Life by Design NW is committed to keeping you informed about current topics and cutting edge trends for Community, with those 50+ in mind. The resources listed here represent useful books, tools and organizations, including trusted local contacts.
The ‘Books to Action’ series co-facilitated by Life by Design NW partners Multnomah County Library and Hands On Greater Portland creates a unique opportunity to engage both body and mind in a community service project related to intriguing book topics. A spirited group of volunteers recently spent time working on an urban farm after reading a book about the breakdown and revival of the American community.
One volunteer and her friends share their positive experience repackaging food at the Oregon Food Bank during the “Alternative Holiday Celebration” sponsored by Hands On Greater Portland and the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.
Our United Villages supports community-building from the ground up with their Community Outreach program. It “envisions neighborhoods that recognize and build on the strengths, talents, and resources of each individual to create a healthier, more vibrant community.” Learn about their ongoing workshops.
CNRG –When People Connect, Synergy Happens One of Portland’s greatest treasures is the nonprofit organization, CNRG (pronounced like ‘synergy’). Sign up to receive a daily digest about all things related to the nonprofit community like upcoming events, jobs, volunteer opportunities, internships and resources.
Everyone Matters – A Practical Guide to Building Community for All Ages (PDF) The Multnomah County Taskforce on Vital Aging published its groundbreaking report in 2008. The Task Force identified opportunities, challenges, best practices and recommendations for enhancing the independence, engagement and contributions of older adults in Multnomah County and throughout the region.
Multnomah County Library “As Oregon's largest public library, Multnomah County Library serves nearly one-fifth of the state's population with a wide variety of programs and services.”
Better Together, a sequel to Bowling Alone, shares stories of individuals who have joined together in their communities to address local challenges. The city of Portland is developing an initiative called Portland is Better Together, with a new website that community members will help develop.
Bowling Alone, by Robert Putnam “In a groundbreaking bestseller based on vast new data, Putnam shows how we have become increasingly disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and our democratic structures--and tells how we may reconnect.”
Network, meet new friends, be inspired by thought-provoking topics and learn more about the challenges and surprises of mid-life transition. Coffee and Conversation is held monthly on the last Wednesday of each month, no reservation needed. Evenings revolve around a topical theme with a discussion facilitator trained in keeping the conversation moving. You never know whom you might meet that holds the introduction to your next adventure!
Check our calendar for the details on the next Coffee and Conversation.
"The Elder Wisdom Circle provides free and confidential advice on a broad range of topics. Online advice seekers from all over the world are paired with a network of seniors who share their knowledge, insight, and wisdom. Most seeking advice are 15-35 years old, but people of any age can request advice on most any topic and will receive a personalized e-mail response."
Profit meets social change. Life by Design NW's partner, Springboard Innovation, has a conference hoping to accelerate positive change. The conference lasts two days, April 26 and 27, and Life by Design NW will be there to discuss how Boomers and social entrepreneurship might be a great match.
Listen to library events, as well as information about books and other library resources.
Dr. Martin Luther King had the dream of creating beloved community, one that is grounded in love and that encourages people to care for one another. Explore in this session how we can create beloved community in our personal lives and in our community.
One of Life by Design NW's volunteers, Martha Wagner, has written an article in Neighborhood Notes on buying, cooking and butchering locally-raised meats.
"I was outraged that our culture doesn't have a place for very old people except in nursing homes," she said. "I decided that I wanted to do something about that."
A New York native, Baby Boomer and 30-year resident of Morningside Heights -- a neighborhood on Manhattan's upper west side -- Zola researched the senior population and how their needs were being met and found a solution in her own backyard.
In 2009, rates spiked for the number of people volunteering, according to a report from the Corporation for National and Community Service (also known as the Corporation). In fact, the rates spiked by about 1.6 million - the fastest rate of growth in about six years. What the Corporation noted is that spikes of volunteerism are unusual during a recession. Typically data indicates joblessness and foreclosures reduce volunteerism.
June 21 is Baby Boomer Recognition Day, where Boomers are recognized for their achievements. Bravo! We have a lot to celebrate. People of our generation have, just to name a few ...
Transformed music and the arts, such as the Beatles and Andy Warhol
Vastly improved technology and the speed of communication through personal computers, iPods, iPhones and the operating systems we use
Made huge advances in the field of medicine like mapping our genome, repairing major organs like hearts and in combating devastating diseases like cancer
Taken on major social issues ... and won, like the U.S. withdrawal in Vietnam
We have a lot to feel good about, but ... we're not done yet. Now we need to think about what we leave to the generations behind us. Our legacy.
We were fortunate. Our parents lived through the Great Depression and World War II, teaching us about the importance of family, frugality and simplicity. In fact, many of us are re-discovering how important those traits are the older we get.
As Boomers we've also created our own unique style to live, putting our innovative stamp on the world and reinventing ourselves - some of us multiple times. We have amazing resources at our disposal. First, we have wisdom as well as experience to lend to the world. We also have our health; Generation B is the healthiest yet, extending our life spans well into the eighties. We're the most affluent generation and are one of the best educated. And for good or ill, we're also one of the most influential generations, partially because of our size -- we're the largest generation - and because our wealth. We're also powerful; the majority of the United States leaders (congress, executives of companies, etc.) are Baby Boomers.
Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffett are asking the nation's billionaires to pledge to give at least half their net worth to charity, in their lifetimes or at death. If their campaign succeeds, it could change the face of philanthropy.
Summer is the time in Portland, Oregon - the sun is out, the weather is fairly mild and there's plenty of stuff to do for free. If you're looking for ideas ...
