What a great match . . . baby boomers and volunteering! And lucky for us . . . here in Rhode Island there are plenty of opportunities to use our energy and skills!
Charlotte cleaning up at Misquamicut
Last fall, while looking for ways to help with the Hurricane Sandy aftermath we came across Serve Rhode Island, an organization that links volunteers with the various needs of RI communities We signed on to help clean up the Misquamicut Beach area, were extremely impressed and intrigued with the organization and felt that this might be a great fit for RI boomers, so we decided to learn more about them.
As part of the federal program Americorps, ServeRhode Island is a non-profit organization that promotes volunteerism on many different levels from creating volunteer projects and training 
volunteers for its member organizations to supplying volunteers whenever there is a need, as was the case in Misquamicut after Hurricane Sandy. Its reach is far and wide across the many RI communities. If there is a need, Serve RI is able to call out the troops and help get the job done. They know how to organize, how to bring in volunteers and how to connect those in need with those that can help! What a win-win situation!
Marisa Petreccia, Charlotte and Amanda Ball display Serve Rhode Island’s QR Code
We recently visited Serve Rhode Island’s headquarters and had an enlightening conversation with Marisa Petreccia, Director of Operations and and Amanda Ball, Volunteer Services Program Manager. We have NO idea how they manage to coordinate so many different volunteer needs!!!
Their advice to us was to start by visiting their website at serverhodeisland.org and spending a few moments navigating the site and learning about its history and what types of volunteer opportunities are available to someone just like you! Then, if you think that this is something that fits your needs and desires, you first need to register as a volunteer by going to the site and clicking on ” Volunteers” and “Welcome New Volunteers”; registering allows you to sign up for the volunteer projects that you are interested in. Once you are registered you will receive e-mail notices of volunteer opportunities and will also have access to ” HandsOn Connect”, Serve Rhode Island’s online database of volunteer opportunities.
In addition to general volunteer opportunities, their Senior Corps seems to be an especially good fit for older baby boomers. It connects individuals over 55 with organizations that need them most through three different programs: Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Senior Companions and Foster Grandparents. To learn about these programs, click on Senior Corps–lots of opportunities here boomers!
Like to work with kids? The Providence Children’s Museum is looking for help. Can’t commit on a weekly basis? No problem, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer that work with your own schedule. Don’t think you have the right skills? ServeRI can help match you to the right volunteer opportunity. The choice is yours. Planning a charity event or work for a non-profit? Serve Rhode Island can partner with you to help support your efforts.
We love being on the Serve Rhode Island’s email list so we can stay updated on current needs and projects. Right now, there is a need for a teacher’s assistant, staff at the Ronald Mc Donald House, individuals to fill inmates’ requests for books . . . so many ways to help!
If you have time, energy, skills, or just plain have the desire to get out there and make a difference, we strongly recommend that you become a part of Serve Rhode Island–today!
