I started scaling up my volunteering prior to FIRE, because I wanted to make more local friends. I started by volunteering at the library's quarterly book sales and it blew up from there.
Four years post-FIRE, in addition to taking care of my MIL who lives with us, along with her pal Al Z. Heimer, my list looks something like this:
VP of Friends of (smaller) Library Board. This includes assisting with set-up and running of 5 Book Sales per year, and shelving books in the library lobby every fifth Monday. Picking up the coins from the cash box 2x/ month, banking same at EOM. Basically, we raise money to buy the librarians anything the County doesn't/can't pay for. Monthly meetings plus multiple visits to library, on flexible schedule.
Director of (bigger) umbrella Library Foundation group, monthly meetings plus various events. I just served as Chair of Silent Auction Committee for annual fund-raising Gala, which involved about six months of planning.
Co-chair, Community Service Day. 1 day, 50 projects, 1200+ volunteers. About 9 months of planning.
Usher at our performing arts center, min 1x/month.
Hospitality Chair of a Women's Arts Group which meets 6/year, plus 9 Board meetings.
A friend ran for City Council. I served as her Treasurer. Two years later, coached another candidate's Treasurer, and helped run campaign literature distribution for three candidates.
I run a Neighborhood Food Drive every December at our house.
Volunteer for various City Events, as needed.
In all of my FIRE planning, I never dreamed I'd be married, much less caring for a MIL with ALZ. Volunteering has wildly expanded my social circle, and helps me keep my sanity. Achieving FIRE lets me care for an ill family member and give back to my community with my time, energy and money.
Pretty sure I'm making more of an impact with my life now than I ever did in my sales career.