What you missed from our #ServeAtAnyAge Twitter Chat
Did you miss our Twitter Chat with Senior Corps about the ins and outs of volunteering later in life?
We're here to fill you in on the conversation. To help us answer some of our most frequently asked questions, we were joined by Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen and Senior Corps Director Debbie Cox-Roush.
HI this is Debbie Cox-Roush, Director of Senior Corps and we are thrilled to join our friends @PeaceCorps In Washington DC. Thrilled to be joining Director @PeaceCorpsJody #serveatanyage
— Senior Corps Director (@Dir_SeniorCorps) May 23, 2019
Then it was time for the first question.
Q1: Why should older Americans seek out Volunteer opportunities? What are the benefits? #ServeAtAnyAge 🤔
— Peace Corps (@PeaceCorps) May 23, 2019
A1: For many of us, retirement might feel like the last thing we want to do. Volunteering is a wonderful way for older Americans to make a difference in their communities and to feel connected to other people. #ServeAtAnyAge
— Jody Olsen (@PeaceCorpsJody) May 23, 2019
A1: Older Americans can both make a difference and lead happier,
— Senior Corps Director (@Dir_SeniorCorps) May 23, 2019
healthier lives through volunteering! #ServeAtAnyAge #HealthyVolunteers
From benefits of volunteering, we moved into the types of service opportunities are available to older Americans. We learned a lot from Director Cox-Rausch about Senior Corps' programs, which are all U.S.-based.
Q2: What kinds of projects might older Americans work on with your organization? #ServeAtAnyAge
— Senior Corps (@SeniorCorps) May 23, 2019
A2: Volunteer assignments are meant to match the Volunteer’s skills with the needs of the host community – whether you’re a retired math teacher or looking to take a break from your career in business. #ServeAtAnyAge
— Jody Olsen (@PeaceCorpsJody) May 23, 2019
Then, the directors provided insight on resources available to older Volunteers.
Q3: What kinds of resources do your programs have for older Volunteers? #ServeAtAnyAge
— Peace Corps (@PeaceCorps) May 23, 2019
A3: @SeniorCorps #FGP & #SCP provide stipends to volunteers. #FGP & #SCP are means tested, allowing traditionally underrepresented lower-income communities the opportunity to serve. These stipends don’t impact such things as Social Security or Medicaid benefits. #ServeAtAnyAge
— Senior Corps Director (@Dir_SeniorCorps) May 23, 2019
A3: The @PeaceCorps provides medical and dental care that covers all related expenses during service. That said, if a condition arises that can’t be treated in your country of service, medical evacuation will be arranged at no cost to you. #ServeAtAnyAge https://t.co/uSWwQa6MbJ
— Jody Olsen (@PeaceCorpsJody) May 23, 2019
Our friends at Senior Corps had questions for us too.
Q4: What are some of the programs that can accommodate more older #volunteers? #ServeAtAnyAge
— Senior Corps (@SeniorCorps) May 23, 2019
A4: Older Volunteers bring a unique set of experiences and perspectives to service. In addition to our two year programs, more experienced applicants might be interested in our shorter term positions through @PeaceCorps Response. #ServeAtAnyAge Learn more: https://t.co/DiZ0uW5O5Y
— Jody Olsen (@PeaceCorpsJody) May 23, 2019
Older Volunteers bring a unique set of knowledge and experiences with them, and might be especially interested in our short term program: Peace Corps Response. It's designed for experienced professionals - like Jane Whitney. Read about Jane's time volunteering in Malawi at 83!
Here's a great story from Jane Whitney, a Response Volunteer who celebrated her 83rd birthday during her service in Malawi: https://t.co/w3sTHJ2SE9 #ServeAtAnyAge https://t.co/sUY0ihY77a
— Peace Corps (@PeaceCorps) May 23, 2019
Next came a question about timing.
Q5: How long does service last? #ServeAtAnyAge
— Peace Corps (@PeaceCorps) May 23, 2019
A5: Depending on the program you choose, @PeaceCorps service can last from three months to two years. Shorter term positions through Peace Corps Response are specifically looking for Americans with more experience. #ServeAtAnyAge
— Jody Olsen (@PeaceCorpsJody) May 23, 2019
Maintaining relationships with family and friends - no matter where life takes you - is important. Directors Olsen and Cox-Roush talk about the ways older Volunteers can stay connected while serving.
Q6: Can my family visit me while I'm serving? #ServeAtAnyAge
— Senior Corps (@SeniorCorps) May 23, 2019
A6: Yes! If you serve with @PeaceCorps, I encourage you to take full advantage of whatever technology is available – whether it’s a monthly phone call or a weekly video call – to share your experience with friends and family at home. Use it to bring them with you! #ServeAtAnyAge
— Jody Olsen (@PeaceCorpsJody) May 23, 2019
A6: Senior Corps volunteers generally serve in the communities where they live or in nearby communities. They bring deep local knowledge and relationships to their
— Senior Corps Director (@Dir_SeniorCorps) May 23, 2019
service, often creating lifelong connections with those they serve.#ServeAtAnyAge #SeniorCorpsWorks https://t.co/vIZbvEUx5P
An hour goes by quickly on the Internet. Read our full chat with Senior Corps in this Twitter Moment.
If you are considering leaving the workforce, thinking about retirement or excited to make a change—and a difference—consider serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Have more questions about how to #ServeAtAnyAge? Connect with a recruiter today. Ready to get involved? View our current Volunteer openings or apply to serve where you are needed most.
Thanks for joining in, everyone. đź‘‹ We hope that you learned more about the service opportunities available through @SeniorCorps and @PeaceCorps. It really is possible to #ServeAtAnyAge! https://t.co/yu55qXR6qy
— Peace Corps (@PeaceCorps) May 23, 2019