Looking for the above

I feel that the children lack the attention at home that they seem to be able to express themselves here

I volunteered at the kidney foundation stuffing envelopes and I really like that job

Because it’s helping people who need to be helped or want to just talk it isn’t hard and it’s fun no reason not to volunteer

In 2013, I was approached by my Dad who is on the board of directors for this wonderful organization where, unlike others ALL proceeds go to our veterans. No one makes a salary, it’s all volunteered based. I work the golf outing every year and it was last year that I truly saw the love, support and respect for our heroes as it was a day of torrential downpour. We had 220 golfers that at this point we have to run 2 golf courses simultaneously to accommodate them all. Not one golfer saw the course that day. However every golfer stayed and we carried on with an impromptu lunch provided by the golf club and then scheduled dinner with our silent auctions and Chinese auctions, 50/50 and presentation by a VA employee to tell us about the brave men and women that their kindness and generosity has helped. Vets assisted are in total anonymity to the public. All the golfers were given a free round of golf for future use but not ONE of them used it for this outing. Everyone paid the outing price. I take great pride in being part of this organization and enjoy watching the participation grow each year.

How children teach me more that I teach them. I had never had a job working with kids, my whole life. So I decided to volunteer at being. Foster Grandma. I didn’t enjoy the classes I had to take. But I adore the children. No matter the race they love me. They are honest and forthright. They hugged me and shouted Hello! They hugged me and shouted, Good by, Grandma!! The whole class in unison. So blessed each day I went there

Serving with AmeriCorps was an amazing experience. I gained experience with data analysis and reporting, grant writing, and intern management. Brown University supported my cohort throughout the year and gave us access to all the university has to offer. We had trainings and seminars through the Swearer Center, I audited courses and was a part of a staff committee.

I got a volunteering position with my city government. I look at it this way, its getting my foot in the door and back into the workforce :D

Feeling frustrated about the way the country is going, I decided to stop ranting at the news and do something. I reached out to the NY ACLU to offer help where needed. First off, I was trained as a poll watcher, and on Election Day last November, I drove in the rain to about 25 polling places in Nassau County. My assignment was to be sure each polling place was following correct procedures (they all were), I was available to contact professionals in charge of answering questions and addressing concerns of poll workers and voters and sending supplies or technicians to the polling place when called for.

I've also attended demonstrations and workshops about immigrant legal rights. Most recently I accompanied a group of volunteers who canvassed neighborhoods in Freeport and Hempstead, distributing information to advise immigrants of their legal rights in case of an ICE raid. I was valuable as a translator in many instances.

There are a lot of empathetic professionals doing their best to help immigrants, prisoners and those whose civil rights have been violated. I am honored to have been included in the work of the NY ACLU (aka NYCLU).

Planned my retirement two years in advance. Take note. I am soooo glad I planned ahead. Lots of things to consider.

Whatcha going to do? I am taking a year off to do volunteer work, raising money to charity and going on the speaking tour to get it.

Can you afford it? Yup! Planted some funds specifically for year one.

What’ll you do after? Over the years I acquired skills that fit ideally with part time work, insurance sales, consulting and tax work. This will allow for a lot of time off and still earn some “play money”. I have simple tastes and do not dream of buying a rocket flight trip, so my cash needs are moderate and I can still have a great time touring the US.

Anything else for a lifetime goal? I’d like to write s book to show people how I back a Cracker Jack sales rep. It will be littered with amusing stories that ironically had a connection to sales. Should be fun.

Closing words? Best be ready for retirement, as it comes up real fast and is there before you know it.