BoomerGirl Diary

Thousands of people in the second half of life have opened up a next chapter of innovation, productivity, and creativity, and, in the process, have transformed our communities and our country. They are living proof that aging does not mean stagnation and decline. Civic Ventures, a think tank and program incubator to help society achieve the greatest return on experience, is reframing the debate about aging in America and redefining the second half of life as a source of social and individual renewal.

Beginning in 2006, Civic Ventures awarded The Purpose Prize: five $100,000 and ten $10,000 investments in exceptional individuals, all age 60 and over, who are defying expectations by channeling their creativity and talent to address critical social problems at the local, regional, or national level.

Last year's winners, for example, worked to restore river ecosystems, help ex-prisoners more productively re-enter society, bring HIV/AIDS education, prevention and care to rural minorities, and help disadvantaged youth to graduate high school and enroll in college.

These pioneers are action-oriented and effective innovators who have initiated important innovations in the past several years, demonstrating creativity and leadership throughout and promising more to come.

You can meet all of the 2006 winners, and get more information about 2007 Purpose Prize nominations at www.leadwithexperience.org.

The BreakThrough Award, Civic Ventures' newest program sponsored by The MetLife Foundation, will honor innovative organizations that tap the passion and experience of people over the age of 50 to improve society. It's a salute to any nonprofit or public sector agency that takes on local, national, or international challenges by engaging this vast and vibrant workforce for good.

The recipient will address local, national, or international challenges by engaging this vast and vibrant workforce. Learn more about The BreakThrough Award and download the application at www.civicventures.org/breakthrough

Don't delay! The application deadline for both programs is Thursday.

The phenomenon of the baby boom generation turning 60 provides America with

new assets in the form of unprecedented human capital. Learn more what

Civic Ventures is doing in this area at www.civicventures.org.