Service is woven into our history. From church missions to mutual aid societies to sorority and community club work, Black women have always been the backbone of our communities. Now, with more time and a lifetime of wisdom, this stage of life is an ideal time to give back in ways that truly light you up.

Why volunteer? Beyond the good you do for others, research links volunteering to lower rates of loneliness, better mood, and even improved physical health. Purpose is powerful medicine.

Ideas to get you started:

• Mentor young people. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, local youth programs, and school reading initiatives are always looking for steady, caring adults. Your life experience is gold.
• Serve through faith and fellowship. Food pantries, clothing closets, and outreach ministries at your church or community center often need hands.
• Lift up local students. Many HBCUs and scholarship funds welcome alumni and community volunteers for mentoring, career days, and fundraising.
• Protect your community’s health. Offer to help at health fairs, blood drives, or screening events, or become a patient navigator or peer supporter for women facing the same health challenges you’ve experienced.
• Help neighbors build wealth. Share your financial know-how by volunteering with tax-prep programs or financial literacy workshops.
• Support democracy. Serving as a poll worker or helping with voter registration continues a legacy that so many of our foremothers fought for.
• Share your story. Local libraries, museums, and cultural centers often seek storytellers and oral historians. Your lived history matters.

How to find the right fit: Ask yourself what you’re passionate about, how much time you can realistically give, and whether you prefer working with people, behind the scenes, or on special events. Sites like VolunteerMatch, Points of Light, and your local United Way can help, as can AmeriCorps Seniors programs.

Start small. Try one opportunity, see how it feels, and let your passion guide you from there. The community is better for having you in it.