If you're retired and looking for a way to stay active, you might consider starting a business or charitable initiative, like a nonprofit or volunteer organization. According to Technology Review, the digital age is opening up the doors to senior entrepreneurship, and more people over 50 are pursuing the startup path more than ever before. Business ownership or volunteering can help individuals stay engaged with their community, fostering physical and emotional wellbeing. A for-profit business can also provide extra income in retirement.

Here, Help Me Give Back has put together a guide that offers networking and business tips for seniors who want to start a business or charity.

Decide what you want to pursue

Advanced planning will help make your business or nonprofit a success. When determining what type of initiative to pursue, consider your personal likes and skills. Retired Brains offers a list of startup stories that can inspire you. For example, one retiree with a love of dogs established a business that brings puppies to kids' birthday parties. Meanwhile, a retired engineer decided to put his professional talents to use and founded a landscaping business.

Find a mentor in your chosen field

Starting a business is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. Start out on the right foot by finding a mentor who can talk you through the tough times. Entrepreneurship Life explains that mentors provide perspective and advice. Further, finding a mentor is a valuable first networking step, as they can likely introduce you to useful professional contacts later. Just be prepared for the possibility that your mentor may be younger than you!

Write a business plan and establish a formal legal entity

A business plan will help you structure your entrepreneurial enterprise and improve your chances of long-term success. This comprehensive document covers details like marketing plans and financial projections. It should also describe your organizational structure, such as a corporation or limited liability company. Formally establishing your business or non-profit as an LLC can simplify financial matters and offer possible tax benefits. Sites like ZenBusiness can help you start LLC in Utah quickly and affordably.

Look for local networking opportunities

Once you've got your business or nonprofit off the ground, it's time to start generating interest. You can take advantage of local events to start networking and gaining the attention of potential clients, customers, or volunteers. Turbine HQ offers a comprehensive guide. to small business networking options. For example, you can attend local charity events, host an event of your own, or start a local meeting group to connect with your community.

Use online tools to build your digital network

You can also look beyond your immediate community for networking success. Hive Life provides tips for digital networking to help you expand your reach. Attending digital conferences and connecting with industry leaders via platforms like LinkedIn are both options. You can also ask people you already know to make digital introductions. Without geographic limitations, your potential network expands significantly.

Starting a business, nonprofit, or volunteering initiative in your later years might be intimidating. However, remember that you have a lifetime of professional and personal experience to bring to the table. Follow the tips above and make the most of it.

Help Me Give Back is committed to making a difference across the globe, and we encourage you to do the same. Visit our website to learn more about how you can help others.

​Harry Cline

Most of us are able to meet our basic needs on a daily basis. However, there are those in every
community who could use help addressing simple necessities. Check into these resources to
find ways you can give a hand up to those less fortunate, or point people toward practical
assistance.

By making a donation, volunteering, sharing your story, or helping to get the word out on
Help Me Give Back, you can help make a difference around the world through education
and outreach.

Shelter

A roof overhead is a big part of the American dream. Yet there are people everywhere who
struggle to meet this basic human need.

• Most people are forced into homelessness by various issues, such as unemployment or addiction.
• Consider volunteering with organizations that build houses for homeless people.

Food

Having enough food to fill our bellies is something many of us take for granted. But some lack
the means for daily sustenance.

• People go hungry due to problems like poverty and job instability.
• You can donate food, money, or time at a local church or food pantry.
• Getting involved with a community garden is another way to help.

​
Health Care

Health care is an essential part of quality of life, yet many people must do without.

• Over half of Americans do without some form of health need due to lack of affordability.
• You can point someone in need toward a free medical clinic.
• Those with pets can get help as well.

How to Determine What Non-Profit Is Right For You

If you decide to start your own non-profit, how do you know if it’s a good fit or if it’s the right path
for your idea? Here are some great resources to get you started.

• Here is an amazing checklist for narrowing down your career field for a non-profit organization.
• Learn how much it costs to start a non-profit organization.
• To help you navigate the business side of the non-profit, you may want to consider
• taking online courses that specialize in business administration.

There are countless ways to make a difference in your community. Use these resources as a
starting point to help improve the lives of those in need.

