Turning What You Love into What You Do
By Patrick J. O’Connor
Turning what you love into what you do is part of a lifestyle that includes being an active member of your community. Community members and their contributions comprise the social capital of a community. Maria Phillips, the subject of the June blog segment, is an excellent example of contributing to social capital. She and millions of other retiring Boomers are a tremendous resource for social capital. This blog segment will examine social capital, the social capital profile and a process Boomers can follow to get involved in the social capital of any community.
Social Capital Is…
Social capital is a set of shared values and resources that allow individuals to work together to achieve a common purpose. The term/concept social capital has existed for decades. In an academic sense, there are several elements of social capital. For simplicity, these can be categorized into three groups: individuals, businesses, and organizations/foundations. Studies show that individuals with higher levels of social capital report being happier, in better health, and have increased levels of trust in a community because of their positive relationships.
85% of those who volunteer during retirement find it helps them to build new friendships*
Social capital includes charity, philanthropy, and the many types of volunteering people do. Most charitable giving (81%) is done by individuals. Foundations (14%) and corporations (5%) contribute the rest. The following characteristics relate to social capital and are evident in the examples used in this segment.
Social capital:
- is contagious. People want to be part of something positive.
- provides psychic income which people receive from doing for others without expecting anything in return.
- provides a sense of purpose along with socialization.
- creates synergy which provides a greater sum… everyone wins.
- includes multiple groups who collaborate to support a particular cause or community need.
Social capital profile
Each community has people, organizations and elements that contribute to a social capital profile. These elements, among others, consist of churches, service organizations, community groups, foundations, corporations/businesses, and individuals who share time, treasure, and talent with fellow citizens. For example, in Kent, three groups; individual volunteers, Main Street Kent and two local businesses have teamed up to create an annual flower beautification program to dress up the downtown center. The AroundKent article (https://www.aroundkent.net/patrick-o-connor-the-road-less-traveled/the-road-less-traveled) provides details on the program. Any community can do similar types of programs. The “all boats rise in the same tide” phrase comes to mind. Everyone benefits when communities thrive.
A Call to Boomers
Boomers are an important part of the social capital profile of a community, especially related to volunteerism. As more Boomers retire, they have a variety of ways to get involved in the social capital profile of their community.
45% of all volunteers are over the age of 65*
First, they can contact non-profits, churches and service groups. Good places to contact are the chamber of commerce, local AARP chapter or any service organization such as Kiwanis or Rotary. All churches also have community outreach activities and are always looking for people to assist.
A second way to locate social capital opportunities is to follow a simple internet search to see what social capital opportunities exist in a community. This example is for volunteer connections in the city of Tallmadge. An internet search revealed several resources and two are highlighted in this example. Any city can be used.
- Internet Search – enter “volunteer Tallmadge, Ohio.”
- The following two groups (of many) were identified and explored. A brief description of each group is included.
- Community | Tallmadge, OH (tallmadge-ohio.org)
The Tallmadge city website has information on various community groups, events, and activities. The following four were selected as examples.
Tallmadge Primetimers – recreation and fellowship for men and women of Tallmadge over the age of 50. Tallmadge residents are always welcome to join.
The Tallmadge Foundation – established in 2000 to provide support for educational, recreational, and cultural enrichment opportunities that enhance the quality-of-life for Tallmadge citizens.
Tallmadge Good Neighbors – assists Tallmadge residents with food and clothing including special programs for Easter, Back to School, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Community Garden – In 2009, the City of Tallmadge and the Tallmadge Lutheran Church agreed to provide a community garden for residents.
These Tallmadge volunteer-based and nonprofit organizations rely on the hard work of individuals. Find out how to play a part by becoming a volunteer in Tallmadge. You can support groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Meals-on-Wheels, Veterans Facilities, and a link to 20 other Tallmadge Groups.
Everyone wins
The beauty of social capital is it benefits everyone. Those who contribute to it enjoy the benefit of staying active, having a purpose, and socializing with like-minded people. Communities prosper from the social capital profile. We all win.
* “Giving in Retirement” Age Wave/Merrill Lynch survey, 2015
