valley. There are no fees for our services.
“In 2023, we celebrated our 50th anniversary. Our mission has always been to enrich the lives of adults 55 and older through volunteer opportunities that are fulfilling and satisfying to the individual while also benefiting our shared community.
“We currently have close to 400 active volunteers and 55 volunteer site partners in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. We specialize in getting to know our volunteers and site partners so that we can help them find the perfect fit. We know what we’re doing, because over 27% of our volunteers have served in their current positions for 10 years or longer!
“For more information about RSVP of the Pioneer Valley, contact Volunteer Coordinator Ginger Elliott, at 413-387-1296 and gelliott@communityaction.us.