An idea on how to promote Baby Boomers becoming social entrepreneurs

Posted by on Feb 28, 2013 in non profit organization, social entrepreneurship | 3 comments

In my last blog post, I asked for suggestions about how to help Baby Boomers who want to change the world through social innovation to do so. Boomers are a monumental force in our nation, and most are approaching retirement. I predict that most of them will not quickly go to the rocking chair.

An assumption I make is that almost all normally functioning people at some time in their lives want to help categories of people about whom they care.

The homeless
Abandoned children
Addicts
The abused

A second assumption I make is that most people are very busy during most of their lives and don’t have much extra time. Unless a person has a job in a nonprofit that assists others, it is difficult to find the time to come up with an innovative idea and start a new program to help others.

I guess there is one more assumption I want to state: Most people don’t know how to start an innovative program designed to help others.

We are in a special time in history. In the next several years, hundreds of thousands of energetic, talented Boomers will be seeking meaningful activities in retirement.

OK…It is time for me to share my idea.

We are in brainstorming mode, right?…where any idea can be proposed and no idea is inappropriate to be placed on the table for consideration, right?

Idea: How about if we start several nonprofits that each serves a region of the nation (hmmm, maybe I should think bigger and expand this to the world?) devoted to providing free consulting for teams of people 55 years and older who want to start innovative programs to help others in need?

Why not start some regional nonprofits to help Boomers start nonprofits (or innovative programs to be integrated into existing nonprofits)?

I sort of like this idea.

Maybe in some cases these regional nonprofits might serve as incubators for innovation. In other cases, maybe a team of clients will have the innovative idea and simply need help building a “business plan”.

I just had this idea a couple hours ago, so I have not scrutinized the idea well at all, but I want to throw it out for consideration.

Thank you for reading my small blog.

Best wishes. – Keith

  • Audrie

     What a terrific question! One of the most obvious but overlooked
    strategies in development is “Ya Gotta Ask…and Often”. There are many
    skilled, intelligent and energetic older people looking for something
    meaningful to work on.  Payment is not primary. The intrinsic value of
    the project and, less so, some well-deserved recognition are the
    strongest motivators, along  with the opportunities for social
    interaction with like-minded people.  Many retired people do not know
    how to find these opportunities and may not go looking for them
    specifically, believing that they aren’t out there.

    An
    organization or entity within a program can actively seek the
    involvement of retired people–through networking with other
    organizations, including civic and religious ones, through social media,
    or even in local newspapers lists of activities (no cost to have your
    program listed, usually weekly). Be clear about what is needed, what the
    time commitment is, how much flexibility is possible and why the
    request is being made. Give those who see your message reasons to
    include  themselves and seek more information.

    One interesting
    social entrepreneurship idea would be to organize  a clearing
    house/network system that would combine Roads Scholars and some elements
    of CityYear, Habitat for Humanity or similar, with flexibility in
    scheduling and length of commitment. I’d work on it. Another
    organization to consider linking is OASIS http://www.oasisnet.org–I was a staff member in its early days. It has flourished and focuses on meaningful engagement of people age 50 and older. Most members are older than that and retired.

    BTW, there is a wonderful song written by Ronni Gilbert of the Weavers,
    called “Since You Asked” in which (much) older people are prompted to
    engage in a new activity solely “Since You Asked”.

  • 218Matt

    Hey Keith,
    Great idea…and in the works. Want to talk about how to make it a reality?

    • Keith

      Hi, Matt. Are you already working on this? If yes, are you able to share any details that won’t hurt your plans? Please share whatever you can here so others who might be interested can see what might work for them – if they might be interested in this idea.

      Thanks very much. – Keith