RSVP San Francisco & Alameda Counties

For-Profit Volunteerism

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:50:00 +0000

When we think volunteerism, we think about charities, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations, but the for-profit world has caught on to this great resource. Many corporations have employee volunteer programs and send staff (paid and unpaid) into the community for service projects at local nonprofit and public organizations.

For Hewlett-Packard (HP) that also means making use of retirees for part-time volunteer work promoting HP. "Going to the Company Elders for Help" (New York Times, March 10, 2008) profiles John Toppel, who recently served as a volunteers salesperson for HP products at his local Circuit City. Mr. Toppel, who had a three decade tenure at HP, feels a sense of loyalty and pride in the company and doesn't expect payment, though outsiders bristle a the lack of compensation.

While HP has tapped retirees as volunteers (in the traditional sense of the word), other corporations are soliciting the volunteers (in the broadest sense of the word) from a much larger audience. If you think of all the ways you already contribute your time to for-profit corporations, by writing a restaurant review for Zagat, reviewing your doctor's skills on Yelp, or providing inventory for Ebay, you won't be surprised that corporations are looking for additional ways to capitalize on your "volunteer" contributions. Usually these opportunities are web-based.

The challenges to these "user contribution systems," according to a recent article in the Harvard Business Review, are to "learn how to spot opportunities for creating value from user contributions...[and] overcome natural organizational resistance to the idea of relinquishing significant control to people outside the company.

To read more about how for-profit corporations are capitalizing on volunteers, read below:

Click here to read the New York Times article about HP retirees serving as volunteers.
Click here to read the full article, "The Contribution Revolution: Letting Volunteers Build Your Business" from the Harvard Business Review

StoryCorps Returns to the Bay Area

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:56:00 +0000

StoryCorps returns to the Bay Area next month. If you're a fan of the Friday morning segments on National Public Radio, then you know about this oral history project. StoryCorps travels the country recording conversations and interviews between families and friends. Participants don't have to worry about the technical aspects of recording.

Stories are archived in the Library of Congress for generations of listening. Visit the StoryCorps booth, which will operate in San Francisco from October 2008 - October 2009 at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 36 Mission Street, between 3rd & 4th streets. Begin making reservations on October 12, 2008.

Listen to examples of StoryCorps Interviews:

2008 Best Employers for Workers Over Age 50

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:58:00 +0000

AARP names the "top 50 best employers for workers over 50" for 2008. This diverse set of corporations and not-for-profits recognize the importance of innovative policies that seek to retain and recruit experienced older workers.

Northern California Presbyterian Homes & Services, RSVP's home in San Francisco and Alameda Counties, is named one of the "top 50" nationally!

Click here to read AARP Magazine article about the rankings and profiles of the top 10 winners.

In order of rank, the "top 50" are listed below.

1 Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
2 Scripps Health, San Diego,CA
3 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Racine, WI
4 The YMCA of Greater Rochester, Rochester, NY
5 Lee Memorial Health System, Fort Myers,FL
6 Securian, St. Paul, MN
7 First Horizon National Corporation, Memphis, TN
8 Stanley Consultants, Muscatine, IA
9 Bon Secours Richmond Health System, Richmond, VA
10 Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Chicago, IL
11 National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
12 Central Florida Health Alliance, Leesburg, FL
13 Brevard Public Schools, Viera, FL
14 Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
15 Atlantic Health, Morristown, NJ
16 TriHealth, Inc., Cincinnati, OH
17 Mercy Health System, Janesville, WI
18 Adecco Group North America, Melville, NY
19 Beaumont Hospitals, Royal Oak, MI
20 L.L.Bean, Inc., Freeport, ME
21 Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
22 Jennings Center for Older Adults, Garfield Heights, OH
23 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Durham, NC
24 Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
25 Pinnacol Assurance, Denver, CO
26 Saint Vincent Health System, Erie, PA
27 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Arlington, VA
28 Centegra Health System, Crystal Lake, IL
29 Frankford Candy & Chocolate Co., Philadelphia, PA
30 Nashoba Valley Medical Center, Ayer, MA
31 George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
32 Wells Fargo & Company, San Francisco, CA
33 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
34 Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
35 Northern California Presbyterian Homes & Services, San Francisco, CA
36 Manheim, Atlanta, GA
37 ACUITY, Sheboygan, WI
38 DentaQuest, Charlestown, MA
39 The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, CA
40 Express Personnel Services, Oklahoma City, OK
41 Nevada Federal Credit Union, Las Vegas, NV
42 Pepco Holdings Inc., Washington, DC
43 Michelin North America, Greenville, SC
44 Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, Huntsville, AL
45 Pearson, Upper Saddle River, NJ
46 CTTRANSIT, Hartford, CT
47 Vanguard, Valley Forge, PA
48 Centers for New Horizons, Chicago, IL
49 Hanson Professional Services Inc., Springfield, IL
50 FINRA, Washington, DC

