Baby Boomers Leading Non-Profits
A year ago I wrote about non-profits and how many Baby Boomers are finding new careers by working in and leading them. The non-profits, like other businesses, are facing a “crisis of leadership” as baby boomers retire. An article in OnPhilanthropy says 65% of non-profits anticipate a leadership change by 2009. The article notes that many baby boomers are “disinclined” to retire completely (I would agree with that statement). Maybe this is the time to consider a different type of job,with a non-profit group where you can make a difference.
Now, I find myself in that position – working in non-profits. I helped start a non-profit a last year, and now I seem to be the “expert” on starting non-profits among people I know. I have advised two other non-profits on how to get started. The first non-profit, Journey to Solidarity, is about chiropractors living and working in Third World countries to help people, not only through chiropractic care but also to find ways to help them be healthier and live longer.
Last fall, I helped Journey to Solidarity incorporate and apply for 501(c)(3) status. That was quite an interesting experience. Of course, I worked with an attorney, who did the filing, but I learned a lot along the way. Now, I’m a board member, and I am enjoying this experience too.
If you get an opportunity to work in a non-profit – as a board member, volunteer, or paid staff – take it. Every experience enriches us, and the experience of giving is particularly enriching.
7 Comments
Hi Jean,
beautiful. Boomers can do anything and volunteer is a backbone of our social security system and the boomers are leading that path too. Many of us, would like to volunteer or even establish a non-profit organisation in a cause we care about, but we do not have the skills or confidence to do so. You are a good example and inspiration that boomers are innovators and caretakers.Thx.
Wesley
P.S. if you want to learn how to start a non-profit org please visit forums in:
http://www.activagers.com
Wesley, thanks for stopping by Small Business Boomers and sharing your views. Jean is no longer here, but she wrote some very informative posts while a blogger.
You mention many boomers would like to volunteer or even establish a non-profit, “But we do not have the skills or confidence to do so.”
Why not start volunteering in a small way at an organization you’re particularly interested in? Then as you build knowledge and confidence, you can see where it will take you.
[...] commenter on Jean Murray’s post (former blogger here at Small Business Boomer), Baby Boomers Leading Non-Profits , suggested that many boomers would like to volunteer or even establish a non-profit, “But we [...]
[...] commenter on Jean Murray’s post (former blogger here at Small Business Boomer), Baby Boomers Leading Non-Profits , recommended that many boomers would like to volunteer or even establish a non-profit, “But [...]
[...] Baby Boomers Leading Non-ProfitsA year ago I wrote about non-profits and how many Baby Boomers are finding new careers by working in and leading them. The non-profits, like other businesses, are facing a [...]
[...] Baby Boomers Leading Non-ProfitsA year ago I wrote about non-profits and how many Baby Boomers are finding new careers by working in and leading them. The non-profits, like other businesses, are facing a [...]
[...] Baby Boomers Leading Non-Profits : Small Business Boomers – business A year ago I wrote about non-profits and how many Baby Boomers are finding new careers by working in and leading them. The non-profits, like other businesses, are facing a [...]