A Boomer's Footprint

Category: Give Back

Research shows there are many benefits to engagin in
volunteerism. Regardless of our circumstances, we
can always find someone who needs a hand more than us.

What cause speaks to your heart? How can you get involved?

  • Encore 2016 Conference

    Through the power of an internet search, I recently found a new inspiration. Similar to my finding the green movement back in the mid 1980’s, I discovered Encore.org and attended their 2016 Conference held in San Francisco this past week.

    The mission of Encore is “to build a movement to tap the skills and experience of those in midlife and beyond to improve communities and the world.”

    The talent, level of commitment, enthusiasm, quality of good works and stories which I witnessed and heard increased my own dedication to sharing positive information and tips and techniques to my Baby Boomer community.  I look forward to sharing many of these stories and projects in the coming weeks.

    But first, a word about how we are called.  There are many terms floating out there – Baby Boomer, Older Boomers, Seniors, Elders, Adults 50+, in our Second Stage, Third Acts. We are Reinventing Ourselves, Mature, Experienced.  I bring this up now because even the hundreds of attendees at the conference don’t have consensus of how to address our audience. So please don’t be offended if I use a name which doesn’t fit your image of yourself. But help out by leaving a comment of your preference.

    One thing is clear, there is a large growing movement of “Boomers” out there making a difference in their own communities and around the world. I am proud to be a part of it.

  • Become an activist from the comfort of your couch

    A maze to get through

    Navigating the maze of decision made for us

    There is a great website I subscribed to that may interest you as well.

    Here is the link – http://petitions.moveon.org/

    Any member (membership is free) can start or sign an ongoing petition.

    Some petitions on today’s home page include:

    No Room for Hate on Saturday Night Live

    Urge the US Government to accept more Syrian refugees

    How about ending the tax breaks for CEO bonuses instead?

    Stop the War on Women and Planned Parenthood

    And last week:

    President Obama, you have my support to stop illegal gun sales

    Tell President Obama to Ban the Box

    Tell Pop Secret to Stop Killing Bees??

    No More Tax Deductions for BP Oil Spill

    Don’t Let Murdoch meddle with National Geographic

    Give Seniors a Cost of Living Social Security Raise in 2016

    Some of these may be issues you are unfamiliar with. But you can see there are a variety of petitions created by people like you and me,  who feel strongly about a topic. I hope the authors have researched their topics. Of course, as with all information on the web, we can conduct our own due diligence before signing any petition.

    To decide if this website is for you, check out the “about page” to learn more about the organization – http://petitions.moveon.org/about.html

    Let us know if you post a petition – what issues are important to you?

     

     

  • Boomer Activism

    IMG_3371

    The Skies the Limit

    Activism consists of efforts to promote, impede, or direct social, political, economic or environmental change, or stasis. Various forms of activism range from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing businesses, rallies, street marches, strikes, sit-ins and hunger strikes. Research is beginning to explore how activist groups in the United States and Canada are using social media to facilitate civic engagement and collective action. (From Wikipedia)

    Back in the 1960’s, many boomers took a stand. We became activists.

    We marched, protested, challenged old rules and norms. We made our voices be heard.

    We fought for the advancement of civil rights, of sexual ethics, workplace flexibility and diversity, environmental values, and women’s equality.

    We experimented with sex, drugs and rock and roll.  We engaged in our own personal development.

    How sad and frustrating that over 50 years later many of the same issues we fought for still exist.

    Did we believe that business and government would represent our best interests?

    So maybe we dropped the ball. Did we become complacent with the status quo?  Did we rely on others to fight our fights?

    Unfortunately, I think there is truth to these questions. We buried our heads in the sand so continued disparity and inequality grew around us.

    Okay we can admit our failure and let the battle for equality begin anew.

    Inequality for diversity, women, veterans, youth and older people lives deserve our support. Which group speaks to your heart? What program can you begin or support an existing one?

    We may believe that one person cannot make a difference but we also know this is not true.  Thousands of individual stories exist as individuals saw a problem and work to resolve it.

    As boomers, we have numbers, power, experience and resources on our side. We can use our talents to make a real difference for ourselves, others and for the planet.

    We all have the opportunity to STEP UP and make a change to better a situation.

    What contribution are we going to make individually and as a generation?  This opportunity can be so exciting and challenging as well. But let’s do it.

    Don’t be shy – email me with your story of change for others.

    I would love to post it on my new web page – successes. Let your tale inspire others to STEP UP as well.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • 16 Benefits of “Making a difference for Others”

    IMG_3531 (2)There are so many inspiring stories of people of all ages making a difference with their volunteer efforts. People are making a contribution of time and money.  When we hear these stories, we immediately think of the benefits for the recipients.

    But now research shows the enormous benefits which the giver receives as well.  Here are 16 of them:

    Make our communities a better place

    Provide direct assistance to others

    Create a connection with others

    Have the opportunity to make new friends

    Develop a new support system

    Engage new contacts

    Ability to expand our network

    Provide us with career experience

    Teach us valuable job skills

    Boost our social skills

    Increase our self-confidence, self esteem

    Increase our life satisfaction

    Create a sense of pride and identity

    Reduce our risk of depression

    Helps us stay physically healthy

    Can bring us fun and fulfillment

    WOW. When I read this list, I say where do I sign up.  This sounds like a cure all for a multitude of needs.

    So of course, I don’t believe that volunteering cures ailments or single handedly fulfills needs but this list itemizes several goals on my life list.  Goals I can achieve by “Making a Difference for Others.”

    “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”             Charles Dickens

    Is there a group or community whose mission touches your heart? Is there a group that is in grave need of your help?

    Instead of simply writing a check, is now your time to roll up your sleeves and provide some hands on help?  How can you “Make a Difference for Others?”