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Civic Engagement of Older Adults: Engaging Seniors in Volunteering and Employment November, 2008

Civic Engagement of Older Adults: Engaging Seniors in Volunteering and Employment November, 2008 Jody Grutza, MSW National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. Funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies. U.S. Demographic Changes.

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Civic Engagement of Older Adults: Engaging Seniors in Volunteering and Employment November, 2008

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  1. Civic Engagement of Older Adults: Engaging Seniors in Volunteering and Employment November, 2008 Jody Grutza, MSW National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies

  2. U.S. Demographic Changes 18.4 million workers age 55 and older in 2000; by 2015, there is projected to be 31.9 million At the same time, there will be a proportional decrease in the population of workers age 25 to 44 Employers face challenges as population ages - potential skill and labor shortages

  3. Why Do Older Adults Want to Work ? Decline in employer-funded retirement benefits Rising cost of health care Need to supplement traditional sources of retirement income

  4. Barriers to Engagement for Older Adults Health care policies Misperceptions Social Security disincentives Defined benefit pension plans Lack of connections to jobs, volunteer opportunities and education

  5. Why is Civic Engagement Important? Benefits for: Individuals Communities and states For-profit and nonprofit organizations

  6. The NGA Civic Engagement Policy Academy Purpose: To help states improve the health and lives of older adults by substantially increasing the proportion of individuals engaged in employment , meaningful volunteer activities, and education.

  7. The NGA Civic Engagement Policy Academy Funder: Atlantic Philanthropies Major Activities: On-site strategic planning meetings Policy Academy meeting Customized technical assistance Reaching out to new states

  8. Goals of the NGA Civic Engagement Policy Academy • Conduct comprehensive reviews of state policies • Initiate policy changes based on needs of state , organizations and individuals • Develop new tools and improve systems that connect older adults • Enhance training and educational opportunities • Position states as models to promote civic engagement

  9. Policy Academy States 1st Round States (2007-2008) Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Maine, New Mexico, Ohio and Wyoming 2nd Round States (2008-2009) Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania

  10. State Goals to Increase Civic Engagement • Encourage businesses to become more “older worker friendly” • Create public awareness campaigns targeted to both employers and individuals • Expand volunteering opportunities • Make the state a model employer

  11. State Strategies and Activities • Working across agencies and organizations to coordinate activities • Partnering with non-profit organizations to increase volunteer opportunities and resources • Engaging the governor, legislatures, and other key state policymakers in the design of project • Hosting statewide conferences or symposiums to promote the issue • Reaching out to businesses to work cooperatively

  12. Outcomes to Date • Executive Orders promoting civic engagement and solidifying civic engagement efforts • Statewide conferences on civic engagement and aging issues • Websites designed specifically to connect older adults to volunteer, employment and education opportunities • Employer toolkits discussing the benefits of retaining and re-hiring older adults • Implementation and evaluation of flexible employment practices within state government

  13. NGA Center for Best Practices Project Contact Information Martin Simon Program Director, Workforce Development Social, Economic and Workforce Programs Division msimon@nga.org; (202) 624-5345 Linda Hoffman, Ph.D. Senior Policy Analyst Social, Economic and Workforce Programs Division lhoffman@nga.org; (202) 624-5374

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