A Call for Community - Community is not one place, or one group, or one idea, bu

Create Community with Purpose

Americans Are Volunteering in Record Numbers

In 2009, rates spiked for the number of people volunteering, according to a report from the Corporation for National and Community Service (also known as the Corporation). In fact, the rates spiked by about 1.6 million - the fastest rate of growth in about six years. What the Corporation noted is that spikes of volunteerism are unusual during a recession. Typically data indicates joblessness and foreclosures reduce volunteerism.

Geezer Gallery - Whimsical Name, Serious Mission

As those who've been to Coffee and Conversation can attest, the Geezer Gallery is an arts organization that has a whimsical name and a serious mission. They want to showcase "talented senior artists as a means of partially supporting the development of local senior artistic talent, and the creation and implementation of programs of art and programs of art therapy aimed at the local senior community of the greater Portland area."

Affinity Groups in Action

by Gayle Seely

"Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need to open the door is just one more good idea," - John Rohn.  These words reflect Life by Design NW's exciting new sponsorship of the Affinity Groups program, started by Hands On Greater Portland's Boomer Initiative.

George Lucas, Star Wars creator and Baby Boomers, pledges half his wealth to a good cause: education.

Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffett are asking the nation's billionaires to pledge to give at least half their net worth to charity, in their lifetimes or at death. If their campaign succeeds, it could change the face of philanthropy.

"I was outraged that our culture doesn't have a place for very old people except in nursing homes," she said. "I decided that I wanted to do something about that."

A New York native, Baby Boomer and 30-year resident of Morningside Heights -- a neighborhood on Manhattan's upper west side -- Zola researched the senior population and how their needs were being met and found a solution in her own backyard.

 

Multnomah County Library Podcasts

Listen to library events, as well as information about books and other library resources.

Dr. Martin Luther King had the dream of creating beloved community, one that is grounded in love and that encourages people to care for one another. Explore in this session how we can create beloved community in our personal lives and in our community.

"The Elder Wisdom Circle provides free and confidential advice on a broad range of topics. Online advice seekers from all over the world are paired with a network of seniors who share their knowledge, insight, and wisdom. Most seeking advice are 15-35 years old, but people of any age can request advice on most any topic and will receive a personalized e-mail response."