WHO WE ARE

The Age4Action Network is a national movement to mobilize people 50+ to be dynamic advocates, valued workers, committed volunteers and lifelong learners in today’s society. Age4Action links organizations focused on workforce, civic engagement, lifelong learning and advocacy to share common resources, knowledge and tools so they can best leverage the talent of people 50+.

Age4Action members are connected with like-minded leaders, informed about best practices in civic engagement and have a greater reach and influence on critical legislation and funding opportunities for initiatives targeting older adults.

Our Vision

People 50+ will strengthen society and improve communities through their active engagement and valuable contributions as dynamic advocates, valued workers, committed volunteers and lifelong learners.

Our Mission

Age4Action engages, informs, connects and mobilizes organization and networks to increase opportunities for people 50+ to work, serve, learn and lead.

Why We Are Needed

More than 77 million baby boomers are reaching their 50s and 60s in better health and with more financial security and education than any previous generation. They still want to work, serve, learn and lead. Their talent, time and energy is needed by our communities, our economy and future generations. While civic engagement has gained much momentum, it needs a cohesive national link.

Where We Came From

In 2009, a group of more than 60 civic engagement organizations recognized a common goal. Though their work and missions were different, these organizations knew that their combined resources and knowledge could help match the talents of older adults with the problems the country faces. The group formed what is now the Age4Action Network.

How Do We Define Civic Engagement?

The Age4Action Network defines civic engagement in the broadest sense, including:

• Paid and unpaid work
• Volunteerism
• Lifelong learning
• Active citizenship
• Civic leadership
• Social action
• Advocacy

How Are We Different from Other Groups?

The Age4Action Network is the only national network of civic engagement organizations working to mobilize the human assets of people 50+ for the common good. Until now, like-minded organizations have worked in isolation, often unaware of others’ efforts. Age4Action is accelerating this movement by providing a dynamic platform to catalyze, combine and strengthen these efforts.

Our Funding and Accomplishments

With initial funding from The Atlantic Philanthropies, the Age4Action Network has convened a steering committee to lead a growing number of member organizations and has developed a mission, vision, strategy and brand. Age4Action is seeking additional funding to:

• Form a policy and advocacy operation
• Develop an online knowledge hub to build network capacity and resources
• Support a dynamic and growing network

How We Work

To achieve our mission, the Age4Action Network will connect diverse organizations and individuals and provide them with the tools they need to activate people 50+ to work in their communities to further the common good and to influence public policies that support engagement and social action for people 50+.

At the individual level, the Network will work through new and existing networks to encourage people 50+ to get involved and, as they do, their lives will become more purposeful and fulfilling. The Network will help member organizations be more effective through greater access to knowledge and connection with others doing similar work. Communities will have better capacity to solve tough problems as a result of a more engaged people 50+ and policies that sustain that involvement.

Check out our intro video, brochure and fact sheet to get a feel for the Network.