Volunteerism -- Aug. 2

Hello, I’m Ted Henry. The baby boom generation has brought incredible change to our world. And just as they have revolutionized almost every industry in our economy, they are going to redefine retirement and aging. With the impending retirement of 76 million people, this group of active adults called the boomers will change the priorities for…city planning, educational opportunities, economic issues, and much more… as their focus turns… towards "Successful Aging."

What some have referred to as…. "the graying of America" is something our world has never seen. Just 100 years ago the average life expectancy was 47. Today it’s 76; by the year 2050 nearly one quarter of our society will be over the age of 65. Based with these facts, The Cleveland Foundation, the nation’s second largest charity – this isn’t correct; it’s the second largest community foundation, is funding The Successful Aging Initiative, a 4 million dollar effort, aimed at improving the sense of well-being of older adults and making our community more tolerant and accepting of all ages. To achieve this goal they are working with nonprofit partners to develop lifelong learning centers and elder friendly communities, plus create elder employment and civic involvement opportunities. But… the critical first step is a public awareness campaign to raise the consciousness of the community to the countless number of aging issues and how the different generations perceive each other.

Views on generations (negative remarks)

When The Cleveland Foundation looked at how different generations viewed each other we decided we needed to do something to bring it to the forefront of the public awareness. We believe that the way to reach our goal and raise the public’s awareness of different aging issues is through multi-generational interaction. When we can get different age groups to work, and play together. They can gain a new respect for each other. And this benefits not only the individual but society as well.

(Ted) One way to create this multi-generational interaction is thru volunteer programs…and The Cleveland Foundation has plans to fund different organizations during its three- year, Successful Aging Initiative. Studies have shown that volunteerism contributes to a more positive attitude and healthier outlook on life. Volunteers are substantially more likely to say that they feel productive, empowered to improve their community, and optimistic about their future. One very successful volunteer organization, The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Greater Cleveland, or RSVP for short, runs the Experience Corps Program. The goal is to involve older adults, working in schools, to assist students in a variety of ways. Joy Banish is the executive director of RSVP. Host Volunteer package

(Ted) The Experience Corps has expanded to 13 cities throughout the U.S. and, here in Cleveland, the expansion plans include an additional 10 schools with 200 new volunteers. We’re going to take a short break but I want you to stay with us, because when we return we’ll find out why volunteering is so important…for everyone.

Bump out Fact: According to a recent survey, people planning to make volunteering and community service an important part of retirement, has grown markedly over the past three years (now 56 percent). Only 10 percent say that they are less likely to donate their time to community service as a result of the current stock market decline, while 40 percent state that the September 11 attacks have made them more likely to volunteer.

(Ted) Welcome back to Successful Aging, despite the current economic downturn’s impact on retirement savings, older Americans are refusing to turn inward. According to findings from a new survey of Americans 50 to 75, they are instead turning out in record numbers to serve their communities, and planning to make volunteering and public service a cornerstone of their later years. This phenomenon is more than just good news…it’s essential to all of us.

Economic ramifications of volunteering

(Ted) Volunteers not only impact the economic development of our society, but they shape the very communities in which we live, work and play. Goodrich Gannet Neighborhood Center is an organization that realizes the strength of a city is based on the strength of its neighborhoods. Its century old mission is to work with individuals and help them take on greater responsibility for themselves and address issues, which will benefit the community at large. Allison Wallace is the executive director of the center and fully understands the importance of volunteerism and inter-generational interaction.

Goodrich package (Allison) Intergenerational Programs are an important component to the activities provided at the Center since the organization serves individuals of all ages. Intergenerational programs bring together different generations in activities designed to achieve specified program goals. Through this experience young and old share talents and resources, support each other in relationships that benefit individuals and the community, and expand the capacity of each generation to be better citizens, to live independently in the community, and to compete more in a global economy.(Lee) We’ve found that communities tend to lack intergenerational interaction. We segregate our communities by age (i.e. schools – children, workplace, adults, older adults – isolated communities). Intergenerational programs provide opportunities for individuals, families and communities to again enjoy and benefit from an age-integrated society.(Allison) At GGNC We want to § Dispel stereotypes about young and old§ Promote appreciation for rich cultural heritage, tradition and histories§ Promote an understanding of shared values, respect for individuals in all stages of life§ Allow strengths of each generation to meet needs of others§ Reduce social isolation and provide opportunity for interaction among people of diverse backgrounds, ages and experiences§ Bring people together to address the needs of all ages through cooperation and pooled resources§ Prevent unnatural age segregation imposed by our society§ Increase community awareness about issues that affect both young and old§ Fill gaps in community based services for special populations – people with disabilities, frail elderly and at-risk youth§ Build community partnerships among people and groups who generally do not work togetherAnd bridge the gap that divides people.(Lee) One way we’re going to bridge this generation gap is thru our volunteer programs. We feel by encouraging intergenerational interaction we can help individuals overcome obstacles such as……..(Allison) Some of the program we have can vary widely and involve all age groups, infants, young children, young adults, adults and elders. GGNC has been involved in offering structured activities over the past decade. Some activities include:Different programs…… Friendly visiting and telephoning, volunteer activitiesComputer education and intergenerational activities … (Lee) Our programs, most of which meet five days per week, serve approximately 1,500 unduplicated clients (300+ weekly) annually and focus on prevention to reduce the eventual need for more expensive, long-term or institutional care(Allison) How this helps not only the person but the community. (Lee) The improvement of Cleveland’s urban neighborhoods impacts all people. The highly visible development of our facility will greatly enhance the urban fabric, while increasing the economic vibrancy and expanding program services, which, in turn, strengthens the skills and well being of all the neighborhood residents. In doing so, we hope to enhance the sense of community and increase the safety among the residents of the neighborhoods we serve.

(Ted) In addition to all the programs Goodrich Gannet offers, it was chosen as one of four, lifelong learning and development centers, to be funded by the Cleveland Foundation. These centers will offer educational opportunities and be a resource to individuals to connect them to needed programs and services. This is another step in the Successful Aging Initiative. If you’d like more information regarding aging successfully, (we can’t help with this), contact the Cleveland Foundation at 216 861-3810, or go online at Successfulaging.org.