RSVP Speakers Series: "The Next Move"

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:38:00 +0000

"The Next Move: Housing Options for Seniors"
Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 2PM
San Francisco Public Library, Main Branch, 100 Larking Street at Grove
Latino Hispanic Community Room A

Kaye Sharbrough of Senior Seasons, a home referral and resource for senior housing, will discuss the many choices available and what to expect from each type. This talk is for everyone – those planning for retirement, as well as those helping friends or relatives plan a move.

Free. Seating is limited.

Please call RSVP 415.474.7787 to make a reservation.

Civic Engagement in Europe?

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:23:00 +0000

A Vienna, Austria based conference on civic engagement took place in April 2008 to address the impacts on and effects of civic engagement and country specific aspects of participation.

A study, "Civil Society and the Quality of Life in Europe" addressed whether participation improves quality of life and how participation differs by country. The study concluded that some groups seemed to be excluded, including youth and retirees. The researchers found a statistically "weak but significant" link between civic participation and quality of life. The study also revealed that civil society is strongest in Northern Europe and weakest in Southern and Eastern Europe.

A separate study suggested that institutional settings like the welfare state regime and democratic rights explain the difference in the level of civic participation by country. It also suggested that the state is able to stimulate civic participation by providing a high level of social security and civil rights.

Senior Center Without Walls

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:49:00 +0000

Senior Center Without Walls, an innovative and award-winning program for homebound seniors, offers activities, classes, and support groups via the telephone. Participants enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of their home and the community of a well-run senior center.

Prospective participants with a phone register quarterly at no cost. Sessions of interest are accessible through a toll-free number. On the conference call, members get to know each other and develop friendships without leaving home. The Fall 2008 schedule of classes includes:

scrapbooking
reminiscence
bingo
mini mysteries
writing workshop
brain aerobics
astronomy
current events
boggle
spirituality in aging
and much, much more!

How do you play bingo and boggle over the phone? Call Terry, Jennifer, or Amy at 1-877-797-7299 to find out!

Click here to learn more about Senior Center Without Walls.
Click here to read about the 2008 MindAlert award, given to Senior Center Without Walls.

Going Back to School Locally, Despite Age or Experience

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:58:00 +0000

An article in the August edition of San Francisco Chronicle Magazine profiles four local "older" persons who return to school at the unexpected age of 43 to 67.

Barbara enrolled in college at Dominican University's Pathway's program for "oldies." Her daughters were both on campus at the time. She later pursued a Green MBA, where she says, "the stress melts away, and it is just about improving yourself."
Jim retired from the aerospace industry (after an early career as a helicopter pilot in the Marines). He went back to school, taking every science course that he could find close to home (at Foothill College) and then went on to pursue two graduate degrees. Currently, he leaves home daily on a 5 a.m. boat to research his master's thesis on the impact of atmospheric carbon dioxide on algae. He plans to volunteer and tutor with his degrees.
Betty retired as a professor of nursing at University of San Francisco and about a week later became a student at Fromm Institute, also at USF.
Steve took a six figure pay cut to become a therapist. He found a good school close to work, and launched his master's program in family therapy. A few terms later, he took a supervised internship as a high school counselor and began reducing his hours at work before leaving officially a year ago.

