PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Boomers and Beyond Special Interest Group uses a “free conference call” phone service to talk for one hour on the first and third Tuesday of each month, at 12:00 noon (EST). The program provides a dynamic way to develop a virtual community of “like-minded” people who are not able to meet in person. The group discusses topics and/or books. Often an expert makes a presentation and acts as a “springboard” for the discussion. Through a Yahoo.com group, participants receive the announcements and recordings of the calls.
DEVELOPED BY:
Dorian Mintzer, M.S.W., PhD, BCC, through her organization, Revolutionize Retirement
WEBSITE:
www.revolutionizeretirement.com
dorianmintzer@dorianmintzer.com
STARTED: 2007
OBJECTIVES:
To connect interdisciplinary professionals around the world who are interested in exploring together positive, creative, and “successful” aging.
TARGET POPULATION:
Interdisciplinary professionals who either are in the second half of life and/or work with people in the second half of life. The SIG began for residents in the U.S. but now attracts people from around the globe. The SIG also can be recreated in each country for connecting kindred spirits.
BENEFITS/OUTCOMES:
Creation of a virtual community so people who are not able to meet face-to-face have a group forum for connection and collaboration.
VOLUNTEERS:
As a volunteer, Dr. Mintzer has both managed and facilitated the SIG by herself. This role includes soliciting and arranging for topics and speakers, sending out notices, facilitating the calls, arranging for recording, and editing the recording.
PAID WORKERS:
Dr. Mintzer pays a person to edit the recordings before they’re sent out.
HOURS PER MONTH:
Approximately 5-8 hours/month to arrange for speakers, publicize, listen to and send out recording, etc.
PROGRAM GUIDE:
A program manual is being drafted for those who would like to start their own SIGs.
OTHER SUPPORT MATERIAL:
Announcements and recordings are e-mailed through the Boomers and Beyond Yahoo group. Background material for presentations can be sent as e-mail attachments.
COSTS/FUNDING:
The www.FreeConferenceCall.com service includes free recording and use of the Yahoo group is also free. Dr. Mintzer donates her time for making arrangements and facilitating the calls. She hires a person to edit the recordings before she mails them out. There are other models that could be considered. Dr. Mintzer is exploring ways of funding transcription of the six years of recordings that have been created to date.
TRAINING:
Prospective convenors of similar SIGs can join Boomers and Beyond to try it out.
PROMOTION:
The current SIG is promoted through the Life Planning Network and the Positive Aging movement.
Membership: Interested people can contact Dr. Mintzer and request involvement.
POLICIES FOR REPLICATING:
Dr. Mintzer will offer consultation to potential SIG managers
Please complete our online Program User Form if you are interested in trying out this program and need more information. You will be contacted shortly by a member of the Pass It On Network team after you submit the completed form.