On October 17, 2006, President Bush signed into law the five-year reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The new law includes several areas of expansion, including provisions for recognizing and supporting older adults’ community contributions.

How can nonprofits best leverage the talents of skilled older adults and what do they gain as a result of their investment? This report includes best organizational practices to maximize the impact of 55+ volunteers, characteristics of organizations that use volunteers successfully, and information about the National Council on Aging’s return-on-investment (ROI) approach to assessing the value of unpaid work.

This press release reports an increase in volunteering, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, and ties this increase to President Obama’s attention to national service.

Announces the increase in funding and expansion of service projects that recruit volunteers ages 55 and over in communities not currently served.

Describes President Obama signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, alongside Senator Kennedy, President Bill Clinton, the Congressional leaders who supported the legislation, and countless others dedicated to passage of the bill.

Summarizes how the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act increases opportunities for Americans to serve, strengthens accountability, and supports innovation and strengthening of the nonprofit sector.

Reports highlights from the ServiceNation Summit in New York, including the unveiling of new legislation by Senator Hatch and Senator Kennedy.

The present and anticipated progress on expanding opportunities for older adults in civic engagement is discussed at a Hill briefing hosted by GSA’s Civic Engagement in an Older America Project.

Highlights research findings showing a large increase in volunteering amongst Boomers, and how the internet can be used as a tool to engage this group.