“When you retire from your career, it is important to find something you are very passionate about and volunteer your time towards that cause”
Meet Mark and Samantha. Residents of Ipswich, a town in Suffolk, a county in eastern England. Set on the River Orwell, its waterfront is lined with cafes, galleries and shops, and the 19th-century Old Custom House, which recalls the city’s maritime history. Ipswich is the oldest continually inhabited town in England.
After retiring from their professional careers, they spend their time now volunteering for organizations and causes that are important to them. They stated, “it is important to find something you are passionate about and volunteer your time to it especially after you retire. It is important and good to give back in some way”.
Mark volunteers as a Trustee for ‘Outreach Youth’ (www.outreachyouth.org.uk), a youth charity by and for young LGBTQ people in his community. This has been a significant journey of learning and growth for him. As a straight, white man, with no prior experience working with the LGBTQ community, this experience has taught him that having a strong supportive family is extremely important for anyone trying to live their life or do something that is important to them.
He has also gained a profound deeper understanding that his own upbringing in a stable home, which he assumed was the norm for most, is often an exception in many situations. “What I have found out is that my experience is often the exception. It is therefore important to understand and respect other people’s reality, knowing that your life is not theirs” he concluded.
Samatha, on the other hand, realized that the vibrant culture and lifestyle of her Ipswich community remained a local secret. She was inspired by a desire to share its unique qualities and improve positivity. She and a group of fellow enthusiasts collaborated to establish Ipswich.love, a non-profit dedicated to promoting their town to a broader audience. Their mission is to celebrate and share everything amazing about her community, people, diversity, culture and creativity to the world. They do not have any hidden agenda; they are individuals who grew up in the community or moved there who want to promote the good things that happen in Ipswich to promote tourism. (www.ipswich.love)
One of the most significant lessons Samantha has learned through her community work is the recognition of privilege. This understanding has been powerfully shaped by her direct interaction and exposure to various cultures and ethnic backgrounds, revealing that her own white, straight, middle-class experience is not the reality of others. The true understander comes from empathizing with individuals whose cultural and ethnic backgrounds are different, leading to the simple yet crucial principle of kindness and acceptance. “People are just people, take everyone for who they are and just be kind”, she expressed.
The experiences of Mark and Sam beautifully illustrate the profound power of finding purpose through volunteering, especially after retirement. By dedicating their time and energy to a cause important to them, they not only contribute meaningfully to their communities, but also gain invaluable insights into the diverse tapestry of human experience. Their journeys underscore that engaging with others, particularly those from different backgrounds, fosters empathy, dismantles assumptions, and ultimately deepens our understanding of our shared humanity.