Click here to read a more detailed profile of each of these later life students (a.k.a., "boomer resumers") and Hazel Soares, a 93-year-old Junior at Mills College.

Retirement Revised: Videos

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:40:00 +0000

Visit the YouTube webpage "Retirement Revised" to watch interviews about retirement, including topics such as long term care insurance, life planning, 50+ entrepreneurship, and starting a business at age 50. Below, Stephanie Weiss of Civic Ventures talks about how states are "innovating for civic engagement."

"Six Tips on Planning a Second Career"

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:20:00 +0000

US News & World Reports gives us six tips for planning a second (or "encore") career in the August 20, 2008 edition.

Prepare yourself. Appraise your skills and interests. Use self-assessment quizzes on career websites.
Research where jobs are. Look at fields with strong job growth. Try jobsites for the 50+ population. Look at AARP's list of age friendly employers by clicking here.
Connect with a network. Look for individuals who have already re-careered. Join the online "encore nation" at by clicking here.
Upgrade your skills and education. Consider pursuing necessary course work or degree while you are still working.
Evaluate your finances. Preparing for a second career can add up through tuition fees. Entrepreneurial careers can cause you to dig into your savings. Philanthropic careers may compensate at a lower rate than your first career and impact how much Social Security you can draw. Weigh each of these before pursing an encore career.
Don't let your age get in the way!

For more information and access to other web resources, read the complete article by clicking here.

Labels Change as Americans Live Longer, or Do They?

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Age is an issue in the current presidential election with candidates being labeled at "too young" and "too old" for office. A recent Wall Street Journal article, " Who are you Calling Old? Labels Change as Americans Live Longer, but Age Still Plays a Role in Election" asks how much age should matter.

Test your presidential trivia:
Who was the youngest on ascension to office? On leaving office?
Who was the oldest?
What is the minimum age requirement for a President?

The article reminds us that a 45 year old and a 75 year old have the same mental capacity, and that energy is a function of health rather than age. Furthermore, life experience offsets normal brain decline and retrieval time.

Click here to read the WSJ article and find answers to the presidential trivia.

"Hats Off: 90 is the New 40" is now showing!

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:24:00 +0000

Local filmmaker Jyll Johnstone of Tiburon released a new movie, "Hats Off: 90 is the New 40"! A documentary, the film captivates the audience by profiling Mimi Weddell, a 93-year-old actor who was named (at age 90) one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in New York" by New York Magazine.
What do the critics say?

The Los Angeles Times
"If you're not tickled and stirred by the sight of her 95-pound frame kicking off sheets and leaping out of bed to answer a phone -- a gig, maybe! -- then shame on you."

The New York Post
"Jyll Johnstone's irresistible Hats Off documents Mimi Weddell, a Manhattanite who, at 93, has pretty much cornered the market playing elegant, very old ladies in movies, TV, commercials and print ads."

Variety
"Despite intimate, prolonged access to her subject, director Jyll Johnstone seems to have missed the most interesting wrinkles of Weddell's story in favor of fuzzy life's-a-stage affirmations.

CLICK HERE to read more from Rotten Tomatoes.

Where can you see the film?

With limited showings nationwide, we the "Hats Off" will show at the Kabuki Theaters in San Francisco from August 22 - 28, 2008.

CLICK HERE to visit the film's website and learn about future showings.

"Geezers Doing Good"

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:08:00 +0000

According to this New York Times article, "Boomers just may be remembered more for what they did in their 60s than for what they did in the Sixties"

Click here to learn why.

U@50

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:58:00 +0000

In August 2007, AARP launched a video contest for young adults, ages 18 - 30, called U@50. The goal of U@50 was to encourage intergenerational dialogue, allow young people to speak their minds, and give AARP insight into the views of future constituents. Fifty contestants submitted short videos that depicting what they expect their lives to look like at age 50.

The winning video, When I'm 50..., is below.

Click here to watch the honorable mention videos.

Want to Get Involved? Book Lovers Needed!

