World Volunteer Web: New campaign urges America’s 77 Million baby boomers to volunteer

World Volunteer Web: New campaign urges America’s 77 Million baby boomers to volunteer: "New campaign urges America’s 77 million baby boomers to volunteer
04 January 2006

Washington, D.C., USA: Recognizing the extraordinary potential for social good among America’s 77 million baby boomers, the Corporation for National and Community Service recently unveiled a multi-year public service ad campaign that asks older Americans to get involved in their communities.

The 'Get Involved' campaign was launched at the White House Conference on Aging, a once-a-decade gathering that makes policy recommendations to the President and Congress about aging issues. The campaign is part of a larger effort by volunteer and nonprofit leaders at the conference to develop a national strategy to engage more baby boomers in service.

Born between 1946 and 1964, baby boomers came of age in a period of great social idealism. Many were inspired to service by President Kennedy’s famous 'Ask not…' speech. Data released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently shows that 33 per cent of all boomers – 25.8 million people – volunteered in formal organizations in 2005. This represents the highest rate of volunteering of any age cohort. Campaign organizers want to increase that percent, especially as boomers begin to retire and have more free time"