Coming of Age, an organization dedicated to connecting people age 50+ to rewarding volunteer opportunities throughout the Austin Metropolitan area, will be offering its Learning Lab workshop, Capturing the Energy and Expertise of People 50+, free of charge to local nonprofit leaders.
Capturing the Energy and Expertise of People 50+ was designed to help nonprofits harness the passions of Baby Boomers, while effectively translating those passions into meaningful volunteer opportunities that can strengthen an organization’s ability to effect change in our community. “What we found,” said Fred Lugo, Director of Coming of Age, “is that many Boomers are looking for volunteer opportunities that can both utilize and expand upon the skills they have developed during their careers.”
With the Austin Metropolitan area cited as the fastest growing pre-senior (age 55-64) population and the second fastest growing senior (age 65+) population in the United States, Austin area nonprofits are in a unique position to tap into the enormous reserve of talent, passion, and energy embodied by local Boomers. “We’re at the edge of this monumental shift,” continued Mr. Lugo, “Baby Boomers are considering next steps beyond full-time employment and we, as a community, have an unprecedented opportunity to leverage their skills and make a significant impact here in Austin.”
Coming of Age’s local sponsor, Travis County Health & Human Services and Veterans Service, is pleased to offer the Learning Lab as a free resource to local nonprofit organizations. Deborah Britton, Travis County’s Community Services Division (CSD) Director, noted that:
“At CSD, we’re entrusted with supporting those most vulnerable in our communities and the only way we can do that is through the work of community organizations. In order to help those organizations continue to thrive, we have to invest in the volunteers…and Learning Lab is one of the ways we can do that.”
Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, Coming of Age’s Learning Lab provides a variety of tools aimed at helping nonprofit leaders recruit and supervise an inter-generational volunteer network, increase retention rates among volunteers age 50+, and develop effective recruitment techniques to target skilled volunteers.
The next Learning Lab will be offered July 24th & 25th(8:30 AM – 4:00 PM both days) at WellMed Senior Clinics (706 W Ben White Blvd., Building A). Seating is extremely limited and reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. To enroll for Coming of Age’s upcoming workshop, call 512-854-7787, email comingofage@co.travis.tx.us, or visit www.ComingofAge.org/Austin.