Retired teachers: The value of volunteering
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 2, 2 April 2026, page no 30.
Recently it was said that volunteering was equivalent to philanthropy. What is a volunteer? A volunteer is an individual who willingly gives their time, skills, and effort to support a cause, organisation, or community without expecting financial gain. A survey of volunteers shows a multitude of reasons and rewards for giving of one’s time for a greater cause.
The Independent Sector, an organisation that gathers statistics about charitable activities, places an estimated national value of each volunteer hour — in Queensland it is approximately $15.57 per hour. People volunteer for
many reasons, but primarily to help other people and animals.
We notice a subtle shift in ourselves when we volunteer. We feel connected to others, and we become less absorbed in the stresses of daily life. Volunteering improves our own life and even our health. The Campaign to End Loneliness says that close to 45 per cent of people in the US and the UK admit to feeling lonely. On top of that, one in ten report that they have no close friends. Loneliness and social isolation are two of the most severe epidemics in the world today. What is the simplest way to reverse this? Volunteering.
A search of the internet lists organisations like Volunteering Queensland, the Endeavour Foundation, and the Australian Red Cross, all of which are designed to bring together volunteers and the organisation’s clientele. Volunteers answer the call locally and overseas whenever the need arises, for example the fires and floods throughout Australia and in war zones.
Teachers have long relied on the work of volunteers in their classrooms. Sometimes they are called parent helpers or reading grannies, but no matter the title, their contribution to the education of the children is very valuable.
The staging of the Olympic Games in 2032 will require many volunteers. This will be a great way to meet with like-minded sports enthusiasts while helping with the organisation of the Games.
This is true of the Queensland Retired Teachers Association. Sadly, as with retirement from paid jobs, there comes a time when volunteers also retire. At present there are members on the Executive who find themselves in this position.
Unless new volunteers are willing to step up and donate a little time, the association will not be able to function. We are calling for members to join the working party of this organisation. If you are willing to be such a person, please do not hesitate to contact the committee. Thank you to those who have recently joined the Executive.
The next activities organised by the Events Committee are a tour backstage at QPAC and then into the Lyric Theatre for MJ the Musical - The Music of Michael Jackson. Looking forward to joining many members at these interesting activities.