Last week I had the distinct honor of participating in the 2015 Foster Grandparent, RSVP, and Senior Companionship Program Directors Training Event. Over 700 program directors and volunteers participated in the conference titled “Celebrate the Power of Experience” – intended to express that society should celebrate the value and potential power that older adult volunteering brings.

These three programs enable individuals who are 55 or older, and on a limited income, to serve as a volunteer in a variety of activities within their community, such as mentoring a troubled teenager, offering assistance and friendship to older adults who experience difficulties in daily living tasks, and assisting in renovating homes. Last year, 20.7 million seniors in America volunteered over 3.3 billion hours of service, representing a $75 billion contribution to our economy.  

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Foster Grandparents Program, Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, led participants in a newly developed pledge for Senior Corps volunteers. I found the pledge so inspirational I wanted to share it with all of you. Think of how much we could accomplish as a nation if we all made this pledge:

            I will get things done for America – to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.

When faced with a pressing challenge, I will bring Americans of all generations together to strengthen our communities.

When faced with children at risk, I will help them stay in school and on track for a brighter future.

When faced with older adults in need, I will provide support and compassion so they may age with grace and dignity.

Working for the greatest good, I will use my lifetime of experience to improve my country, my community, and myself through service.

To learn more about these important programs, please visit www.nationalservice.gov