September 26 - October 2
Inspiring Opportunities is an e-mail from Coming of Age for people 50+ who are making a difference in the world, in their communities and in their lives.
Inside:
What's New
Coming Soon
Info4Orgs
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
This Week's Medicare Tip
Past Issues
What's New
Tackling True Reform: Why Philadelphia Must Innovate, the latest installment of the The Committee of Seventy's city reform series, challenges Philadelphia leaders to take on the genuinely hard work of creating a more effective government. The Committee sees this time of fiscal crisis as an opportunity to promote innovative approaches to reforming government that can make Philadelphia a more prosperous, vibrant city. Click here to read the report.
Bringing up children in the suburbs has a lot of advantages, but as homeowners age, many are finding that their neighborhoods are no longer a good fit. Maintaining yards and homes requires more effort; driving everywhere, and for everything, becomes expensive and, eventually, an impossibility. To deal with the changing needs of age 50+ residents, many towns are beginning to 'retrofit' to allow people to stay in their homes and age in place.
Volunteers who identify and solve challenges can be a great asset to an organization. Many nonprofits seek out volunteers who can help them achieve their mission and take on major responsibilities. On the National Council on Aging's blog, Leading By Example, volunteer leader Suzy Lee offer ideas on how volunteers can take more initiative and think outside the box. Check out the blog ...and share your experiences.
Coming Soon
Celebrate Banned Books Week and support intellectual freedom as local artists, musicians, actors, and TV personalities read from their favorite censored volumes. This free program, co-sponsored by the Free Library and the American Civil Liberties Union, will be held on September 30th at 7:30 pm at the Free Library, 1901 Vine St. Philadelphia. For more information, call (215) 686-5414.
The Delaware County Council will be hosting a free forum to let older adults know about services and resources that can help them navigate today's challenging economic climate on September 30, 12:30 - 3:00 pm at Concordville Inn. A panel of county representatives will discuss home contractor issues, homestead exemption eligibility, weatherization, consumer credit counseling, senior exploitation and services for the aging. Light refreshments. To register, call (610) 490-1524 or click here.
Plan on attending The Transition Network's "Speed-Datingto Find Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities" event for women on October 14th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Ethical Society in Philadelphia. Representatives of 15 of the city's leading nonprofits will speak to small groups about available volunteer opportunities for those age 50+. $10 - members;$15 - guests. Click here to sign up online.
Make A Difference Day, created by USA Weekend Magazine, is a national day of service where neighbors help neighbors -- young and old, individuals and groups--through volunteer projects. Everyone who volunteers on October 24, 2009 and submits an entry form by November 16, 2009 is eligible to become a national honoree. Newman's Own will support this effort by donating $10,000 to charities selected by each of the ten national honorees. Click here for participation ideas and entry forms.
Info4Orgs
Andy Goodman, a nationally-recognized author, speaker and consultant in the field of public interest communications, will be presenting a free workshop at the Free Library on effective nonprofit communications. He will cover the basics of framing and strategic communications, message creation and delivery, and case studies from the public interest sector. The workshop will be held on October 15th, 10-11:15 am. Click here to pre-register.
If your nonprofit needs professional IT consultation and wants to reduce its technology costs, RSVP of Montgomery County's VEC-TEC program offers a computer evaluation, including written recommendations for a $50 fee. Volunteer Executive Consultants (VEC), who are members of a Coming of Age "Make a Big Difference" Team work with staff to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your agency. To learn more, e-mail or call Elaine Gershenson at (610) 834-1040.
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
The Philadelphia Teacher Residency (PTR) program is a unique teacher preparation program to prepare science, technology, engineering and math [STEM] professionals to teach math and science in the School District of Philadelphia. Prospective teachers (Residents) learn alongside mentor teachers for one academic year while obtaining a Master's Degree and Pennsylvania teacher certification at Penn's Graduate School of Education. Residents commit to teaching in the city's public schools for 3 years and receive ongoing professional support. Contact: Liz Palmer, Philadelphia Education Fund, (215) 665-1400 Ext. 3335.
Become a caring pen pal with In2Books, an e-mentoring program. Correspond with a third-fifth grade student from your home or office via online letters about important issues in five books you will read together throughout the school year. It only takes a few hours a month from September - June. To ensure the safety of the students, all pen pals will need to pass a standard background check. To learn more or to become a pen pal, click here.
The National Constitution Center, the world's only museum devoted to the Constitution, has an opening for a paid Volunteer Manager to administer the Center's Volunteer and College Intern Program. This position also includes supporting day-to-day human resources functions: maintaining employee records; recruiting and hiring staff, volunteers, and interns; and conducting orientations. To learn more and to apply, click here.
The Asian Arts Initiative (AAI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based arts center offering performances, exhibitions, and workshops for artists, youth, and adults of all racial backgrounds. Located in Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood, AAI has an opening for a part-time Event and Outreach Assistant to provide support at performance and gallery events and to oversee volunteers. High school diploma and week-end work required. To apply, e-mail cover letter, resume, and 2 work-related references.
This Week's Medicare Tip
Most Medicare beneficiaries currently enrolled in Medicare drug plans will not see significant changes in their premiums in 2010, but some may need to take steps to ensure they have the coverage they need when open enrollment begins later this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced. Continue Reading
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Coming of Age Radio Portraits, produced by WHYY, feature age 50+ Philadelphia-area people who have made exciting life transitions. Click here to see and hear their wonderful stories and to submit your story!
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Read the latest post on the blog by Coming of Age Director Dick Goldberg: Talk Amongst Yourselves? No!
