Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Part of the Solution

When Peter Wieler, 63, retired from his career as a software engineer, he began searching for an opportunity give something back. As a result, he found a new friend, Ruben, now a 6^th grader in Roxbury. Peter has been mentoring Ruben for 3 years. He says that although he and Ruben come from very different backgrounds, Ruben has been remarkably tolerant of him and they have fun playing chess, shooting hoops or just chatting.

“At the end of last year, I asked him how the year had been for him.” Peter said. “Ruben gave a long pause and responded, ‘Well, I like hanging out with you, you’re funny, and you’re a good man.’”

“His perspective on the world is so much different than mine… and that has helped keep my mind open,” Peter said. “It’s wonderful because he doesn’t hesitate to tell me when he thinks I’m dressing funny or things like that.”

While Ruben still has some problems at school, Peter and Ruben’s relationship has certainly progressed and Peter has had a positive effect on Ruben’s attitude. “During a particularly tough day, Ruben looked right at me and said, ‘Mr. Peter, you’re not part of the problem, you’re part of the solution.’”

Monday, February 25, 2008

Good Luck, Tom…

Whoever said “No employee is indispensable” hasn’t met Tom Hamel. After spending 7 years with the organization, first as a part time accounting manager and more recently as a senior level manager, Tom is leaving to take an exciting new position with another exceptional organization.

Tom will become Associate Director of Outdoor Explorations, a position that was created for him. Outdoor Explorations is a non-profit organization that makes the outdoors a welcoming place to people with disabilities through innovative programs that break down barriers preventing people from living life to the fullest.

Tom has been such a major contributor to our success, creating strong systems and partnerships, taking on more and more responsibility each year. We have worked side by side for 6 years (yes, he’s been here longer than me!) and it has been an honor to do so.

While we are losing a very talented staff member, Tom’s friendship is permanent, and that is most meaningful to me. We are very excited for him and wish him the very best…

Good luck Tom, but not goodbye. You know we’ll still be calling you!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

As we ponder expansion, I’ve been visiting new elementary schools on a regular basis. This morning I entered a large chaotic school and was immediately lost. A first grader, I think, was in the hall and I asked if he could show me where the Principal’s office was.

He nodded his head yes, not looking at me but at the floor.

I asked his name, “Eddie” he told me. We walked down a long hall together, very slowly.

“Are you in trouble?” he asked. He knew exactly where to lead me.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

“You Will Still Need Me But What Will You Call Me When I’m 64?*

I am a 58 year old baby boomer, and am quite comfortable with that moniker. I have a gazillion peers, and we are very special. “Yes, in fact, the world does evolve around us.”

My colleague, born just a few years ahead of the b-gen, is an active senior. She chooses to work part time. “Now that I’ve retired, I can work for the fun of it.”

Another 65+ associate teaches at a local university. She enjoys this special time of life. “Geezerhood is mighty under-rated!” she announced recently.

My neighbor is 53. She is a skilled ICU nurse and wants to pick up an extra shift now and then. So I helped her with her resume. “Erase all those graduation dates,” I advised. She is a mature worker and afraid of age discrimination.

My brother retired five years ago when he was 59. He spends lots of time fishing. I call him a retiree, but he calls me jealous “It’s tough having all this free time on my hands.”

By contrast, my oldest sister will soon turn 70, and still works full time. She’s an older adult with an attitude. “I’d like to kill my brother.” Hey, Pat, I’m with you.

Seriously, the nation must take a hard look at our workplace practices and retirement policies. Current and future generations may well work productively until age 70, 80, even 90.

We can’t all go fishing when we turn 65. And frankly the US would be hard pressed if we did.

*Title borrowed from the song: When I’m 64: The Beatles

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Non-Profits: Tapping into the Boomer Generation

My father never retired–he worked until he died at the young age of 73. Dad didn’t know how he would fill idle time, so he kept working because it was all he knew.

If Dad were around today, I would reach out to him to manage volunteers at Generations Incorporated. He was a great “people person”, with solid management skills and tremendous pride in his work. He owned a successful grocery store in our town, and he inspired and motivated his employees to get results every day.

Cash-strapped non-profit organizations could truly benefit by tapping into the growing numbers of retired and semi-retired persons who live in our communities. They can serve as volunteers to provide direct services and they can also serve in leadership capacities. Those who provide service can be most effective when they are well-supported, have clear expectations, good coordination, and feel appreciated. Often a busy organization doesn’t have the staff capacity to provide this kind of support. What a great job for a volunteer!