​Harry Cline

So when we typically think of serving others, we generally imagine kindness, assistance, and charitable contributions. Those are great methods for helping the needy. But recently another supportive way to serve those in need has been manifest: helping the jobless find employment

We need to change our way of thinking.
​

​An early Church welfare pamphlet stated: “A man out of work is of special moment to the Church because, deprived of his inheritance, he is on trial as Job was on trial —for his integrity. As days lengthen into weeks and months and even years of adversity, the hurt grows deeper. … The Church cannot hope to save a man on Sunday if during the week it is a complacent witness to the crucifixion of his soul.”

We have been urged. Let's do something about it.

Sometimes we get the chance to change the world. Often we don't realize the influence we can have at the time, but on occasion or perhaps years later, we come to appreciate the impact of our actions. Something we take for granted everyday is beyond others' wildest dreams. I think that holds true when we consider the bounty of blessings afforded us through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Consider the following:

• There are more than 7 billion people on the earth
• Of that enormous number, less than a quarter of one percent have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ
• For those lucky few, when we do our part every single one of them gets a monthly personal visit from representatives of the Church to ensure that needs are met
• Each member has a built-in family anywhere they go all across the world
• All are welcome to join and contribute to this mission and by so doing, they in turn are edified
• The great plan of happiness takes into consideration every situation and all circumstances

I grew up in a wonderful home and environment where I learned how to work hard but still have fun! While being a kid and not taking anything too seriously, I always knew that one day I would have to decide a path that I’d want to go on, and this path would be my future. After a long time of uncertainty about what I want to go into, it feels so good to finally have a declared major that I love! I am eager to continue learning and growing through the program so that I can one day use my skills to help third-world children develop life skills and lessons that they will be able to use through out the rest of their lives. This humanitarian service experience will be such a blessing to them and me and will help us move forward with my desire to improve the world and achieve my goals. Thailand blog
                                                                                                                              By Melanie Stucki
                                                                                                            Wednesday February 21, 2015

The creases in his face, and hunch in his back hint at the frailty of his worn body, but the distance that his lips stretch to form his wide smile, which he so often radiates, illustrates the vivid spirit that is still so alive in him. His ruff, gentle hands almost tell a story of the experiences he’s had, and his narrow legs remind you of the thousands of miles he’s walked, thoroughout his life, in the service of his fellow man. More stunning than anything though, are his eyes, my grandpa’s eyes. When I look into my grandpa’s eyes I feel pressed with all the love he’s gathered into his heart the past 78 years. His eyes tell me more about him than any other person, or thing, could.

I used to spend weeks on my grandpa’s farm. He would explain to me how I could help him best, and the easiest way to accomplish the chores I got to do. I can picture times when his eyes would warn me of the danger I put myself in when I misused tools or equipment, or let my excessive energy get me caught in sticky situations. My grandpa’s eyes always told me when he was pleased with my work, and when he was disappointed. Although, his disappointing glances never outshined his looks that showed his willingness to help me perfect where I fell short, and learn from my mistakes. Some of my favorite experiences on the farm were when I made silly mistakes, and would see my grandpa’s eyes almost laugh and say, “don’t worry, that happened to me once.”

When my grandpa’s eyes are clearly a window to his character are the times when they shine in anguish due to the misfortune of others. So often I see my grandpa’s eyes stand out when they harbor tears that are shed when others are struggling. Never do I see my Grandpa complain because of the trials he’s experiencing, and never does he expect others to share in his pain. I’ve experienced comfort when I see my grandpa’s teary eyes reach out to me, and his eyes tell me he’s spent his whole life reaching out to others.

Nothing can tell me more about my grandpa than the mark his eyes have painted on others. Incidentally, where I witness this the mark most often is in the eyes of those who were lucky enough to be his canvas. My grandpa was diagnosed with cancer recently. This news rang sharply through the ears of all those who loved my grandpa so dearly. On one occasion, I was driving home from my grandpa’s house with my dad. He was explaining to me, for the first time, that grandpa had cancer. As my dad explained the situation to me his eyes filled with tears, and finally, the tears gently spilt down his cheeks, and fell to his lap.

That was the first time, as I watched and listened to my dad, and felt the tears form in my own eyes, that I understood how special my grandpa really was. All those years spent on the farm, and all those times my grandpa’s eyes stood out to me; they were just stepping stones that made me love seeing his eyes. But as I drove home with my dad, after visiting him, was when I truly felt the power of my grandpa’s eyes.

By Steven Stucki
Wednesday March 11, 2006

Naturally, you may be wondering why the Help Me Give Back logo is an oil lamp. That's a fair question. What then is the significance of the oil lamp?

