Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Nonprofit Services
 
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Encore Coming of Age® Learning Lab

The Encore Coming of Age® Learning Lab is an in-depth program focused on increasing the role of experienced adult and skills based volunteers in your organization.
 
Participating in the Learning Lab teaches you new ways to identify, develop and increase the number of service opportunities for these volunteers and prepares your organization to maximize their positive impact on your programs and services. The curriculum is based on intergenerational theory and the latest findings regarding civic engagement and community service.

 

The Paradigm Shift.

The needs and interests of volunteers looking for opportunities to serve in the nonprofit sector are changing, leading to a paradigm shift in how volunteers connect with nonprofit organizations. The Learning Lab provides organizations with the tools and skill-building activities they need to do business differently, to successfully manage this paradigm shift in their organizations.

 

Generational Change.

A significant component of the paradigm shift is understanding the impact of multiple generations of volunteers in the work environment. Nonprofit organizations are experiencing the challenges of these dynamics and finding the traditional methods of engagement and leadership less effective in meeting their needs. The Learning Lab shares the behavioral studies that provide a basis for working with each generation, with special focus on the largest and most available volunteer contingent--the Baby Boomers.

 

Creating Compelling Opportunities.

One significant difference is the type of service opportunities volunteers seek. The Learning Lab focuses on helping participants develop compelling opportunities designed to attract specifically skilled volunteers needed to build organizational capacity. Each participant will leave the course with the knowledge of how to create these opportunities and an Action Plan for integrating skill based volunteers into their organization.

 

Our Commitment.

The Johnson Center for Philanthropy provides nonprofit organizations with the support they need to capture the skills and experiences of new volunteers and engage them successfully. We are committed to ensuring organizations are successful in implementing best practices from the course through access to free technical assistance to eligible organization and discounted rates supplemental courses that enhance components of the Learning Lab.  		  

 

About the Encore Program 

Encore Learning Community

Coming of Age ® Learning Lab 

Upcoming Courses

Planning for the Lab

Technical Assistance

Post Your Volunteer Opportunities

 

Organizations that attend the Coming of Age ® Learning Lab are eligible to access additional benefits. See our Technical Assistance page for a current list.

*Contact Melvene Tardy at  or call at 616-331-6404 for discount codes.

Cost

Thanks to the generous support of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, we are able to offer this $2,000 Learning Lab for only $150 per organization, for up to two staff members to attend (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and parking are included). Organizations do not need to be based in Kent County to participate.

 

Upcoming Courses

Date(s): March 30, April 20, and May 25, 2012

Location: Johnson Center for Philanthropy (map)

Register today using the ticket form below. If you would like to pay by check or be invoiced for your registration fee, click on "Show other payment options" below the "Order Now" button and choose "Pay Offline".