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Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

01/19/2011

We asked if you had questions, and you most certainly did! We can’t answer all of them, so we picked the ones that were asked many times or the ones that raised the most universal issues. Barbara Chandler Allen, a 2010 Purpose Prize winner, who founded and runs a nonprofit called Fresh Artists, answers the first three questions. And I answered the last three.

If your question isn’t answered here, look for answers on Encore.org. Specifically, check out our Get Started Guide, the top five encore career job fields, or current job listings. And watch for more opportunities to ask and answer questions as part of the Launch Pad contest.

Launch Pad: In Search of the First Finalist

01/10/2011

We received more than 1,000 nominees for our Launch Pad contest, which just reinforces our view that so many experienced people out there see ways they can help solve community problems. They just need a little help getting started.

We’re asking you to help us pick the first finalist.

Stop Job Hunting and Become a Job Developer

12/15/2010

If you're having trouble finding your encore career, consider shifting your focus from filling jobs advertised by others to designing a job tailored to your unique strengths.

Many People Over Fifty Are Starting Second Careers

12/14/2010

MSNBC.com recently published an article that highlights recommendations from Civic Ventures' CEO and founder, Marc Freedman. For people over 50 who are launching second careers, Marc says that all it may take is "some further education, not necessarily a graduate degree, but maybe just a certificate from a community college."

Seniors now have the chance to ‘Win A Trip’ with Kristof

12/13/2010

For the first time, New York Times columnist and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Nicholas Kristof, will take someone over the age 60 on his annual "win-a-trip contest". After receiving some cross letters from his older fans questioning why the contest is limited to "university students", Kristof soon realized older generations are also doing their part to help make a difference in the world.

President Obama Declares National Entrepreneurship Week

11/19/2010

This week Civic Ventures kicked off the first-ever Launch Pad contest, which is designed to discover five inspiring people 45 and over with ideas to improve their communities. Each winner will receive $5,000 and resources and support from the Encore.org community to put his or her idea into action. The Launch Pad contest could not have been timed better since President Obama declared this past week as "National Entrepreneurship Week" to celebrate entrepreneurs and small businesses in the US.

So, Where Are All The Big Ideas?

11/18/2010

If you were wondering where all of the great ideas are that have been submitted, fear not: it’s coming soon. We’re currently building this section of the website, and waiting for a few more submissions to come in to fill it up. Sign up for updates or check back often.

Giving Back With the Launch Pad Contest

11/16/2010

Welcome to our new site, the Launch Pad. Civic Ventures^® created the Launch Pad contest in the hope of inspiring and promoting ideas — your ideas — to bring positive change to communities across America.

And the 2010 Purpose Prize Winners Are…

11/10/2010

Ten individuals have been awarded up to $100,000 for their work to improve their communities and the world. From fighting U.S. foreclosures to taking on powerful polluters to rebuilding Afghanistan, this year’s Purpose Prize winners are working on community-based issues from the ground up — and getting results. You can read about all 10 of the 2010 winners below.

9 Tips for Preparing for the Jobs of the Future

11/02/2010

It might be hard to believe in the midst of this enduring recession, but once the economy stabilizes, we will likely be moving from a job crisis to a talent shortage. A new research report sponsored by Civic Ventures and MetLife Foundation predicts that in less than 10 years, there will be more jobs than people to fill them. And nearly half of them — roughly 2.4 million — will be in social sector jobs. At the same time, according to companion reports on health care, green jobs and education, new kinds of jobs — such as energy auditors, chronic illness coaches and sustainability consultants — will become increasingly common.

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