Why join a network – any network? It’s a powerful way to show your leadership, connect with peers, keep up on news and tap resources to enhance your work. This month, I’m highlighting two new resources developed by Encore.org: an encore volunteer learning hub and reports/briefs from our Pathways to Encore Purpose collaboration with Stanford University.

The just-launched Learning Hub offers a wealth of practical insights about encore-age volunteers. Want to learn about designing roles, recruiting a diverse group of older adults or making an existing training more age-friendly? Need content to help you train others to engage 50+ talent? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you and your team will benefit from these materials. See sample content at iamgen2gen.org/learninghub, register and dive into written and video tools on recruiting, training, retention and metrics. While the material has a few references to youth-serving organizations, the content applies to all types of mission areas. For more information, contact Encore.org’s Michelle Hynes.

The Pathways to Encore Purpose Project was a research collaboration between Encore and the Stanford Graduate School of Education’s Center on Adolescence. Key components: insights on the prevalence and nature of purpose among 50+ adults, ideas for encore leaders to apply the research and a snapshot of the emerging landscape of encore programs.

Read more here, including a research overview, a report on programs that support older adults’ purposeful activities and practitioner briefs on the six key findings:

  • Help Wanted? Ask Someone 50+
  • Beyond the Self: 34 Million Older Adults Committed to Common Good
  • Purpose is for Everyone
  • Living with Purpose in the Encore Years: Not a Zero Sum Game
  • Positive Outlook
  • Freedom and Flexibility Matter

Read on in our April newsletter for connection opportunities and encore news – and send me YOUR news.

Published: April 22, 2018