1. To help others
2. To give something back
3. To meet new people
4. To learn new skills
5. To live longer

If you chose #5, you're right. In fact, studies show that people who volunteer do live longer! It's not certain whether people live longer because they volunteer or whether they continue to volunteer because they're living longer, but there's no question that volunteering opens doors to a more rewarding, more fulfilling life.

Where do I start?

If you know what you hope to gain from the experience, it will be easier to evaluate your options. Here are some questions to help you think through some possibilities:

• What interests me? Is there a cause I want to support, an issue I feel strongly about, a situation I want to remedy?


• What are my skills and talents? Am I good at listening, writing, problem-solving or serving in a leadership role? What other talents do I have?


• Do I want to do something comfortable and familiar, or am I ready to learn new skills and take on a different kind of challenge?


• Do I prefer working with people or with things? Do I enjoy working alone, or would I like to work with others?


• What activities do I enjoy most? What do I enjoy least?


• Do I want to help children? Would I prefer to work with adults?


• What do I really have time for? Do I want an ongoing commitment with a regular schedule? If so, how many hours a week can I give? Or do I prefer to be on call for special assignments?


• What would make volunteering meaningful for me?

Mary Davis, an OASIS volunteer in Indianapolis, says, "When you retire, you hear about so many ways to get involved, but unless you find a way to connect with the people who need you, you don't do it." Mary found new meaning in her life as an OASIS tutor.

Here are some ideas for finding volunteer roles that you might enjoy:

1. OASIS offers many rewarding opportunities to volunteer in your community. Find out how you can make a difference.
   
   OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring
   
   OASIS Connections computer training
   
   See a variety of volunteer opportunities in the OASIS city nearest you:
   

   Akron, OH Albany/NYS Capital Region, NY Albuquerque, NM Chicago (Northbrook), IL Cleveland, OH Denver, CO Escondido & North County, CA Eugene & Springfield, OR Montgomery County, MD Houston, TX Hyattsville, MD Indianapolis, IN

   Long Beach/Lakewood, CA Los Angeles, CA Phoenix, AZ Pittsburgh, PA Portland, OR Rochester, NY San Antonio, TX San Diego, CA St. Louis, MO Syracuse, NY Tucson, AZ



2. Go to Volunteer Match to learn about volunteer opportunities in your community. If you're looking for ways to volunteer without leaving home and you enjoy using technology, be sure to check their page on virtual volunteering.


3. Check around your neighborhood or contact agencies you know that provide services in your community. Ask them if they need volunteers.


4. Visit America's Promise to learn how you can respond to the needs of youth in your community.


5. If you enjoy traveling, check the Elderhostel website. Enter "volunteer" in the search box to learn about travel-related volunteer service opportunities.

Whatever you pursue, know that you are taking a step that will make a difference not only in your life, but in all those lives you touch as a volunteer.