Where Should Nonprofits Use Older Volunteers? Everywhere.

For every dollar nonprofits invest in effective volunteer engagement, they can expect up to $6 in return – a six-fold return on investment. Organizations that effectively engage volunteers are more adaptable, sustainable and capable of expanding. And they operate at almost half the median budget as nonprofits that don’t make full use of what volunteers have to offer. Nonprofits that use their volunteers effectively are more efficient and well-organized.

Older volunteers offer their communities a lifetime of experience and knowledge and can make an instant impact during their volunteer service. They act as invaluable resources to younger volunteers, and help meet some of the high-level skills. Plus, volunteer service is a great way for older Americans to continue their careers in a non-traditional environment.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works on connecting the older volunteer with the right skills to the right project at the right time will allow getting a greater impact and building stronger relationships between volunteers and the nonprofit sector. Therefore, it means increasing the volunteer interest to do on-going projects for the already known organization.

Additionally, there are national programs that are enticing to older volunteers. They include:

• If you are age 55 or above, you can be a part of the Senior Corps national service program and help to meet a wide range of community challenges. Senior Corps taps the skills, talents, and experience of more than 500,000 individuals each year through three programs:
• Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) -- RSVP volunteers provide the broadest range of community service. They might conduct safety patrols for local police departments, participate in environmental projects, provide intensive educational services to children and adults, and respond to natural disasters, among other activities.
• Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) -- Foster Grandparents serve one-on-one as tutors and mentors to young people with special needs.
• Senior Companion Program (SCP) -- Senior Companions help home bound seniors and other adults maintain independence in their own homes.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley represents 127 nonprofit agencies with approximately 175 volunteer opportunities. Call or visit the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 319-272-2087, information@vccv.org or www.vccv.org for a complete listing of volunteer opportunities in the Cedar Valley.

Our thanks to Points of Light and CNCS for statistical material.