Boomers Without Borders recognizes the great potential in the boomer generation to make a positive impact as international volunteers. Over the next 20 years, the number of people over 65 will grow from 35 million to more than 70 million. But even more than their sheer numbers, baby boomers are healthier, more diverse, better educated, more financially stable, and active than any previous generation.[1] They also have years of experience and expertise in the workforce - in fields such as teaching, business, construction, medicine, engineering, activism - that can be a resource for global organizations.

In short, boomers have a lot to contribute to the world.

Men and women over 40 are already contributing - some for a break mid-career, some after retirement. According to VSO, an international volunteer organization based in the U.K., retirees or " golden gappers" now make up more than half of total overseas volunteers.

The Peace Corps, which currently has 5% of its volunteers over 50, started a 2007 campaign to encourage older citizens to enter volunteer service. ("Elders" who are held in high esteem in many cultures, can oftentimes be a more effective volunteer than a younger counterpart.)

Many volunteer sites are geared toward the twentysomething adventure-seeker, and Boomers Without Borders would like to provide an alternative. We are defining "boomer" with broad strokes. There are the "trailing boomers" ages 41-50 years; the "leading" boomers, ages 51-59; plus everyone who is older, interested in global issues, and who has a desire to travel and to make a difference. The organizations featured on our site have reported that at least 30% of their volunteers are ages 40 and up.

While working with people of a mixed age-group is common and can have its own benefits, we feel that it's also important to recognize that boomers will likely have different expectations - both of a volunteer organization and of work - than someone fresh out of college. An older volunteer may, for instance, be seeking like-minded, like-aged camaraderie; they may want to share the experience with a spouse, a partner, a friend, a family member; they may need to consider their comfort zone or other physical requirements. If they have family responsibilities and commitments back home, they may only be available for short-term service. All types of volunteer projects are available.

As boomers near retirement, they also appear to be redefining it (some have aptly renamed it "rewirement") by seeking active and meaningful experiences beyond the borders of their neighborhoods. A Peter D. Hart Research Associates poll found that, second only to travel, volunteering is what boomers most look forward to in retirement. International volunteering is a way to fulfill both desires, and Boomers Without Borders would like to steward those seeking a meaningful experience overseas toward those opportunities.

©Boomerswithoutborders 2007