What is RSVP?

Under United Way of Wapello County sponsorship--a part of Americorps--RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) has been providing opportunities for volunteers nationwide since 1971 (now 143,000 nationwide) to serve the needs of their communities by utilizing lifelong skills and to gain new ones.

Why become an RSVP volunteer?

· To strengthen your local community

· To be able to choose how much time you want give

· To be able to choose where you want to volunteer

· As a volunteer, to receive supplementary insurance

· To develop new community connections and friends

· To live a happier, healthier, longer life! (Research shows that volunteering does this.)

What is the RSVP funding source? AmeriCorps is the primary source; and in Iowa, the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. AmeriCorps Seniors includes RSVP and other services.

Here are some places where one may serve:

· Abundant Mercy Church: Provide food for low-income persons.

· Art Walk: Greet visitors and show them our First Friday attractions.

· Chamber of Commerce: Help staff events like Barnyard Bash, etc.

· City of Fairfield: Help keep our trails clean.

· EveryStep Hospice: Provide end-of-life verbal support.

· Fairfield Arts and Convention Center: Take tickets; usher for events.

· Fair Field Productions: Help support production of this film series.

· Fairfield Public Library: Help provide children’s programming.

· Maharishi School: Pen Pal; teach sewing or carpentry.

· Pekin Elementary: Pen Pal.

· Pence Elementary School: Pen Pal.

· Singing Cedars School: Teach sewing or music.

· The Lord’s Cupboard food pantry: Provide food to patrons.

· VFW: Veterans participate in the speaker’s program.

· VITA tax assistance: Provide free income tax service to lower-income families.

· RSVP Board of Advisors. Adults of any age from the community can serve a term.

Does RSVP sound like a viable service option? Great! This brings me to the statement of a challenge: We have affiliation with the above workstations but many of them can utilize more volunteers!

Would you like to benefit and give back by becoming an RSVP volunteer? If you are younger than 55, tell your parents or older acquaintances to enroll! The above list changes, since I do add other nonprofits in Jefferson County from time to time.

Now you know something about RSVP, its history, how you may become involved, and some benefits.

Contact me if you want more information: Email j.miller@wapellocouw.org, or call 641-919-4242. Make an appointment to stop in my office at 209 South Court Street inside the Fairfield Community Center, and I can help you find a good fit.

To quote Rev. Martin Luther King: “Life’s most urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

To serve is noble; we welcome you into RSVP. As you can see, it’s more than just a cute French cliché.

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