I've been making calls I wouldn't have made six months ago, learning what it actually means to become a pro bono financial volunteer. That was one of the things I discussed in my last post (#4). Reaching out cold, asking for help, admitting you're figuring something out... It's the work that needs to be done. And if the mission is right, you push yourself into uncomfortable places.
So, I've been doing that. Scheduling calls with people who are already deep into this world. People quietly doing the thing I'm trying to do. And what I keep walking away with is something I didn't expect. Simplicity.
There are no complicated road maps. There’s no long checklist of prerequisites and experience. Here is what I am hearing: “Just jump in”. “You're a volunteer”. “Find work that speaks to you”. “Find conversations you can feel good about having”. I’m also hearing that while you may not be an expert on day one, you're ready to start. And if you need to dig in somewhere, dig in.
“What is it like”?
As a pro bono financial volunteer, a lot of the work centers on budgeting, cash flow, emergency funds, and debt repayment. That's where many pro bono clients actually are. And if you've spent any time in financial planning, you already know how to have those conversations. You just haven't had them with this population yet.
The Foundation for Financial Planning helps bridge that gap. If you connect through FFP, and you're not cold-calling nonprofits, hoping someone picks up. You're stepping into an existing structure. Community organizations already doing the work, already trusted, already serving people who need exactly this kind of help.
Some organizations will have their own systems, paperwork, and processes. That's fine. Learn their way. And if one doesn't feel like the right fit, keep looking. The need is enormous. You're a volunteer. That's not a limitation. It's actually a kind of freedom.
After a few of these conversations, I'll admit something surprised me: the admiration for those in the trenches. The people who have been quietly doing this work for years, just showing up and helping, are remarkable. More than once, I've caught myself thinking, even at 64, I want to be them when I grow up. (if I grow up)
Action
That feeling (and their urging) eventually sent me to Pro Bono Planner Match on my own to officially sign up as a pro bono financial volunteer. As of right now, there are 78 open recs to choose from. I found two organizations so far that fit my interests and applied. I’m waiting to hear back.
And here's what's different about this particular wait: I'm not anxious about it. Because I already know what happens if nothing comes back or they don’t think I am a fit. You find another opportunity. You make another call. You keep moving. That's the lesson. The desire is there. The path is clearer than it was. And the question that's starting to shift for me now is this:
What does this look like when it's bigger than one person?
I've spent these posts writing about a personal journey, the learning, proving it to myself, outreaching, the discomfort, and the first steps. But something is beginning to take shape at Diversified that I'm not quite ready to talk about yet fully. We're still aligning people, shaping ideas, and making sure it's built the right way. I'll share more soon.
For now, if you've been waiting for a sign that you're ready to start, maybe this is it. You probably don't need another credential to become a pro bono financial volunteer. You probably don't need a perfect plan. You just need to make a call you wouldn't have made six months ago.
As always, I invite you to follow along, to join me on the path