In the parable of the ten virgins, five are caught unprepared without oil at the coming of the Bridegroom. This is of such significance that those with oil could not share with them whose lamps had gone out. While the lacking virgins left to go replenish their lamps, the wedding was started and the door was shut without them. As sad and upsetting as this was, there was no accommodation made. These virgins were unable to enter the wedding feast later, which signifies the import of being ready with oil in our lamps now. The oil lamp icon reminds us of this principle. What is that component in our lives today and why is it so important? I propose it could be unselfish service in others' behalf. That is why the Help Me Give Back icon is an oil lamp.

Blessings of service don't just help others all about us. It saves our lives, as well.

It’s happening all over the world and the impact is enormous.

In countries from the eastern hemisphere to the west and from the north to the southern-most parts of the earth, young people are affecting every nation of the world. While the surge begins with the youth as the instigators, they are not the only ones reaching out to make a difference. The elderly are catching on.

The movement is a groundswell of donations, support, and love. They plant trees, build homes, teach lessons, and fulfill dreams. The public health campaigns, painting of schools, building of play grounds, nurturing women, replacing dirty walls with beautiful murals, cleaning up trash, teaching English, and improving the community. This is just a beginning—beginning of a list and beginning of a life...of service.

“In the end though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you forever and sincerely as long as we have voices.”

That’s the wave of service we are witnessing all around the world. If you’re lucky, it will catch you perhaps unaware. And we’re all the better for it. Dhan'yavāda (Thank you)

Have you ever wanted to be one of those people that could donate millions to charity? I expect you have. Me too. And someday, we may be able to do just that I expect, but in the meantime, there is a lot we have to offer nonetheless.

I think about the story of the widow's mite. The rationale is pretty simple. Though our contributions are not as immense or influential as another's, they are significant and meaningful to us. One reason that gives me hope is that even the small things that I can do now are recognized and appreciated. And together, the little things that we each contribute are collectively significant. Many people doing a little makes a world of difference. And sometimes, even our small decisions have enormous impact. I think of the choices of our ancestors. Their lives were difficult and must have seemed small and simple and perhaps insignificant. Their decisions, inconsequential as they may have appeared, now have impacted dozens for good. Now we can look back and see the magnitude of their good choices, which directly impact my life and the lives of my family and extended family today. Thousands upon thousands will be blessed. I have always loved the story of the starfish.

You can't do everything. That's ok. You need only do what you can. That's the beautiful truth of the widow's mite.

Edward Everett Hale said “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

What you have to offer is significant and of value the millions donated to charity. Generations untold will call your name blessed for your contributions and good choices.

Watch this brief video.

My favorite part, "her faith overcame her fear and her hope overcame her despair."

That applies to each one of us. We are not alone.

Have you ever wanted to be one of those people that could donate millions to charity? I expect you have. Me too. And someday, we may be able to do just that I expect. But in the meantime, there is a lot we have to offer nonetheless.
 
I think about the story of the widow's mite. The rationale is pretty simple. Though our contributions are not as immense or influential as another's, they are significant and meaningful to us. One reason that gives me hope is that even the small things that I can do now are recognized and appreciated. And together, the little things that we each contribute are collectively significant. Many people doing a little makes a world of difference. And sometimes, even our small decisions have enormous impact. I think of the choices of ancestors and advocates all around us. Their lives now and then must have seemed small and simple and perhaps insignificant at times and their decisions inconsequential. But we know now the magnitude of their influence and good, generous choices, which directly impact our lives and the lives of our family, friends, and extended family today. Thousands upon thousands will be impacted for good. I have always loved the story of the starfish.
 
You can't do everything. That's ok. You need only do what you can. That's the beauty of goodwill.
 
Edward Everett Hale said “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

This famous quote has been an inspiration to millions. One person can make a difference.
 
You have much to offer. Your assistance will benefit the people of the world--not to mention you. Generations untold will call your name blessed for your contributions and generosity.

We sincerely thank you.

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C.

Barton, then 60 years old, had been involved with the Red Cross humanitarian organization in Europe and became determined to start a branch in the U.S.

No jokes for today's history lesson. But the staff of Inside Tidewater encourages you, in the wake of the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma, to honor the anniversary of the American Red Cross by donating blood this week. (If possible, try to make it a regular habit, since the Red Cross needs blood all the time, and not just in the aftermath of a disaster.)                                                               On this date in history: The Red Cross

More birthdays worth reading about here

Every day the Red Cross is saving lives is a special day.