Coming of Age in the News

The Importance of Volunteering

The Importance of Volunteering

January 29, 2013

By Eric Nelson, Talent Coach at ComingofAge.org – Bay Area

According to a 2012 study by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), baby boomers have the highest volunteer rate of any age group, and we volunteer at higher rates than past generations did. “Volunteering and Civic Life in America,” another CNCS report conducted in 2011 indicated that overall volunteering among Americans was at a 5-year high. While much of that activity was conducted on behalf of filling the gaps left by budget cuts in our public schools, needs must also be met by our religious and civic groups.

As a boomer with a 25-year career in advertising and marketing communications, I hit a wall when I turned 55. I was suddenly jobless in a youth-oriented profession. A year later my frustration at not finding another position started to eat away my feeling of professional value and personal satisfaction. So I volunteered at a couple of organizations, one that needed my skills and network, and another whose mission I believed in. That experience led to my decision to channel my professional ambitions toward non-profit organizations & complete a certification in non-profit management. And the contacts I made while volunteering became references for the non-profit positions that I later applied for.

As a strategy for exploring new career directions, volunteering has been touted by search and networking sites like LinkedIn and CareerBuilder in addition to the many writers and publications that offer employment advice. Monster suggested in a recent article by contributor Matt Villano that “to fill time between jobs or explore other fields, many people are finding that a volunteer job — especially in the nonprofit sector — can sometimes lead to permanent, salaried employment.”

In addition to showing potential employers that you’re committed to career advancement despite a setback in your circumstances, volunteering is a great way to keep up your morale during your search. Volunteering also can renew confidence in your skill set & that positive feeling of accomplishment will shine during job interviews.

5 Reasons Why Volunteering is Important (as you decide how & where to find your next job): Explore New Careers –

1. Volunteering provides an opportunity to meet mentors & learn about new career options.
2. Learn New Skills – A volunteer position often provides a less stressful environment to train and develop new (employable) skills.
3. Network – You never know who the volunteer next to you is; that’s particularly true if you’re fundraising or working on a board where you may meet higher-level contacts.
4. Look Good – During a long job search, volunteering fills the gap & tells employers that you’re an engaged, energetic person.
5. Feel Good – Volunteer in order to contribute to your community. Invest yourself in the position with a positive attitude & good work ethic. You’ll be making a difference while contributing to that non-profit (or other community organization)!

So, go ahead and volunteer! You’ll be doing yourself, your community (and your career prospects) a world of good!

Eric Nelson joined Coming of Age:Bay Area as Talent Coach where he works to connect people 50+ years of age to volunteer opportunities with local non-profits. Coming of Age is a non-profit with a mission to capture and utilize the energy and expertise of people age 50+ and use it as a force for social good. After seeing a career in advertising and marketing end in his mid-50′s, Eric used continuing education, volunteering and networking to transition into a non-profit job and in doing so became a prime example of how people over 50 can find new direction and employment in the second chapter of life.

Leading Age

A article featuring Coming of Age:Bay Area and funder NCPHS on the national program and the Bay Area's initiatives in working with "encore adults" and nonprofit organizations, and the newer program in Los Angeles.

July 2012

http://wwwleadingage.org/Coming_OfAge.aspx

For Volunteer, Giving Back Leads to Unexpected Rewards

From the Sunset Beacon, a profile of Coming of Age member and volunteer Ken Wong. Ken was involved in a number of programs, including a health education program that lead to a paid job.

May, 2011 

Boomers Get Their Groove Back

An AARP report on how Baby Boomers are finding new careers, becoming activists and making a difference in their communities.

January 2011

Click HERE to read more.