Why Encore?
Because experienced adults represent what visionary public policy analyst Marc Freedman calls “our only increasing natural resource.” If we are to meet the enormous challenges our communities face – especially in times of declining resources – we need to make full use of the expertise and talents of this growing workforce of people age 50+.
Consider…
- With the aging of the Baby Boomers, the number of workers age 50 and older is growing dramatically.
- These “leading edge” Boomers are healthier, more educated and better off financially than any previous generation.
- They are inclined to work in the so-called “retirement years.”
- Many of them want to transition into personally satisfying work that helps improve the quality of life in their communities.
But research shows that…
- There are few pathways for experienced adults seeking encore work.
- Nonprofits and public sector organizations haven’t created enough meaningful opportunities for experienced adults to engage in social purpose work.
- Traditional volunteer opportunities often lack the flexibility and autonomy that experienced adults value.
- Many nonprofits lack the capacity to effectively engage experienced adults.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Encore is leading efforts to tap the talents of experienced adults to address significant community issues.