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:10:00 +0000

The San Francisco Public Library is looking for several volunteers to work in their bookstores. Opportunities abound in the Main Library Branch and at Fort Mason, where a great selection of books is offered to the public at affordable prices. 2-3 hour weekday and weekend shifts are available. If you love books plus fun this is where you want to volunteer!

Contact Barbara Marre at bmarre@ncphs.org for more information or call 415-474-7787.

Want to Get Involved? AVON Walk for Breast Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:11:00 +0000

Everyone has a personal reason for taking part in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, and now you can take part without walking. AVON needs a variety of pre-walk support in the next few weeks.

GOODY BAG ASSEMBLY VOLUNTEERING (Tuesday, June 24th)

It’s time again for the ever-popular goodie bag assembly festivities! This year we have over 3,000 to assemble. We’ll plan to start in the morning at 10:00am and continue into the evening at 8:00pm. RSVP via the link below. Let me know the hours you are available.

ROUTE HANGER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED (Saturday, June 28th)

We are looking for energetic all-star volunteers to help us hang door hangers along the route, letting local businesses and residents know the Avon Walk will be passing through their neighborhoods. We’ll be visiting parts of San Francisco, Sausalito and Mill Valley. This is a great bonding opportunity for individuals and equally perfect for teams and groups of family and friends. Each group of volunteers will have Staff or a Volunteer Team Captain assisting them. If you’d like to be a Route Team Leader please email below. Groups will meet in a central area (to be determined) and we’ll place door hangers along the route as a team. The more people who help out, the faster we can finish. We need at least four people per area. RSVP via any of the links below per your neighborhood of choice. Once you RSVP we’ll be in touch with a meeting location.

VOLUNTEER NIGHTS (June 2008)

A group of dedicated and outgoing volunteers come together each week to personally influence the success of the Walk. In June we will be working on mailings, posters, printing, quality control counts and goody bags in preparation for event weekend this July. There are a variety of things to work on each week and your help is greatly needed and appreciated!

VOLUNTEER EVENT WEEKEND (July 11th, 12th & 13th)

There are many opportunities to volunteer event weekend. There is no registration requirement or registration fee for volunteers – we just ask for your enthusiasm and a desire to support the cause. We hope you will join us. It takes hundreds of volunteers to create a successful event…so send this to your family, friends, associates and co-workers; anyone you know who may be interested. We need volunteers Event Eve, Friday July 11th at the Westin St. Francis; Opening Ceremony, Saturday July 12th at Golden Gate Park ; “Tent Angels” at the Wellness Village, Saturday afternoon July 12th and Sunday morning July 13th at Crissy Field; and at Closing Ceremony, Sunday afternoon July 13th.

DAYTIME VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

There are various projects each week where you can assist the Avon Walk office Monday-Friday, 10:00am-6:00pm.

Contact RSVP for more information by emailing Barbara Marre at bmarre@ncphs.org or calling 415-474-7787.

RSVPSF: Speaker Series

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:38:00 +0000

RSVP's San Francisco Office presents...

"Your Renewal at 50+"
5 PM
Wednesday, June 26, 2008
Mechanics Institute Members Lounge
57 Post Street, San Francisco

Linda Artel, life transitions consultant, will offer an interactive workshop to focus on choices for life changes at or near retirement.

While the event is free, reservations are recommended as seating is limited. Please call the RSVP San Francisco office at 415-474-7787.

The RSVP Speaker Series is a program of RSVP San Francisco & Alameda Counties offering lectures and workshops to the community.

U.S. House Passes Resolution Marking AmeriCorps Week

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:37:00 +0000

AmeriCorps Week Stories of Servicegreat free widgetsWidgetbox

The U.S. House of Representatives acknowledged the contributions of AmeriCorps members by passing a resolution recognizing May 11-18 as AmeriCorps Week.

Passing by a 344-69 vote, the resolution “acknowledges the significant accomplishments of the AmeriCorps members, alumni, and community partners; recognizes the important contributions to the lives of our citizens by AmeriCorps members; and encourages citizens of all ages to consider serving in AmeriCorps.”

