If you want to create and run an encore program in your community, these organizations and publications will provide you with a great starting point. They include online tools, websites, training programs, research and information on other local efforts, and tips to help you get started.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Encore.org
National nonprofit building a movement to make it easier for millions of people to pursue encore careers – or second acts for the greater good. Among the organization's resources that are helpful to community leaders:
- The Blueprint for The Next Chapter®
- A Report on The Next Chapter® Initiative in Maricopa County, 2003-2007: Making Experience Matter in the Second Half of Life
- Encore Fellowships Network Resource Library
- Life Planning for the 3rd Age: A Design and Resource Guide
- The Life Planning Toolkit
Coming of Age
National initiative that offers local workshops and training to build capacity and social impact of nonprofit organizations by engaging older adults. Its training programs include:
- Cutting Edge Strategies for Senior Centers
- Capturing Experience: An Online Course
- Learning Lab and Train the Trainer
- RSVP Capacity Building
Community Experience Partnership
National community foundation initiative funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies to encourage people over 60 to devote time and energy to community improvement and social change. Its on-the-ground learning series includes:
- Beyond the Mainstream: How culture shapes the way older adults describe and participate in civic life
- Voices of Experience: Lessons for U.S. Community Foundations and Their Partners
Experience Corps
National program which engages people over 55 in tutoring and mentoring children in communities throughout the country. The following is a toolkit from Experience Corps:
Generations United
National membership organization focused on improving the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational strategies, programs and public policies
Generations United Intergenerational Program Directory – an online searchable directory to find intergenerational programs in your state
The Intergenerational Center, Temple University
University-based center that is a national resource for intergenerational programming; models of intergenerational programs that advance community-based approaches include:
Life Planning Network
A community of professionals from diverse fields who share a commitment to providing a broad spectrum of life planning services and resources for the third age
National Council on Aging
NCOA's RespectAbility project helps organizations and communities invest in America’s growing resource of experienced adults over 55 by delivering innovative tools, effective practices, expert training and technical assistance. The following is a report from RespectAbility:
North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement
A learning community that promotes lifelong learning, leadership and community service locally and conducts research and models that are applicable nationally
The Transition Network
Book by The Transition Network and Gail Rentsch that combines member stories and expert advice to help women discover what's next in their personal and professional lives:
Turning Points Research Institute
A social enterprise that offers online tools, books and group curricula to those navigating life transitions
2young2retire
A website, book (Too Young to Retire: 101 Ways to Start the Rest of Your Life), online tools, certified 2young2retire facilitators and other information to support life and career transitions
PUBLICATIONS
Compendium of Community Aging Initiatives
Report by the Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services, School of Social Welfare, University of California at Berkeley, that documents more than 120 various efforts across the country to help communities become more aging friendly
Encore Careers for the Twenty-First Century Aging-Friendly Community
Article from Generations, the Journal of the American Society on Aging, on community-based encore initiatives
Helping Communities Solve Critical Social Problems by Engaging Adults 55+: Capacity Building Models and Strategies Series
Report from the National Council on Aging’s RespectAbility project that helps organizations and communities invest in experienced adults over 55 by delivering tools, practices, training and technical assistance
Maximizing the Potential of Older Adults: Benefits to State Economies and Individual Well-Being
Issue brief from the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices that discusses state strategies to increase civic engagement among older adults
My Next Phase
Interactive tool for non-financial retirement planning
Project Renewment
Book by Bernice Bratter and Helen Dennis that offers a retirement model for the generation of women who are now leaving the work force
Transforming Retirement With Extended Life Options: A Resource and Planning Guide
Report produced by the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
Vital Communities Toolkit
Online resource developed by the Vital Aging Network, a Minnesota-based network that builds individual and civic capacity of people age 50+
Workforce Development and Nonprofit Capacity Building: Developing a Livable Arizona for All Ages
Report from the Partners for Livable Communities Aging in Place Initiative on how nonprofit organizations and older adults can equally benefit from Americans’ desire to find meaningful work opportunities after their primary career
