ASA Presents National Forum on Civic Engagement
By Theresa Sangram
On March 16, the ASA-NCOA Aging in America Conference devoted a full day to a National Forum on Civic Engagement, presenting the best practices. A group of 14 presenters, led by Marc Freedman and Nancy Morrow-Howell, included noted authors on the topic. The five sessions sparked dynamic discussion among more than 350 participants, and showcased the latest models, examples, and strategies for civic engagement.
According to the American Psychological Association, civic engagement is defined as "individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern." Civic engagement can take many forms, from individual volunteerism to organizational involvement and electoral participation.
Engaging Baby Boomers and encouraging their civic participation is a growing concern because volunteerism and civic engagement are becoming euphemisms for free labor. However, providing real opportunities for engagement that utilize the years of practice and experience that many Baby Boomers have can help resolve systemic social problems in the United States.
The Atlantic Philanthropies, a major funder of several grants supporting ASA’s ongoing effort to incorporate civic engagement into its programs and publications, underwrote the National Forum.
Jennie Chin Hansen, former ASA Board Chair and current president of the AARP Board of Directors, followed the presentation with notes on civic engagement and volunteerism in communities of color. She touched on how AARP is reaching out to older adults and discussed the creation of a new website that allows individuals to connect with volunteer opportunities.
Jim Hinterlong, author of Generations, and from the College of Social Work, Florida State University, discussed civic engagement’s evolution from idea to movement. The session included time for interactive dialogue in order to share ideas, raise questions, and build relationships. The panel discussed how nonprofits can utilize older Americans, either as volunteers or part of a retired workforce, to assist in community-based programs and outreach.
Nancy Henkin of the Temple University Center for Integenerational Learning, whose writings appear in Generations, moderated a dynamic panel on how communities can promote civic engagement in the lives of adults age 50 and better.
Other panelists included Clayton Fong, President and CEO, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging; Stacey Easterling, Program Executive, The Atlantic Philanthropies; Yanira Cruz, President and CEO, National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.; and Andrea Taylor, Director of Training, Tempe University for Integenerational Learning.
Soon, you will be able to watch the National Forum on Civic Engagement from home in new webinars. To learn more, visit http://www.asaging.org
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