Since its inception in 1994, AmeriCorps, often referred to as the local Peace Corps, has hosted a membership of 540,000 people, who contributed more than 705 million hours of service. Additionally, recent research shows that graduates of AmeriCorps continue to volunteer at higher rates than the general population and are more likely to become civic leaders.

Click here to read the complete text of House Resolution 1173, recognizing AmeriCorps Week.

Be inspired by stories of AmeriCorps members of all ages, using the links in the widget on the right!

ENCORE Job Opportunity: Offered by NCPHS

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:35:00 +0000

TITLE: MARIN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR (One – two positions available)

LOCATION: Greenbrae, California with travel throughout Marin County and occasional travel to San Francisco

SUMMARY: Oversees of the program operations of Experience Corps Marin (EC) and the Senior Companion Program of Marin (SCP), programs of Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services that respond to community needs with the skills and experience of volunteers, ages 55 and older. Builds and maintains relationships with community organizations, volunteers, media, schools, and volunteer stations. Ensures that the programs meet recruitment and funding quotas. Exhibits strong commitment to building communities that value all ages and generations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Develops short and long term goals, objectives and programs’ operations in response to volunteers’ and community’s needs in consultation with Director of Community Engagement which are consistent with NCPHS Mission, Vision and Core Values and those of Experience Corps and Senior Companion Programs.
Interviews, hires, supervises, trains, motivates, and the performance management of EC Volunteer Coordinator.
Develops a work plan for the EC Volunteer Coordinator and leads on-going process to effectively carry out plan and ensure program quality. Provides guidance in team building and volunteer leadership development.
Arranges for recruitment and placement of volunteers. Screens, interviews, and orients volunteers. Arrange for external screenings, pre-service trainings, in-service instructions, and overall supervision by EC Volunteer Coordinator or Senior Companion volunteer station staff. Provides information and support to Senior Companion volunteers and ensure support of Experience Corps volunteers.
Plans and implements volunteer recognition program with support of EC Volunteer Coordinator.
Assess appropriateness and performance of volunteer stations and school sites, in concert with Director of Community Engagement. Establishes and maintains strong relationships and frequent communication volunteer station staff and school staff, including after-school programs.
Establishes and maintains partnerships with Marin Division on Aging and community organizations which include older adult, school-serving, volunteer agencies, and media in consultation with Communications Consultant.
Develops, implements and tailors a communication plan to raise program awareness and recruit volunteers. Tracks results of outreach and recruitment. Ensures program meets recruitment quotas and funding priorities.
Maintain website(s) with support of the Communications Consultant and web programmer.
Maintain current Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) and site applications for both SCP’s partners and EC Bay Area.
Supervises, gathers, and maintains program evaluations and volunteer impact.
Seeks formal structure for community input into program structure and operations.
Ensures integrity of Excel, SAMS, and Saleforce databases.
Maintains appropriate program and fiscal records.
Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Knowledge of Marin County nonprofit community, senior services, school systems, services organizations and government agencies. Knowledge and understanding of the nature and function and components of volunteerism and volunteer supervision. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills. Strong public speaking, organizational, time-management and administrative skills. Strong public relations and interpersonal skills needed for harmonious work relationships and ability to oversee volunteers. Ability to lead collaborative effort to carry out work plans. Ability to inspire and maintain enthusiasm among volunteers. Ability to develop and conduct educational programs for volunteers. Ability to work closely and develop strong relationships with diverse individuals. Ability to approach and solve problems with creativity. Ability to maintain positive customer focused approach as well as confidentiality of volunteers, staff and organization information. Ability to act with patience, tact and courtesy in dealing with volunteers, staff, and agencies under demanding and difficult conditions. Sensitivity and understanding of issues related to aging. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of products (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Access preferred. Physical skills and ability to perform work that requires sitting, walking, stooping, bending and lifting up to 35 pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in social services, education, gerontology, or organizational behavior preferred. Minimum of 1 year experience working with seniors in an institutional, recreational, or volunteer services agency and/or 1 year experience working with children. Minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in volunteer management. Training experience preferred. Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred. California driver license, proof of insurance, clean driving record, and ability to travel to multiple locations on a daily basis.

