Civic Ventures: Recognizing a new age of innovators

Ode has found an amazing group called Civic Ventures. Founded by social entrepreneur Marc Friedman, Civic Ventures is re-framing the debate about aging in America and redefining the second half of life as a source of social and individual renewal. Civic Ventures brings together older adults with a passion for service and helps stimulate opportunities for using their talents to advance the greater good. In these ways, Civic Ventures is helping America realize an “experience dividend."

Every year Civic Ventures recognizes these individuals by awarding The Purpose Prize–– five $100,000 and ten $10,000 investments. These awards go out to Americans over 60 whose creativity, talent and experience is transforming the way our nation addresses critical social problems.

Nominations are now being accepted for 2008. To nominate someone you know or to apply yourself, visit www.purposeprize.org. The application deadline is March 1, 2008. Prizes will be announced in the fall of 2008.

Because we think this is such a great project, Ode will be highlighting some of the 2007 Purpose Prize winners on our website in the next couple of days to give you a chance to see what others are doing to work for the greater good in their second half of life. We also invite you to check out our “Encore Careers” group in our new Group section to discuss this topic with other Ode Readers.

More info: Civic Ventures: www.civicventures.com Encore Careers: www.encore.org