What's New

Bill Moyers Explores the Third Chapter Of Life with Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot

Do yourself a favor. Set aside 35 minutes tonight to sit down with a cup of tea and watch this video. In it Bill Moyers talks with the renowned sociologist Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot about her new book, "The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50." Over a period of two years Lightfoot traveled around America interviewing men and women in their 50's, 60's and 70's. The result is a deeply insightful book that explores what the author calls the "penultimate period" and "most transformative time of our lives" when we are confronted with the choice of stagnation or new becoming. Whether you decide to read the book or not don't miss this video. Listen in on the conversation between these two accomplished and articulate people 50+ as they discuss the continuing adventure of life.

You will find more video (from the ridiculous to the sublime!) in our new video section (click on "videos" in the left-hand toolbar of the website.)

Does the Current Emphasis on High-Skilled Volunteering Have a Downside?

Everyone is talking about "pro bono" or "skill-based" volunteering - including us here at Coming of Age: Delaware! This is volunteering where someone provides a professional or highly technical skill to a non-profit at no charge. It's all the rage now because with the downturn in the economy many non-profits are laying off staff or unable to afford the expertise they need to remain competitive in a changing world. The phrase "skill-based volunteering" actually comes from the world of corporate volunteering; a process where a company allows one of its highly-skilled employees to provide professional or technical assistance to a nonprofit. But with the retirement of the highly educated boomer generation, skill-based volunteering is gaining popularity in community-based volunteering as well.

In our eagerness to embrace skill-based volunteerism have we really thought about what we are saying? For example, are we implying that traditional volunteers are unskilled? Or that their efforts aren't as valuable as the contributions of professionals?

Leave it to Susan Ellis, an international volunteering expert, to ask the questions others would rather avoid! Read Susan's provocative July "hot topic" here.

Want to share some thoughts about this subject? Why not post your comments in the "pro-bono consulting" forum of our message board.

It's Been 10 Years Since My Last Job Search...What Do I Do?

Has it been a while since you last looked for work? Probably so if you recently left your primary career and are now looking for a retirement job or if you have been retired for a while and are now thinking of going back to work. The process of searching for a job has changed a lot. It's no longer mailing out hundreds of resumes and waiting by the phone for a call. Instead looking for work today may involve making use of social networking sites like Linkedin, Facebook or Twitter; writing a blog in your area of expertise or participating in a virtual career fair. If your job search skills are a bit rusty check out this informative article from CareerBuilder.com.

25 Ways To Respond To the Obamas' Summer Invitation

The President and the First Lady would like you to join them this summer, not for tea in the Oval Office, but in doing community service that contributes to the recovery and renewal of the Nation. According to Mrs. Obama, "Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing in your communities, as what we're doing in Washington – and it’s going to take all of us, working together." You can find out more about the United We Serve campaign that was kicked off on June 22, 2009 and will conclude September 11, 2009 at Serve.gov. Not sure what you could do to address the four community needs targeted by the initiative? Here are some ideas to get you thinking.  Continue Reading

The Joy of a Healthy Brain - Celebrating Freedom

The Joy of a Healthy Brain is a new, ongoing series of articles written by RSVP (NCC) volunteer and Coming Of Age: Delaware contributor Judith Gupton-Wiley. The series will explore brain health through the lens of national holidays. Judith's first article is entitled, "Celebrating Freedom". Continue Reading

Youth is Oversold!

We live in a culture that celebrates youth. It's not surprising, then, that we sometimes lose sight of the value of growing older.

In this article, "Seeking an Elder Cuture" Connie Goldman, an award winning radio producer and reporter, reflects on what is gained, not lost in aging. For as As Eleanor Roosevelt once observed, "Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art."

Boomer Commencement Speakers Strike a Somber Tone

This year's graduation speakers, many of whom are members of the Boomer generation, reflected on the mistakes and missteps of their age-group and addressed the challenges of the present financial picture for graduates. Graduates considered the messenger ... and wondered how their elders were going to pitch in and help clean up the mess.

Academy of Lifelong Learning Summer Courses

Two courses are held each morning, Tuesdays through Thursdays, July 7-30, 2009. Register for up to six courses, four sessions each. Courses range from "African-American Art" to "Einstein" and "Priates and Pop Culture" to "Creative Transitions."

Call the Academy of Lifelong Learning at 302-573-4417 to request the summer catalog or view courses online. Courses meet on the University of Delaware's Wilmington Campus, 2700 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Advice for Jittery Board Members

This isn't an easy time to be a member of a nonprofit board of directors. Many nonprofits are struggling in this economic downturn and the responsibility of governance can weigh heavily upon the shoulders of a board member. Just as the demand for nonprofit services is rising dramatically, many nonprofits are experiencing decreased charitable contributions and cutbacks in government and foundation funding. As early as December, 2008 a survey found that 52% of nonprofits questioned were already experiencing funding cuts. Since 94% of nonprofits have budgets of less than $1 million any reduction in funding hurts and can result in layoffs, salary freezes or cut programs.

"Facing the Financial Crisis: 10 Smart Things Your Board Can Do Now" from Board Source provides some helpful advice for board members and Executive Directors in these uncertain times.

Lewes Woman Offers a Helping Hand Across America

Coming of Age: Delaware contributor Sheri Ackerman offers this profile of Karen Oswald, a Sussex County woman who travels around the country in her RV volunteering in State Parks. Continue Reading