The following is our final issue this Summer. We will return to our regular weekly schedule after Labor Day.

Inspiring Opportunities is an email from Coming of Age for people 50+ who are making a difference in the world, in their communities and in their lives.



What's New from All Over
What's New in the Region
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
Make-A-Difference Calendar
Past Issues


 

How Rich Are You?
Wonder how you rank compared to the whole population of the world? Enter your annual income on this web site and it will tell you your rank, what percentile you are in and interesting facts about what one hour of your salary could buy in other countries. It may give you a new perspective on your relative prosperity.


Find your Second, Third, Fourth . . . Career
Marc Freedman, author of Encore: Finding Work that Matters in the Second Half of Life, has launched encore.org. The site is a resource and information center for all things "encore" with a focus on careers that make a difference.


Are You an Eco-Snob?
Emily Bazelon, of Slate Magazine asked if her hybrid car is turning her kids into Eco-Snobs and explores this new form of superiority. For an amusing and satirical take on the issue, watch the video of the Hybrid Car song from the show South Park. (Warning: you may be humming the tune all day.)


When Activism Stops After College
This article looks at how students who want to work in the nonprofit sector are forced to trade in their values because of economic necessity.


Gratitude is Good for You
New research has shown that gratitude can increase health, happiness and social bonds. The summer issue of Greater Good explores how this can apply to everyday life. While at the site, you can sign up for a free trial issue of the print version.
 




The Growth of Local Cooperatives
From PhillyCarShare, where member share vehicles, to the Bike Church, where you can get you bicycle fixed in exchange for doing chores, to a tool lending library, where neighbors share items like weed whackers, local co-ops are on the rise!



Bread and Roses to honor 30 activists making a difference
The Bread and Roses Community Fund will honor 30 local activists this October. Read about the honorees and the event here.


Philadelphia Safe and Sound receives 75 Million in Taxpayer Dollars
It's official. Philadelphia Safe and Sound, a city funded nonprofit group, will receive $75 million. The decision is not without controversy.


  If you know of a volunteer opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia area that you would like featured here, email details to havewegot@comingofage.org. You can find more opportunities at:




This Week's VISTA Opportunity
Spend a year of service with First, whose vision is "To create a world where science and technology are celebrated... and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes." Learn More


Help Immigrants and Refugees in Chester County
The Volunteer English Program (VEP) helps immigrants and refugees learn English and adjust to the new culture. Volunteers do not need teaching experience. Training workshops coming up in September. For more information call (610) 918-8222 or visit www.volunteerenglish.org.


Love Nature and Working with People?
The Academy of Natural Sciences needs volunteers for the Outside/In room. Work with live animals and act as an informal guide to visitors. Training is provided. Call (215) 299-1029 or visit www.acnatsci.org.


Interested in “Green Building” or Sustainability?
The Urban Green Partnership is looking for volunteers to help develop web content and fund raise, and for people with experience in city planning or architecture. Visit www.urbangreenpartnership.org for more information.


Want to Fight Crime? (Cape Not Required)
Volunteer Victim Advocates are needed for CARIE (Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly). Advocates attend court with older (60+) victims of crime who are called to be witnesses. The Advocate acts as a liaison and provides assistance to victims as they navigate the criminal justice system. Call (215) 545-5728 x233 or visit www.carie.org/getinvolved




We list events and opportunities here we think will interest people 50+ who want to make a difference. If you know of such events, please send us information. If you attended an event you learned about here, please send us a review.


Thursday, July 26

Drinks for the Homeless Running Club
6pm in Center City
Back on My Feet, the Homeless Running Club, invites you to come for a drink to raise money for a good cause.

Cabaret for Ovarian Cancer Research
7pm in Rittenhouse Square
Five performers who embody the passion and joy of cabaret will perform to raise money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Center.


Saturday, July 28
Film on the Crisis in Darfur
7:30pm at the National Constitution Center
See a special advanced screening of The Devil Came on Horseback, a documentary that exposes the tragedy taking place in Darfur.


Monday, July 30
How a Democracy Confronts Genocide
7pm at the National Constitution Center
How does genocide happen and what is the role of the United States and of other democracies around the world to stop it? Join the National Constitution Center for a timely conversation about genocide and the democratic system.


Tuesday, July 31
Dinner Cruise to Build Community
6:45pm at Captain Lucky
The Philadelphia Sister Restaurant Project builds community and promotes minority-owned restaurants. Corinne’s Place, located in Camden, is one of the first “sisters.” They’ll provide southern favorites like ribs, fried chicken, corn bread and collard greens as you cruise the Delaware.


The History of the CIA
7pm at the Central Library
Come here Tim Weiner, Pulitzer Prize-winner and author of the current bestseller Legacy of Ashes, a comprehensive history of the first 60 years of the CIA that describes how the most powerful country in the world failed to create a first-rate spy service.


Wednesday & Thursday, August 1 & 2

Citizen Forums for Central Delaware River
PennPraxis will conduct two more community forums for civic feedback on the vision for the Central Delaware – in Northern Liberties and South Philadelphia. These forums also will update residents on the progress being made in revisioning seven miles of the Central Delaware Riverfront.

August 1, 6pm in Northern Liberties: Register here.
August 2, 6pm in South Philly: Register here.


Thursday, August 2
Inside the Iraq War
6:30pm at the National Constitution Center
A timely discussion of the war in Iraq with Thomas Ricks, author of the critically acclaimed book, Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq, and moderated by Anne-Marie Slaughter, Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.


Sunday, August 5
Black Gold Dinner and Screening
7pm at the White Dog Cafe
Black Gold tells the story one man on a mission to save 74,000 struggling coffee farmers from bankruptcy.


Saturday, August 18th
Memoir Writing for Boomers
9am in Doylestown
This workshop by Jerry Waxler, a speaker, writing coach, and therapist, will demystify the memoir and show you how to get started, overcome obstacles and keep going.

September 9
Green Fest Philly
11am - 6pm, on South Street
Come explore the many ways that Philadelphia is Going Green—or could! This street festival features music, food, art and more than 100 exhibitors who will demo new, exciting solutions for living in an environmentally sensitive and just way.

September 15 and 19
16th Annual Days of Caring
Coming of Age founding partner United Way of Southeastern PA will sponsor the 16th annual Days of Caring. This year's events will emphasize building bridges between corporate and community groups.

SPONSOR:




VISTA is looking for experienced, energetic individuals who want to make a full-time, year-long commitment to fight poverty. If you’re retiring soon, already there or want to take a year off for a year of service, VISTA may be for you. Living allowances and other benefits are provided. More About VISTA

See this week's featured VISTA opportunity under "Have We Got an Opportunity For You."




Of Interest on WHYY
Coming of Age founding partner WHYY has some programs coming up that may interest you. Learn More