So - I labeled this a survey, and I find the tradition of surveys in wotmania and RAFO history to be something semi-sacred. If anyone is put off by the label, chalk it up to 2020 and move along with my apologies. I will be "survey"ing here, but to give context, it won't be a fun one (for many of you), nor enriching to you or your day. This will be a survey of your wisdom and imagination.

It is wholly selfish information seeking on my own part, and while I am hopeful for more than short answers, I will accept any and all as they come because I am trying to truthfully seek aid here (tough for me to do) - but as you, all of you (even the lurkers still here) are the closest thing I have to an internet tribe or family, varied and diverse of experiences and individual wisdom ... the collective 'you' are the best resource available unto me for release of this query & premise upon for honest criticism and critique (IRL network of family and friends know I plan to FIRE but not what I intend to do at that time as I do not know yet either). In order not to cause immediate tangents I will keep some details vague - if further detail is needed, questions certainly are allowed.

The Premise:

I have 11 years left till age 55. At 55-56 years old, I will be able to financially retire from "the race" and choose a new path. I am free of all debt and entanglement, and am looking to unwind myself from the narrative(s) of today and get back to truly living and helping actual people on a daily basis. I have written a loose 1st draft of a framework from within which to work (not ready for prime time sharing), but the one thing my framework lacks is direction - thus unto the reason for reaching out to 'you'.

The direction I am seeking is where can 1 singular individual make the most difference? Someone essentially free (as one person can be in the United States today - no commentary upon politics or regional issues), someone with modest means and an open mind and heart to just lending a hand in whatever way is needed most.

Particularly I am not 1. looking for an organization to join or pet "issue" to tackle (like curing Covid or Zika - although nice, not within my skillset, nor capabilities) and 2. looking to espouse any philosophy and otherwise engage someone/something in mind-changing. Nor am I seeking alignment or rabbitholes to fall down.

I - just want to show up with my mouth shut and ears open (as much as possible) and help.

[Yes - I am well aware the situation of life today is ever-shifting, and upon the ocean of 2020 we are discussing something which may see dramatic changes by 2032-33. To this I will say: Humanity and the individual human's condition, while means/health and mind have progressed, still has multiple issues which reach back to the beginning of conceptual civilization: thus indicating to me there are cracks in our foundation which I will have the time, inclination to learn about and understand, then address in whatever ways are requiring the most attention. With the time available to me I am also able to further carry on my education to better approach and tackle the problems (maybe the one you enlighten me of) when that future day arrives, so I felt reaching out now and striking while there was still some warmth amongst the site/group was the best path.]

So finally:

Where do you think 1 individual can help the most?

Thanks for any and all answers, I appreciate the assistance.

-Tom C.