Serving up volunteer opportunities
Volunteers participate in a Work on Wilmington day, organized through the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. (photo courtesy of United Way of the Cape Fear Area)
For those dreaming about retirement, the idea is likely to conjure thoughts of empty golf courses, a new RV in the driveway, available pickleball courts or lots of time spent with grandchildren. The reality for some of those who are already there, however, is that the copious hours of downtime can lead to a lost sense of purpose, loneliness and social isolation.
In a report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, approximately 33% of people aged 45 and older said they are lonely, and about 25% of those aged 65 and older were found to be socially isolated. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased risks of dementia, by a factor of 50%, a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a higher risk of premature death from a variety of causes.
Volunteer work is well known as an effective remedy for many of the symptoms associated with social isolation and loneliness. In study after study, volunteer work has been shown to provide a renewed sense of purpose and community, improved social skills and increased feelings of self-esteem.
There are numerous volunteer opportunities in the Cape Fear region. Whether the goal is to share business experience, work at a food bank, teach children social values through the game of golf, build houses, answer phones at a crisis center or assist the community in times of disaster, it’s likely there is a volunteer position that will perfectly match with any individual’s skill set, interests or preferences.
The United Way of the Cape Fear Area’s website has a page (Share Cape Fear) designed to connect prospective volunteers with local opportunities. There, it’s possible to filter opportunities by location, desired skill set, who/what it impacts, cause and whether it is an individual/group activity.
“United Way of the Cape Fear Area was founded in 1941 as a community chest in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor, quickly mobilizing volunteers and financial support to help local families impacted by our tremendous efforts as a country to fight injustice,” said Tommy Taylor, CEO of the locally based group. “So many things have changed since 1941, but one thing remains constant: Local heroes step up with their time, talent and treasure to give their neighbors in need a hand up and a pathway to stability.”
Likewise, the Cameron Executive Network and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina Wilmington are resources for prospective volunteers to connect with opportunities to help the local community.
The CIE offers a variety of programs, including a mentor program, designed to assist entrepreneurs through early stages, assist with concept development, team formation, funding and launch.
“The beauty of participating in the CIE Mentor group is that engagement opportunities are presented for all types of interests, from biotech and the blue economy to fin-tech, film and youth engagement,” CIE director Heather McWhorter said.
Current mentors at the CIE have a wide array of industry and business experience. Mentors range from past CEOs and CIOs to marketing and investment experts, but the center is always looking to expand the group, officials said. Doing so ensures that entrepreneurs have access to insights from seasoned professionals with hands-on experience in their industry.
“Our entrepreneurial community is incredibly fortunate that CIE mentors volunteer their time to provide startup entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to launch and scale their business,” McWhorter said. “I am grateful for all of the mentors and delighted by their willingness to give back to our entrepreneurs and community.”
