In Conversation...Volunteering – The Gift of Time

“When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.”
— Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life

As a working parent, I was always acutely aware of how little time I had—for my daughter, my husband, and myself. The value of time became even more apparent during the last 25 years of my career, when everything was measured by the billable hour.

Now that I’m retired, I treasure the gift of time. I’m available for friends and family, and I finally have the luxury of solitude. Still, whether it’s an abundance of time (can there be such a thing?) or unstructured time, I’ve made a point to add purpose to this chapter of my life.

I choose to volunteer my time—and, I hope, my wisdom and resources as well.

I’m fortunate that many of my volunteer roles allow me to tap into my background in strategic marketing communications. Some of the ways I currently contribute include:

• AARP Illinois: As an ex-officio member of the Communications Team, I participate in weekly staff meetings and support ongoing projects. I also contribute to this occasional column.
• Guest House Chicago: As a board member, I lend my marketing perspective to the organization’s development and communications initiatives.
• Pro Bono Consulting: I’ve supported several local nonprofits with marketing research and insights, helping them better understand and connect with their audiences.
• Steppenwolf Theatre Company: I serve on the Ambassador Committee, supporting the theater’s mission and outreach.

Volunteering brings me joy. Re-engaging with my professional skills in a new context keeps me energized, sparks my creativity, and activates parts of my brain that retirement might otherwise leave idle. It’s a gift I give both to others—and to myself.

Let’s keep the conversation going:
What volunteer activities spark your passion? How do you spend your time in retirement?

And remember, AARP could use your talents too. Learn more at: https://states.aarp.org/illinois/volunteer-with-us-at-aarp-illinois

 

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