The Environmental Volunteerism and Civic Engagement program (EVCE)
The Environmental Volunteerism and Civic Engagement program (EVCE) explores the intersection of two critically important issues: greater social integration among older persons and concerns about environmental sustainability. Awareness of environmental challenges is increasing at local, regional and national levels featuring critical issues such as water quality, air pollution, and toxic waste, all issues that are directly associated with health of individuals and the quality of life within communities. At the same time, there is a need to create opportunities for older adults through which to become involved in meaningful roles and social relationships. Research shows that volunteer activities lead to better mental and physical health. However, many older people experience a long period of comparative rolelessness accentuated by recent trends toward earlier retirement ages.
This program will develop innovative ways of engaging older persons in environmental volunteering. The success of the program will be evaluated both in terms of its impact on individual participants and on the agencies that host program participant internships and projects.
EVCE Resources
2005 Empire State Poll: Summary Data from Survey Items on Aging and Environmental Volunteerism
The Retiree Environmental Stewards Program (RESP)
Pilot program builds corps of ‘green retirees’ to serve as environmental stewards (ChronicleOnline)
Contact:
Karl Pillemer
kap6@cornell.edu
(607) 255-8086