Boomers Wanted

It’s nice to be wanted and Baby Boomers are near the top of the most desirable list. At least in five states, when it comes to our experience and knowledge.
This week, Civic Ventures released a policy paper commending five states for their efforts to engage people over the age of 50 in meaningful work and community service.
Civic Venture noted that California officials are trying to match Baby Boomers’ desire to serve with specific labor shortages, such as the demand for math and science teachers. The state’s eServices office has even created a database for retired job seekers to use their skills and interests.
In Arizona, a coalition of groups has formed to push the Mature Workforce Initiative to launch new programs, such as a “mature worker friendly” environment at businesses.
In Maryland, there is the Baby Boomer Initiative Act, which spurred the creation of the Boomer Initiative Council. That organization develops strategies to keep the post-World War Two generation engaged in their communities.
The states of New York and Massachusetts are also lauded for their efforts in the Civic Ventures paper.
What these government and non-profit officials have latched onto is something I have noticed in our generation. A desire to give back to our communities as well as to improve our society by volunteering.
As I’ve noted in previous columns, many Baby Boomers are closing in on retirement. Many have raised their children and are looking for ways to spend their new-found leisure hours.
Baby Boomers have apparently discovered volunteering to be a worthy calling. In 2006, the United States’ volunteer rate hit a 30-year high, increasing 32 percent from 1989 to 2005. The Baby Boom generation is leading the way. More than 30 percent of our generation between the ages of 46 and 57 are doing some volunteer work, the highest percentage among any age group.
This is a trend that could have major impacts in our society. There are 78 million Baby Boomers in this country. If a healthy percentage of them decide to volunteer, think of the difference it could make in schools, clinics, health-care facilities, environmental causes and other services.
We were an activist force in the 1960s when it came to the Vietnam War, Civil Rights and women’s rights. Perhaps we can be the same kind of dynamic force in our older years.