Remember when you thought you could change the world? You still can! All the wonderful things that you thought you would do are still waiting to be done.

The environment still needs help, the schools still need tutors. People still need help in learning to read and write, illiteracy in adults still needs to be addressed, nursing homes residents still need visitors, Veterans of all ages still have needs, the homeless still need to be fed, clothed and housed, and all underserved people still need advocates.

Your wealth of knowledge, life skills, wisdom, and experience is priceless to those whose lives you have the opportunity to touch.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a nation-wide program sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service to recruit and involve individuals age 55 and older in meaningful volunteer community service. You do not have to be retired to volunteer with RSVP.

RSVP helps to link volunteers with nonprofit agencies where their time, interest, talents, knowledge, and experience are most effectively utilized to meet important needs in our community.

Did you ever want to be a teacher? Through America Reads you can volunteer in a classroom by reading to children and helping them learn to read and write. Or you can give guided tours to people about the history of aviation in New Jersey by volunteering at the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum. RSVP offers an exciting opportunity for you to try the things you have always wanted to do but never got the chance.

Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is a way to give back to the community where you live and work. You can make a big difference, meet new people and get involved with a social cause that is important to you. Money helps, but the gift of your time and talent are also very much needed and appreciated by nonprofit organizations.

Do Good. Feel Good. Statistics show that the more active you remain, the longer you will live and the healthier you will be. Volunteering will also help you gain self-fulfillment, allow you to explore an interest and meet new people. Plus it’s fun!

Give volunteering a chance and see how your life will be enhanced.

Read our current Newsletter to find out about what people involved with RSVP are doing.

Sample Volunteer Activities
RSVP volunteers are involved in a variety of volunteer opportunities at area agencies. Here are a few examples:

• You can serve as tutors and teachers’ aides, helping children learn to read at an early age or helping adults with ESL or literacy.

• Help collect, sort and/or distribute food to families in need through local food pantries.
• Build homes for struggling families through Habitat for Humanity or just help by serving lunch to the crew.
• Mentor abused or neglected children, or serve as an adult mentor to overwhelmed parents in need of guidance and parenting skills.
• Perform home repairs that help keep the elderly or disabled safe in their homes.
• Help protect our country through participation in various Homeland Security initiatives.

If you really want to help change the world, download our Enrollment Form and get started by printing the form, filling it out and mailing to RSVP, 64 Passaic Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

RSVP participants must be 55 years of age or older and volunteer at a qualified private nonprofit agency or agency of government, including schools. A complete list of Volunteer Opportunities can be viewed here.

The biggest benefit to joining RSVP is that you join with thousands of others who are making things happen through volunteer service. You’ll gain a real sense of value in helping your community and will derive real gratification from meeting real human needs.

In addition, RSVP volunteers are entitled to no-cost supplemental accident, liability and auto insurance. RSVP volunteers also receive public recognition for hours and years of volunteer service, and partial reimbursement of travel expenses, if needed.