The Third Age Initiative

Are You...

• Retired, or semi-retired, and ready to use your skills to become a change agent, problem solver and community builder?

• Looking to grow community, not grow old?
   

Can You...

Imagine yourself with 25 other older adults from across the region, from a broad spectrum of experience, knowledge, and talent, working on solutions to key challenges in our community?

The Third Age Initiative engages older adults who want to become involved in the community in meaningful ways. Participants develop the leadership skills and knowledge base needed to become policy makers, change agents, program developers and project managers. Through workshops, tours and team projects, participants assess and build on their talents.  At the conclusion of the program, they are matched with organizations whose needs suit their skills and interests.

You Will...

Join a class that reflects Hartford's diverse community. Past participants have ranged in age from 48 to 88, have come from more than 30 communities throughout Greater Hartford, and represent a variety of socioeconomic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.

The program begins with five weekly workshops, followed by a two-day retreat, and then reconvenes for bi-monthly workshops to review progress, lend support, and continue developing skills.  During the retreat, teams form to identify the issues the class will address. Teams then meet regularly over the next ten months to learn more about their chosen issue and develop and implement a project.