Giving Back and Volunteering

I have had the pleasure of speaking to and mentoring students from grade school to college age, as well as young professionals living in different parts of the United States and the world. Each time my interactions leave me reassured that the world is not only in good hands but will do better…

By the time we have reached our 60s, all of us have had a share of fails and successes; hopefully, far more of the latter. It is the very nature of living that life is full of ups and downs. As we each write our own unique life story, it is these that help us grow…

In the intricate tapestry of human interactions and societal dynamics, the question of responsibility often emerges as a central theme. From personal relationships to global issues, determining whose problem it is can be a challenging endeavour…

I worked in non-profit organizations (NGO’s) for over three decades and, for the most part, enjoyed the time spent with the volunteers that came in to help. I believe that anyone who provides their time and intelligence to an NGO, without financial…

Becoming more altruistic or “others-focused” during the second half of life is not only a natural course of human behavior, but is remarkably healthy for our mind, body and spirit. A 2005 study called “Altruism, Happiness and Health: It’s Good to be Good…

One of the most startling images of the pandemic was the common sight of health professionals working around the clock treating the victims of COVID. Banging pots, musical tributes, and other forms of gratefulness probably did not touch the depth…

Not everyone has the time, money, or inclination for international travel. If you are leaving home with grandkids in tow and including any kind of volunteering along the way, your trip qualifies as voluntourism. You don’t have to go far from home…

I previously wrote about voluntourism here, touching on some of the necessary considerations. If voluntourism is something you’ve decided you’re passionate about, doing it with your grandchildren can be a way to not only enjoy skip-gen travel…

Over the past decade, there has been a sharp increase in the number of travelers who wish to contribute in some meaningful way as part of their travels. To meet this demand, there have sprung up innumerable “volunteering” organizations…

As a retired financial planner, I admit that my favorite clients were those whose goals included generous charitable giving. One couple comes to mind. Not only did they make generous donations to their alma mater and favorite non-profits…