If you are a typical Minnesotan, then most likely sometime during this past month you have volunteered your time and talents to your community, church, school, or other organizations important to you. A survey by the Corporation for National and Community Services released in 2007 found that Minnesota ranked number one nationally in the retention of volunteers.

More than 75 percent of 2005 volunteers continued to volunteer in 2006. We volunteer for different reasons, but we know that our dedication to an organization or cause makes our community, state and nation stronger and better for all of us. 

If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, consider options available at the Minnesota Senior Federation. Looking forward to fall, work of Minnesota Senior Federation’s committees will be gearing up for legislative sessions, the state convention and other MnSF activities. Committees that meet regularly are:

• Income security/tax committee
• Health action
• Membership
• Medicare Justice work group
• Senior News editorial board
• Northwest chapter
• South metro chapter
• Financial development

More specific volunteer opportunities and needs of the Federation include:

• Health Plan Information Counselors: This is a weekly commitment to counsel people over the phone and in person regarding health plans and other related health coverage plans. Training will be provided.
• Temporary Health Plan Information Counselors: Volunteer as a counselor during the Medicare Part D enrollment period during November and December. Training will be provided and schedules can be flexible.
• Health Care Choice distribution list specialist: Confirm addresses, phone numbers, contact person, etc. for distribution sites for Health Care Choices. This work is done by phone and can be done either in your home or at the Federation office. Training will be provided.
• Assistant to the receptionist: If you like customer service, greeting visitors, answering phones and processing mail, help out at the front desk. Training will be provided. This position offers a flexible work schedule.
• Volunteer Speakers Bureau: Are you comfortable speaking in front of groups of people? Represent MnSF by giving community presentations about the organization’s health programs. Whether you simply enjoy speaking in front of groups or have personal experience with one of the Senior Federation’s health programs and want to share them with others, this might be the perfect fit for you. Training is provided.

If you are interested in committees or positions listed above or would like to discuss other volunteer opportunities, contact Lynn Moseng at 651/783-5018 or at .