COMPENSATION

NCPHS offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits and employee salary program to those working 32-40 hours per week.

To review a complete list of benefits, visit http://www.ncphs.org/employment/benefits/index.html.

AVAILABILITY:

One – two positions available. Willing to consider applicants for the following:

Marin Program Administrator – full time position that oversees operations of two programs, Experience Corps Marin and Senior Companion Marin.

Experience Corp Program Administrator – approximately 24 hours per week, oversees of the program operations of Marin Experience Corps (EC)

AND

Senior Companion Program Administrator – approximately 16 hours per week, oversees of the program operations of Senior Companion Program of Marin.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: EC Volunteer Coordinator and up to 40 Senior Companion Volunteers

APPLICATION: Send Cover letter and resume via email or mail to the Director of Community Engagement at 881 Turk Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 or volunteers@ncphs.org by May 30, 2008.

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:55:00 +0000

What lingo do you use to describe your contribution to the community? Volunteering? Giving back? Donating? Doing Pro Bono work? Wendy Bay Lewis, author and founder of www.CivicMind.com, came up with dictionary of options.

Click here to peruse The Civic Minded Companion Dictionary.

Do Something!

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:44:00 +0000

Do Something, a website that promotes the involvement of teenagers in the community, is using technology to encourage teens to volunteer. In two or three clicks, teens can sign up to receive text messages that advertise volunteer opportunities in or near their zip code and in the area of interest that they specify.

What's more, Do Something offers us "old people" an opportunity to help get teens involved in service. Visit www.dosomething.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. In the footer, you will find the "Old People" link.

Use the Widget below to see the variety of service opportunities that Do Something offers to teens.

Service Award: Make it Matter

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:32:00 +0000

Do you know anyone making an extraordinary contribution to your community? As announced on The Today Show, tell the Reader's Digest Foundation about them, and the story selected by RDF may be featured in Reader's Digest. Plus, RDF will give $100,000 to a deserving charity in their name. Your stories may also appear on todayshow.com or rd.com. So tell us about the good works below—or email your story to makeitmatter@rd.com!

Click here to fill out an online nomination form for yourself or someone else.

A Call to National Service

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:41:00 +0000

An article in the February edition of The American Interest (AI) journal proposes the creation of a National Service American Dream Account (NSADA). NSADA would use "the power of the market to leverage a $5,000 federal investment into an $18,000 award for all young Americans who successfully complete a year of national service." AI hope NSADA would address enduring social problems by mobilizing the time and talents of Americans through national service, and suggest that current work by volunteers does not begin to tap the potential of the national service to transform our society.

In the same issue, The American Interest journal interviews Robert Putnam on social capital, or social trust. They talk of the difference between bonding and bridging social capital, the shortterm impact of diversity on social capital. He remarks,

"...We used to manage our problems through the context of social capital, which is just my jargon for saying that we would have discussions about them at church picnics, or on the bench at the bowling alley while waiting for our turn, or around the table over lunch at the Rotary Club, or at union halls and so forth. We were engaged in civic discourse, exchanging views on integrating the schools or constructing a highway system or the Russians or whatever the problem was. And now we don’t, because hardly anyone goes to those places anymore. We’re not at the church picnic or the bowling alley; we’re sitting at home watching TV."

Click here to read more about the NSADA proposal.
Click here to read The American Interest journal interview with Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone.

ENCORE Job Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:23:00 +0000

An encore life stage, a term developed by Marc Freedman, is a new stage of work. As baby boomers approach retirement, many remain in the workplace, not only for income, but for the search of meaning and an opportunity to do work that matters. It can be a period of reinvention for an individual and a for the society that benefits.

At RSVP we recognize that the "good work" continuum spans volunteerism into paid work. As we hear of great encore career opportunities, we will let you know by posting them on our blog.

It fits that the opporutunity that we first publize (offered by Aspiranet) is infused with the encore spirit throughout. Not only is it a potential encore opportunity for the new hire, but it offers the Program Director the opportunity to build encore experiences for others. Please read on.

