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By America Forward on Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The face of social entrepreneurship isn’t just that of the young and energetic. Rather, giving back is something that more and more Americans at all stages of life want to do. Even after traditional retirement, almost half of the 78 million aging baby boomers are considering taking up “encore careers” in the social sector. “Our dodderdom may have consequences for society every bit as profound as our youth did!” writes Nicholas Kristof in Sunday’s New York Times. When service is no longer a passing passion of the young, but an integral part of the national ethos, America’s “leaders and citizens will [be able to] work together to foster innovation in the social sector!” The leadership that experienced, older Americans bring to the social sector can provide a model for full national involvement in service, and add weight and authority to the innovations of social entrepreneurs.

“The best things that graying do-gooders bring to philanthropy is their management experience and Rolodexes,” agrees Dr. Marc Freedman. Freedman is the founder of Civic Ventures, an America Forward Coalition member working to give seniors opportunities to give back to their communities, especially through its Experience Corps initiative. Right now, more than 2000 members of Experience Corps in 19 cities are contributing their time and expertise, tutoring and mentoring in their communities. Others are at the forefront of social entrepreneurship, such as Rob Mather, who retired from his career as a management consultant to found a malaria-fighting group. But they’re all refusing to leave the future just to the young when they can help lead the way in doing good.

Posted in National Service