The Third Age Initiative

The Third Age Initiative is a dynamic learning experience highlighted by community action projects carried out by teams over the course of a year.  The program begins with five weekly daylong workshops followed by a two-day retreat.  Several of the workshops include tours of different communities within Greater Hartford so participants can meet inspiring community leaders and learn first-hand about the varying needs of each community.  During the workshops, class members assess their leadership skills and abilities.  Training exercises and discussions will build on those capacities, particularly as they are needed in participative, inclusive community groups. 

Class members put their training to work when they form teams to develop community action projects.  Two dozen projects have been conducted including developing an arts and heritage program to enrich the curriculum for second graders, training middle school students to be readers and role models for kindergartners, training neighborhood residents to work on projects in their own neighborhoods, beautifying neighborhood eyesores and increasing participation in the food stamp program.  After waiting for four years, this summer one team received $350,000 in bonding to redevelop Lozada Park in Hartford’s north end.