Posted 09/21/2007 - 01:19:52pm by David Bank
Sen. Barack Obama, campaigning in Iowa, said he wants to increase opportunities for older Americans to contribute to society by creating new volunteer programs, the AP reports.
Obama said he would expand programs such as Senior Corps, which provides opportunities for about 500,000 older adults. He proposed scholarships and stipends that could be used for education or to pad retirement savings.
"I believe that Americans of all ages are still willing to serve this country in ways big and small," Obama said at a rally at Iowa State University. "I think the problem is no one has asked you. That will change when I am president."
More than 60 percent of the activists who showed up for Democratic precinct caucuses in both 2000 and 2004 were older than 50, the AP reported.
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Give the fellowships to our young people.
I keep reading all the suggestions of fellowships and careers for seniors. Why don't we give a little more opportunity to our young people who might be unemployed or maybe even homeless.
We have plenty of educational institutions to educate or train these individuals.
Many seniors do not need additional education to be usefull as a volunteer.
I would be embarassed sit down in a classroom knowing that a young person could have taken my seat and make a decent income to support his family.
I have been tutoring at Manatee Technical Institute which has giving me great pleasure and personal satisfaction.There are several seniors who are doing the same thing.
There is no age requirement to do this and I am one of the youngest volunteer in the group at 81.
I wouldlike to suggest to any senior to do some volunteering.I just brought up my own example since thhat is the one I am most familiar with..However if you live in the Bradenton/sarasota area
you might consider dropping in on the Adult Education Department at MTI and tell the manager that you like to help.
We need your help very much since we have a real shortage of tutors.In case you like to have more information,cantact me at:
klaaslind@aol.com
Hope to see you there,
Klaas Lindemulder,Bradenton,Florida