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Boomers Cool to the Call of Civic Duty: They're the Not So Greatest Generation About Getting Involved
June 15, 2004, The Patriot Ledger (Boston)

By SUE SCHEIBLE

America's 77 million baby boomers have done less than their parents, the ''greatest generation,'' by every measure of civic engagement, from voting to joining community groups, a new report says.

But there's still time to change that before the first boomers reach retirement and begin demanding services traditionally provided by volunteers.

In a report released today, the Harvard School of Public Health called for a national initiative to motivate boomers to get involved in civic life.

Similar to its successful ''Designated Driver'' program to combat drunk driving, Harvard's Center for Health Communication is urging government, social agencies, educational and youth groups to expand their opportunities for volunteers and change public attitudes towards aging.

The goal is to motivate baby boomers and retirees to play more active roles in community life and services.

In the report, ''Reinventing Aging: Baby Boomers and Civic Engagement,'' experts describe how the boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are facing a unique period of longer, healthier lives.

The report was released today at the National Press Club in Washington. The MetLife Foundation worked with Harvard's Center for Health Communications on the report.

''Given that boomers have been far less civically engaged than 'the Greatest Generation' at every stage to date, it is not clear to what extent they will fill their parents' shoes through volunteer activity,'' the report states. The older generation is described as ''exceptional' in the number of people who volunteer into their 70s.

Locally, directors of senior centers and human services praised the initiative. A Braintree boomer who volunteers in several local groups hoped it would motivate others.

''It is something I worry about,'' said Norma Simons Fitzgerald of Quincy, director of the Sharon Council on Aging. ''I see some of the seniors who have served on many boards and committees, not just for aging, and are the drivers in the meals programs. I don't know how some of the boards would exist without them. My hope it is that their children will have learned their values and will continue on.''

Sue DiTullio, coordinator of human services in Weymouth, predicted that ''to meet the demands of the boomers, we will have to have the numbers of volunteers increase.''

The South Weymouth Civic Association is an example of the decline in civic vigor due to busy lifestyles, she said.

''The association is being threatened by closing because they don't have the participation,'' DiTullio said. ''In younger families today, both parents are working, there is no time left and that (civic activity) takes the back burner. I think a lot would want to do it if they could.''

The 160-page report urges government, nonprofit agencies and community groups to develop new and flexible ways to attract the boomers, who have the potential to become a huge social resource.

''Much may depend on the actions of the first wave of boomers, many of whom, while inspired in their formative years by President Kennedy's call-to-service, have been notably less involved in civic life than their parents,'' the report says.

The report says it is not true that people volunteer more once they retire when they have extra time. The percentage of people who volunteer peaks at mid-life and then declines, the report says.

DiTullio was not surprised.

''Once people retire, they often feel they are going to enjoy themselves,'' she said. ''They don't feel the senior center is the place for them. They are out playing golf, tennis, or go to Florida or live in 55-plus communities. Then they get past that stage and look for other things and go to the senior center. After they go through that 'me stage,' they think, 'What can I do to repay?'''

Most local councils have at least a few boomer-age volunteers. Fitzgerald said there are mothers who bring their children to help deliver meals to teach them certain values, or mothers who were working before they had children and want to stay involved.

''We try to offer people activities they do on their schedules while their children are in school, such as driving elders to appointments or teaching crafts, and we try to be flexible,'' Fitzgerald said.

Kim Ehrhardt, 42, of Braintree, is a mother of two children, 11 and 13, who owns her own business publishing magazines and volunteers in several local programs. She delivers meals on wheels once a week through South Shore Elder Services and helps the Diane DeVanna Center in Braintree.

''Unfortunately, we are in some ways a spoiled generation,'' Ehrhardt said. ''Sometimes people have to have a problem themselves to see the needs of others. I've had people say to me about my volunteering, 'I wish I did that,' but it is a matter of just taking the time to do it. People want to help, but they just don't take that first step.''

Sue Scheible may be reached at sscheible@ledger.com.