BABY BOOMER VOLUNTEERS

At least three major efforts are under way to encourage the millions of baby boomers reaching retirement age to volunteer for charities, reports The Wall Street Journal. The Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that connects Americans with volunteer opportunities, is conducting a campaign to encourage boomers to volunteer with the AARP Foundation, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations. Civic Ventures is sponsoring the “Purpose Prize,” modeled on the MacArthur Foundation’s “genius awards,” to reward volunteers age 60 and older who develop philanthropic projects. Additionally, the Harvard University School of Public Health and the National Mentoring Partnership will be running television spots to enlist older adults to become mentors for young people.

Also: Read The Chronicle’s article on the boomers and volunteering. (A paid subscription is required to view these articles.)