Arizona is already an amazing place to live, but you can help make it even better by volunteering in your community. If you’re not sure community service is right for you, here are some of the remarkable benefits:
- Staying Active
- Making New Friends
- Strengthening Communities
- Improving Lives
- Building a Sense of Purpose
- Improving Your Health. Research says those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, lower rates of depression, and greater functional ability than those who do not volunteer. Don’t believe it? Check out this (PDF) report on the benefits of volunteering.
There’s a long list of ways you can get involved in your community. Here are a few resources to help get you started:
Senior Corps Program
This incredible program connects men and women who are 55 years old or older with the people and organizations that need them most. You can become a Foster Grandparent, working with children as a role model, mentor, friend, and teacher. You can be a Senior Companion, giving family members, and professional caregivers much-needed time off, running errands, and spending time with those who are older and less capable than you are. In addition, you could help organize a neighborhood watch program, teach English to immigrants, assist victims of natural disasters, and much more. If any of this seems overwhelming, don’t worry, because all Senior Corps Program Volunteers receive guidance and training. You can also find Senior Corps on Facebook.
Handlebar Helpers
If you live in the beautiful city of Scottsdale, they give you one extra incentive to volunteer. If you volunteer more than 20 hours, you receive a free bike, helmet, and bike lock. After that, you can exercise and volunteer.
Experience Matters
Adults 50 or older can get involved at 3rd – 6th grade level public school classrooms. As part of an AmeriCorps project, Boomers can work with students on their reading, writing, science, and math work. You can also be involved on a higher level, assessing school needs, analyzing community resources and fostering business and community relationships. Participants can receive a living allowance and an educational award. Follow Experience Matters on Facebook.
Connect 60+
This site isn’t just for volunteering. If you’re looking to meet people, give or receive advice about aging, or get more involved in your community, this is a great resource. Phoenix, Tempe, and Northwest Valley are all currently represented.
As you can see, there are a lot of positive reasons to give back to your Arizona community, and a lot of ways you can be involved. So what are you waiting for?
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