In many parts of the country, August brings intense heat and strong sun – making outdoor volunteering uncomfortable, or even risky, for some. The good news? You don’t have to brave the heat to make a difference. Plenty of virtual and indoor opportunities let you give back while staying cool and safe. Here are seven ways to volunteer without breaking a sweat:
High temperatures can be dangerous for older adults, people with disabilities, and others without reliable access to air conditioning. You can help by checking in on neighbors or assisting at cooling centers in your area. Use this Create the Good® DIY Guide for ideas on how to help – and contact local churches or nonprofits to see if they need volunteers.
Advocacy often starts indoors. If you’re passionate about issues like healthcare, the environment, or aging, lend your voice to the cause. AARP offers numerous volunteer opportunities to protect the interests of people 50+, with activities ranging from social media engagement to attending indoor meetings and public hearings. Find a cause you care about and reach out to get involved.
You don’t need to travel far to make a worldwide impact. The United Nations offers virtual opportunities for skilled professionals in translation, writing, graphic design, and research. It’s a meaningful way to contribute to global causes from the comfort of home.
Volunteer as a Friendly Voice Caller and connect with adults 50+ who are feeling isolated. Offer a listening ear, reassurance, and a bit of kindness over the phone. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make a meaningful impact on someone’s emotional well-being. Bilingual Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed.
Join a Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) to help improve hospital caregiving. These councils typically include 5 to 20 members—patients, family members, and hospital staff—who share their experiences to influence change. AARP is building a network of nurse volunteers to serve on PFACs and help shape a more supportive healthcare system. As a volunteer, you’ll work with others to improve hospital policies, suggest ways to make facilities more patient-friendly, and enhance how care is planned, delivered, and evaluated.
Help protect people aged 50+ from scams and financial fraud. As a digital volunteer with the AARP Fraud Watch Network, you can raise awareness by sharing fraud prevention tips and resources on social media and other platforms. You'll help others recognize and avoid scams – before it's too late.
If you’re bilingual or multilingual, you can help organizations break down communication barriers. Translators Without Borders and Charity Translators both need volunteers to translate important materials for nonprofits and vulnerable communities around the world.
Whether you’re volunteering from your couch or in a climate-controlled space, there are plenty of ways to make a difference. Visit Create the Good for more indoor and virtual volunteering idea – including opportunities to support the rights and interests of adults 50+.