Those who serve in leadership capacities (such as fundraising, marketing, management of volunteers, etc.) will need training in order to transfer the competencies that they have used in previous work. The potential return on investment for this kind of training could be huge.

Imagine the value added to communities if the non-profit sector taps into this generation. Our plan for expansion over the next four years will rely on our ability to attract this talent. It is key to our sustainability.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Thanks for a great year!

[Experience Corps Volunteers and AmeriCorps Members from the Hurley]

Thursday, April 12, 2007

15 Years of Inspiration!

On April 11 we celebrated our fifteenth anniversary with some of our dearest friends. In attendance were several founding board members, Leadership Circle members, and Peri Smilow, the first Executive Director from our Magic Me days. The evening recognized our new Honorary Commitee members, who over the course of our 15 years have invested in our organization in many significant ways. They are pictured at right: Tom Martinson, Peri Smilow, Tom Barrette, and Melora and Andrew Balson.

It was a truly fun evening to come together and reflect on our mission of uniting older adults and youth in service to strengthen individuals and communities. John Gomperts, CEO of Civic Ventures and the national Experience Corps Program cited the the strong leadership role of Generations Incorporated in the national network. Peri told of the beginnings of Magic Me, using a dramtical story-telling format that drove home the power and importance of intergenerational relationships. A moving and funny 10 minute video followed, produced by Vista Volunteer Kate Avery, and in children’s book fashion, told the Generations Incorporated story from Magic Me to Generations Incorporated, to Boston’s Experience Corps Program.

Monday, March 26, 2007

A Five Year Old Boy in the Principal’s Office

Some images this year while traveling from school to school:

• A five year old boy in the Principal’s office at 9:00 AM, recites his promises not to kick, bite, or hit anyone today. He is so happy to be sitting in the Principal’s lap that he will promise her anything.

• An eight year old boy in another Principal’s office, with a high fever, waiting to go home. But he begs to stay because today is the day his mentor comes to see him.

• A second grade girl reading aloud from the book, she pronounces porcupine correctly on the first try. She and her mentor giggle together at the animal’s picture.

• An older adult coaches a child through a difficult reading session. The child struggles, not so much because the book is too hard, but because today his life seems hard. They play a rousing game of Connect 4 instead.

  If you have the time and are ready to share your experience, we have a child for you.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Staying Sharp

An interesting free event this weekend in Newton:

Staying Sharp– current advances in brain research
Saturday, February 10, 2007
10am-noon
Sponsored by AARP/NRTA and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives

Marriot Boston Newton
2345 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton, MA 02466

What caught my eye were the topics:

• Brain fitness and how to keep sharp
• Memory loss: what’s normal and what’s not
• Coping with depression and mood disorders
• Successful longevity and the brain

A few very practical concerns we may face as we get older. Hope to see you there!

For more information, please call 1-877-926-8300 or visit the website http://www.aarp.org/health/brain/program/staying_sharp_understanding__maintaining_your_brai.html

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Experience Corps Members Travel to Nation’s Capital

This coming weekend five of our Experience Corps members will travel to Washington D.C. to participate in the second annual Learning & Leadership Exchange. They will join 20 other Experience Corps members from around the country to discuss and develop leadership activities back in their home cities. While most Experience Corps volunteers are engaged as tutors in elementary schools, there are many other ways for them to lead. Last year’s group came back with an extensive plan to reach out to parents and families.

On the eve of their departure, we caught up with a few of our leaders:

Q. Why do you want to participate in this conference?
A. Boston schools need help. I want to learn how to better serve the children I tutor. –Virginia
I hope to learn something I can use in my tutoring. One good idea can increase your effectiveness. It’s good to go beyond ourselves– we may be doing something good, but maybe it could be done better. –Dan

Q. What are you most looking forward to doing while in Washington D.C.?
A. I’m looking forward to spending time with my Boston peers and chatting with Experience corps members from other cities to gain new ideas, new perspectives. –Dan
I want to learn more about childhood education. That’s the main reason I applied for this opportunity. –Manny

Q. What do you hope to contribute?
A. I hope to bring the knowledge I’ve gained from the children here in Boston, to pass that on. –Manny
Experience. –Virginia

I bet they are also looking forward to visiting some of our nation’s treasures in DC and having some fun!

Last year’s leaders happened upon Sen. John Kerry on the way to the cafeteria! (L-R: Shelia Randolph, Ricki Henderson, John Kerry, Amy Burns, Yvonne Franck, Mary McDonald)