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Retire-To Volunteering

Host Ed Zinkiewicz uncovers engaging—sometimes surprising, but never dull— volunteer opportunities available to retirees. Interviewing volunteers and volunteer coordinators each week, Ed highlights the meaningful contributions volunteers make and also the rewards volunteers receive. Imagining a retirement that matters starts here. Sign up for Ed's free, weekly newsletter at retiretovolunteering.com and get listings of coming episodes.
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Now displaying: October, 2017
Oct 25, 2017

039 Scott Steedley—International Center for Sustainability

Working With Nature for Good!

More people are becoming aware of the need for re-engaging with the earth in ways that are sustainable. But what to do about the issue? Scott Steedly, the founder of the International Center for Sustainability, has concrete—no, make that, “cob and bottle”— ideas!

The Center willingly customizes volunteer opportunities in numerous projects, including ecotourism, agro-tourism, educational programs, litter control, re/up-cycling, watershed re-nourishment, food-source and rainwater harvesting, wastewater management, beautification, team-building, animal husbandry, wildlife protection, resource preservation, appropriate technology models, events, and natural “cob and bottle” building.

Customizing also means accommodating the time a volunteer is able to give and locations desired (currently within South Carolina, Tennessee, Costa Rica, Belize, and other areas in Central America).

In addition to gaining knowledge and experience, volunteers report benefits from reconnecting with nature, working alongside others who share the passion, and feeling empowered to help others become more aware and engaged in caring for Mother Earth.

For more information, check the Facebook page (International Center for Sustainability) or the website: www.centerforsustainability.net.

You can find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com or on iTunes, iOS app Podcast, or Android app Stitcher with a search on Retire To Volunteering.

You can support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

Oct 18, 2017

038 Judy Davis—School Volunteer

Helping Children Succeed in School—and Life!

With a passion for helping children learn and excel, Judy Davis volunteered with one of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Assigned to a first grade class, she spent a full year one day a week, working one on one with every student. She assisted both those who were advanced and those who struggled with learning.

Judy enjoys children and recognizes that this special attention makes a difference in their lives. She encourages others to visit or call individual schools and ask about volunteer opportunities, which include not only tutoring but also many other ways to contribute to student success. Below are various ways to explore the opportunities:

• Contact a school directly to learn about volunteer opportunities.

• For district volunteer opportunities, contact the Family Information Center at 615-259-4636 or email familyinfo@mnps.org.

• Contact the Pencil Foundation, one of our community partners that coordinate volunteers on behalf of schools.

• Complete the volunteer registration form: http://www.pencilfoundation.org/registration.

You can find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com or on iTunes, iOS app Podcast, or Android app Stitcher with a search on Retire To Volunteering.

You can support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

 

Oct 11, 2017

037 Betti Lose–Christmas Adoption

Joyfully Serving the Community–St. Lukes Community House

During Christmas Community volunteer Betti Lose goes above and beyond in everything she does, including assisting at St. Lukes Community House where she received the Joe Sowell Legacy Volunteer Award, their highest recognition given to people who give their time, talent, and heart to help those in need.

Betti enjoys the variety of opportunities at St. Lukes to help the many people served by that organization, and especially the annual Christmas Adopt-a-Family program.

During the Christmas season, volunteer donors can adopt a family and purchase modest gifts for the children and parents. Families pay $5 to register for the program. St. Lukes hosts a Christmas House where families can pick up the gifts.

For additional information, visit St. Lukes website www.stlch.org or call the front desk at 615-350-7893. Or contact Christie Bearden, Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager, directly at 615-324-8375 or christie.bearden@stlukescommunityhouse.org.

You can find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com or on iTunes, iOS app Podcast, or Android app Stitcher with a search on Retire To Volunteering.

You can support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

Oct 4, 2017

036 Cecelia Schlagheck–Leading the Way, Finding the Means

If a group needs it done, Cecilia can do it!

Starting with the T-shirt sales at the elementary school and on through running the Halloween bazaars of the older students, Cecilia, then a stay-at-home mom, saw firsthand the need not just for fundraising but specifically for someone to take a leadership role assisting others on ways and means committees. Since then, Cecelia has had a steady stream of helping create successful events, both working with students and with other adults:

As a teacher she became the Junior Class sponsor. She helped the students organize the junior-senior prom. Students had to choose a theme, create table arrangements, decide on the background for pictures, make decisions and carry out much more. Cecelia's leadership gave students not only a successful event, but also a model for learning leadership themselves.

As a member of the Arnold Engineering Development Center Woman's Club on the Air Force Base in Tullahoma, TN, Cecelia turned her attention to the annual Christmas Boutique. With her leadership, her team collected unwanted items, reimagined them, and then sold them. Proceeds funded needed scholarships.

Cecelia says, For me working with others to find the ways and means is a rewarding activity. Not too many people will step up to lead. Many will help, when they can, but I can provide the vision and drive to help others find new and creative ways to earn monies especially for scholarship. Also, our upcoming leaders need a boost, and I am willing to do all I can to help them along.

You can find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com.

You can support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

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