Encore After-School Project Director

Encore After-School Overview:
Aspiranet, a statewide nonprofit organization which provides a wide array of family support programs, is sponsoring an initiative to significantly increase after school program quality and enhance the workforce at two pilot locations (Oakland and Santa Clara Valley). Encore After School is a direct application of the national movement toward what Civic Ventures’ founder Marc Freedman calls encore careers (www.encore.org). As people enter the second half of life and recognize they will need to continue working, they often are looking for work that provides meaning and purpose. California state funding for after school programs has exponentially increased funding for after school programming; however this is met with the challenge of hiring and retaining qualified staff. This initiative will serve as a learning laboratory for developing promising practices in the following two areas:

The preparation of after school programs to support an intergenerational workforce
The development of recruitment messages and materials to attract, screen, place, and retain after school staff workers over the age of 55

For more information about this program, visit two of Apiranet’s programs: www.snbc.org and www.experiencecorps.org.

Position Overview:
The Encore After School Project Director works with a team to provide leadership, create an overall strategy, and manage implementation of the initiative to increase the number of older adults in the after school workforce in Oakland and Santa Clara Valley. This position will be supervised by Aspiranet Director of After School, Youth, Community Development Division and will partner with staff from the following organizations/programs:

Aspiranet After School Programs, Oakland
YMCA of Santa Clara Valley After School Programs
Experience Corps Bay Area

Position Responsibilities:

Recruit, screen, and train after school workers who are creative, outcomes-focused, skilled at building relationships, and able to make long-lasting commitments to after school programs.
Research the workforce needs of after school programs, define after school programs’ organizational needs and roles, match the needs of after school programs with the labor market of older adults.
Develop strategic marketing campaign to recruit adults 55 and older to work in after school programs.
Establish a positive, collaborative working relationship with After School Program Directors, school district, and community based organizations to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged in this initiative.
Develop quality assessment tools and provide feedback to improve the effectiveness of this initiative.
Train after school site coordinators in ways to support older adults as employees.
Prepare reports for funders on a timely basis.
Consolidate learnings from the Encore After School Initiative after completion of two year pilot project.

Profile of the Successful Candidate:

Understands and has experience in the field of after school programs.
Understands and has experience with intergenerational programs.
Experience in program management.
Bachelors degree in education, non profit management or related field
Candidates for this position should be well organized and possess analytical skills, confidence, sensitivity, discretion and tact.
Knowledge of and experience with the principles and practices of supervision.
Must possess an understanding of and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds of the students enrolled in after school programs in Oakland and Santa Clara County. Background in these communities is preferred.
Ability to see a project through to completion without being continually monitored.
Ability to work alone and in a team.
Must be able to travel to sites in Oakland and Santa Clara County and have access to a vehicle.
Proficient in Word, Excel, and e-mail in either PC or Mac.

Compensation:

Salary range $41,000 - $45,000, will commensurate with experience
Health (including Dental and Vision) after three months of employment
Paid Holidays and Vacation

TO APPLY
Please attach a cover letter with your resume and submit to Star Bressler at sbressler@snbc.org

Purpose Prize 2008

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:54:00 +0000

Only 20 days left to nominate or apply!

The Purpose Prize 2008 - for Social Innovators over age 60 Deadline For Nominations: March 1, 2008

The Purpose Prize® provides five awards of $100,000 and ten awards of $10,000 to people over 60 who are creating new ways to tackle society´s biggest challenges. It´s for those with the passion and creativity to discover new opportunities, the experience to come up with practical solutions, and the determination to make lasting change. Click on the following link for further information and a link to the nomination/application form. http://www.purposeprize.org/index.cfm

New in 2008: Nominees may include U.S. residents who are working on international issues.

Saving the Presidio Manzanita: GGNPC Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (RSVP) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:57:00 +0000

Join Kirra Swenerton of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at the Presidio Native Plant Nursery and see some Presidio Manzanita seeds and learn about recent attempts to make these seeds viable.

Maximum 20 participants.
RSVP required. Call 415-572-6989.

Saving the Presidio Manzanita
Presidio Native Plant Nursery
1244 Appleton Street, SF, CA 94129
Saturday, January 12, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.