Inspiration Break: Civic Ventures and Encore Careers Name Purpose Prize Winners
Subscribe to the Blog RSS FeedA lot of people talk about how important it is to engage youth in creating positive social change – and it is. But it’s equally important that we not forget the other age groups out there that can make a big difference, too, and that’s why we at BTC love our ServiceNation coalition member Civic Ventures.
Civic Ventures is a nonprofit think tank that works to engage experienced individuals to become a force for social change. And every year, Encore.org, published by the folks at Civic Ventures, gives out 10 Purpose Prizes.
To be eligible for a Purpose Prize, a person must be over the age of sixty and have, um, a purpose (goes without saying that it must be a good one), because Encore Careers is looking for a “compelling role model whose own story will serve to inspire others, not only to think differently about the second half of life, but also to take on new leadership roles and perform significant service in an encore career.”
Five finalists receive $100,000 to continue making positive change, while another five receive $50,000. You can nominate your favorite 60+ changemaker today, and he or she might be eligible for the 2010 Purpose Prize.
Here’s an overview of the incredible people who won the 2009 award (we hope we’re this cool when we’re sixty!):
Elizabeth and Stephen Alderman
They are a doctor and special education teacher who treat victims of terrorism around the world, to honor their son, who was killed in the attacks of September 11, 2001.
She is a psychiatrist who recruits mental health professionals to provide free, confidential counseling to veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families.
He is a computer executive who built a nationwide substance abuse recovery program based on Native American beliefs and traditions.
He is an engineer who creates "green" bricks out of fly ash, the residue of coal-fired power plants.
He is a telecommunications executive who brought broadband to Rutherford County and created an online ordering system that enables local farmers to sell their produce directly to Charlotte restaurants.
She provides affordable housing and training for service providers to support seniors in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.
He was brought up by alcoholic parents and now provides disadvantaged children with a caring, paid adult mentor from age 5 until adulthood.
She grew up homeless, was inspired by a teacher and helps dropouts earn diplomas while training for jobs in various sectors.
She experienced the stress of caring for her grandfather as a pre-teen, and facilitates support groups and other resources for young caregivers.
He beat his cocaine dependency and created a nonprofit that trains ex-convicts, addicts and the homeless to work in construction while learning reading, math and job-hunting skills.
These folks are great – but we’re sure you know some really cool seniors, too. So log on today and nominate your favorite. Nomination period ends March 5, 2010, but it never hurts to start early!
Here are a few videos to show you more of the inspired work these folks are doing (you can watch more on the EncoreCareers YouTube channel).
