Next For Me

Volunteering Brings New Contacts and a Resume Update


Through the Peace Corps, President John F. Kennedy sought to encourage mutual understanding between Americans and people of other nations and cultures. Photo: JFK Library

In a 2009 article Elizabeth H. Hope reported on the rewarding act of volunteering.

She found that experienced workers have a great deal to offer a volunteer organization. There are also new skills and connections that can be put to work for a career in transition.

When President Obama spoke to the benefits of volunteerism at his inaugural it generated a new interest in volunteering. In the next year Peace Corp signups for over 55 volunteers shot up by 40%. More than half of those volunteers intended to continue working, and with some to start a new career after serving. The Corp found that host countries appreciated the experience these volunteers brought with them.

The process can take a while with a third of those applying being accepted. The health screening can be rigorous too, ensuring that the candidate can adapt to the conditions in their host country.

When the volunteers complete their service they receive an accrued allowance. They also receive job-placement services and preferential treatment if applying for federal jobs.

Considering volunteer work is a natural reaction when people may be thinking about their legacy and what they’ve done in their lives that matter. In other cultures experience and wisdom are often viewed with more reverence too.

Jud Dolphin, a former executive director for a nonprofit, then a volunteer in the Ukrain remarked,

“I feel like my life has come full circle, and I’m brimming over with a sense of legacy and accomplishment,” Mr. Dolphin said. “Now I have the opportunity to take all my experience to a country that needs it.”

The article finds families and singles all trying out the opportunity to give back and learn at the same time. Getting out in the world, even if it’s just down the street to the food bank, opens doors and connections that can lead to other avenues when considering what’s next.

The full article: Experienced, Eager to Serve, Will Travel

Photo of JFK from: JFK Library

Photo of volunteers by rawpixel.com from Pexels


Trusting the ‘Second-Act’ Industry Weekly Newsletter: Declare Your Independence

Related Posts

Articles for Mental Health, Articles for Work, Careers, Human Resources, Modern Elders, news, Wellness

The Psychological Formula for Success After Age 50

Screen Shot 2020-12-21 at 9.05.04 AM

Articles for Work, Careers, Interviews, TRENDS

How To Make A Comeback Career In A COVID-19 World

bruni

Articles for Mental Health, Articles for Work, Health, Inspiration, Interviews, Wellness

Brunilda Nazario, MD, WebMD’s Lead Medical Editor Discusses Change

Recent Posts

  • newsletter squares 012621Adapting In Fast Times
  • newsletter square 011921Hacking HR
  • newsletter square 011221Now What?
  • wisdom wellYour Philosophical Center
  • Wes+Morton+Creative+StrategyNow What? A Mental Tool to Adapt to Rapid Change
  • newsletter square 010521Perseverance and Determination
  • The Psychological Formula for Success After Age 50
  • newsletter square 1222202021: Informed and Inspired
  • Screen Shot 2020-12-21 at 9.05.04 AMHow To Make A Comeback Career In A COVID-19 World
  • Screenshot 2019-02-05 15.38.33Finding My Voice Was the Game-changer
  • newsletter square 1215202021 Predictions
  • Screenshot 2019-09-03 14.58.19RetirepreneurTV Interview: Jeff Tidwell CEO of Next For Me
  • newsletter square 120820Creativity in a Lockdown
Next For Me
  • News
  • Book
  • Course
  • Events
  • About
  • Partnerships
© Next For Me 2020
(213) 536-7961