Shift cofounder Jan Hively (wearing scarf) hosts a weekly Shift Forum in Minneapolis. Photo by Nancy Chakrin.

Groups are forming all over the nation of experienced individuals who want to channel their energy and talents into work that matters. The activities of these organizations range from casual chats over coffee to intensive workshops focused on discovering your purpose in life. Many are active supporters of encore careers that combine income and meaning with social impact. Most offer free newsletters.

Here’s how to reach some of them:

Discovering What’s Next is a network in Boston that connects individuals 50 years and older with information, inspires them and fosters involvement leading to action that benefits both individuals and the community. Most activities take place at the Newton Free Library at 330 Homer Street in Newton, Mass. For more information, visit the Discovering What’s Next Web site, email info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or call (617) 796-1419.

Life Planning Network, also based in Boston, is a community of multidisciplinary professionals who develop and use purposeful, integrative approaches to help people navigate the second half of life. Because life expectancy now extends into the 80s and beyond for many people, this second half of live represents new possibilities for living in good health with fulfillment and purpose. LPN has chapters in Northern California and the Chesapeake Bay area, the Twin Cities and Rochester, N.Y., and is reaching out to additional areas. For more information, visit the Life Planning Network Web site or email lpn@lifeplanningnetwork.org.

The Shift network in Minneapolis/St. Paul supports people in midlife who seek greater meaning in life and work. Some members seek a change in career or life direction. Others want to launch encore careers. Still others want to apply their experience and skills at civic agencies and nonprofit organizations, or give back to the world – either as volunteers or for a modest stipend. Shift offers weekly forums, learning labs, lifework planning, brainstorming sessions and a Time Bank for sharing services. Visit the Shift Web site to access an online contact form. Read more about Shift.

Life by Design NW supports people as they age in discovering their passion and purpose so they engage their wisdom and skills to strengthen the community and achieve personal fulfillment. The organization is a portal to what’s happening in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area for people age 50+ in life planning, working, volunteering, creating community connections, learning and living an active life. It also provides resources for employers and nonprofits. It is based at Portland Community College, 1626 SE Water Avenue, Suite 308, Portland, OR 97214. For more information, visit the Life by Design NW Web site, email info@lifebydesignnw.org or phone (503) 731-6650.

The Next Chapter projects are community coalitions across the country that are working to help people in the second half of life set a course, connect with peers and find pathways to meaningful work and significant service. Projects have emerged with different features and players. One active group is Next Chapter Puget Sound. Others with various levels of activity are listed here in The Next Chapter directory. Civic Ventures’ Blueprint for The Next Chapter Chapter serves as the road map for putting The Next Chapter in place at the local level.

The Transition Network is a community of women over age 50 supporting one another as they navigate from one career to another and to new stages of life. It offers educational and cultural programs, workshops, peer groups, advocacy and many ways for members to get involved in building the organization. The organization began in New York City and has chapters in Chicago, Connecticut, Houston, Long Island, Westchester County, central Ohio, Philadelphia, San Francisco and the Washington, D.C. area. Visit The Transition Network Web site to learn about events or to access the online contact form.

For information about events of interest to people seeking encore careers, see the Encore.org Calendar and events blog, which lists events by city.

If you know of an event or transition group that should be listed, please email Terry Nagel at tnagel[at]civicventures.org.