January
24,
2025
Your years of professional experience can help.
I’ve acquired and sharpened many skills throughout my career. Using them for philanthropy or fun just makes sense. Because of my 30+ years of consulting experience:
- I find it quite easy to integrate into existing teams.
- I’m comfortable with project work.
- I’m good at gathering information.
- I’m an active listener.
- I’ve honed my observation skills.
- My ability to communicate (write reports, speak to groups, etc.) has continued to improve.
Have you ever thought about using your “work” skills for the greater good? I recommend it.
One thing I’ve enjoyed doing in my spare time is participating in projects as a Citizen Scientist. I’ll save you a search:
“Citizen science is research conducted with participation from the general public, or amateur/nonprofessional researchers or participants for science, social science, and many other disciplines.” – Wikipedia
I enjoy nature and wildlife, so, the projects I join typically focus on things like that. For example, every year I participate in the Christmas Bird Count. It’s the longest running community science bird project in the world and it helps to fuel the Audubon’s work throughout the year.
This will be my third year working with the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory. For the next eight months, I’ll be observing and reporting back on mating behaviors, nesting behaviors, and the rearing of young for three different bird species in a particular park near me.
If birds aren’t your thing, no worries. Citizen Science projects vary in subject matter and duration. It should be easy for you to find something that interests you. Here are a few projects you might consider:
- Project Budburst – Help with climate change.
- BugGuide – Observe spiders and insects.
- FrogWatch USA – Experience the mating calls of local frogs and toads.
- NestWatch – Collect nesting and breeding information.
- Ancient Lives – Transcribe and catalogue ancient texts.
- Old Weather – Catalogue climate-related entries of World War I ships.
- Spritacular – Chase Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) from the ground.
- Cloudspotting On Mars – Find exotic clouds high in the Martian atmosphere.
- Grow for Tomorrow! – Grow, observe, and share insights on unique seed varieties that can withstand changing climates, pests, and diseases.
- Are we alone in the universe? – Help answer one of science’s most important questions.
- Mountain Rain or Snow– Collect real-time observations of precipitation in the mountains.
- Citizen Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program in Alabama’s National Forests – Help collect water data in priority watersheds.
- Flu Near You – Help predict and prevent the next Flu pandemic.
There are tons of projects looking for volunteers. Do a little research, find something interesting, and help by using the skills you’ve developed over the course of your career.
