Encore: Work that matters in the second half of life.

Hi Judy,

I just came across your message.  The passion you have for helping others comes through loud and clear.  While I’m not sure what population you are interested in serving I wonder if there is a non profit organization (local or regional) that you might connect with…as a volunteer, board member, or contribute in some other way.  Collecting ideas for the future is great.  But ask yourself how you can connect, even in a small way with, your passion right now? 

Warmly,

Lois

Lois Albrecht, CPCC Cornerstone Coaching

www.cornerstonecoaching.net

That’s wonderful!

Ideas abound! I would recommend finding an organization that closely matches delivery of services with your most passionate of ideas. Then to further limit your choices, ask if you want to make a difference at a personal level “one-to-one” or have a larger impact on helping those treated as “second best”. For a larger impact, consider becoming politically involved. Help sponsor new legislation to right the wrongs of society. Also consider your personal strengths, and where they might be of use in helping others. Volunteer in your local community, or one of the many volunteer agencies like Senior Corp, for example. The opportunities are great, and the needs are even greater. One third of US students drop out of high school. We have the highest rates of poverty and incarceration rates of any developed country. Yet, our turnout of eligible voters is dismal compared to other countries. I applaud your concern, but unless you do something it won’t matter.

I recently attended a conference in Atlanta about volunteerism “The Urgency of Now”. Former President Jimmy Carter spoke at the closing session. One of his examples cited the neglect of neighborhoods surrounding our academic institutions that have classes about urban renewal, fighting poverty, high school drop-out rates etc.Yet, nothing was being done to help those a short walk from the campus. It is the same in our Nation’s capitol. Washington DC has the highest rate of poverty, but the politicians who work there and pass legislation that could change things, simply ignore their surroundings.

I think most Americans are very isolated from reality, and have little involvement in the workings of their communities. We work far too many hours, have a media that distracts us with mis-information at best, and our lifestyles are driven by the consumption of material goods. And, of course, the thinking that bad things happen to others because they deserve what they get. Just another way to avoid taking responsibility.

So, my suggestion is just to do something. Get involved!