Combining lifelong learning with civic engagement: a university-based model.
What role can and should the university play in enhancing the civic engagement of the fifty-plus population? The interest on the part of this population in lifelong learning has already been demonstrated to be a priority. There is also a growing movement for increasing the engagement of universities with their local communities, including expanded service-learning opportunities for college students and faculty. Can universities build upon these two areas of growth to create a format that will assist in the recruitment and retention of older volunteers? The University of Maryland has been testing variations of a model that combines lifelong learning, leadership development, and civic engagement in both the United States and Europe. A version of this civic engagement model is presented as a replicable model that can pioneer new methods of civic engagement both for older adults and for universities.
Wilson
Laura B
LB
Center on Aging and Legacy Leadership Maryland, University of Maryland, College Park, 20742, USA. 1w20@umail.umd.edu
Simson
Sharon
S
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology; D003256:Community Participation; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007397:Internship, Nonmedical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007857:Leadership; D007878:Legislation as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D008396:Maryland; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology; D017145:Models, Educational; D011287:Prejudice; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D014838:Volunteers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology