Love to Learn? Love to Lead? Des Moines Adult Leadership Academy Open for Application
Attend Oct. 21 Introductory Session for More Information
If you’re in a transition and looking for a way to connect with something that matters, or you have ideas about how you want to contribute but haven’t been able to realize them, take the first step by attending an open house coffee session on Evolve: Re-Igniting Self & Community.
Evolve is a unique, six-month leadership academy offered by volunteers of The Age-Friendly Greater Des Moines Initiative* for area residents age 50+ who want to make Greater Des Moines an even greater place to live. Residents interested in building community leadership skills, exploring their purpose and implementing a community project are invited to apply.
Based on the successful Evolve program in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., the academy gives participants the tools they need to provide leadership for positive community change. Participants match their interests, talents and skills to needs in their community and learn how to turn their ideas into action. Classes offer a mix of new ideas, in-depth discussions and reflection. Participants connect with people who share passion for making a difference and form an on-going network of support.
“We are thrilled to again be able to offer this leadership opportunity for older, and possibly retired residents,” said Barb McClintock, co-chair of the Greater Des Moines Age-Friendly Initiative social capital committee and coordinator of the leadership academy. “Life’s too short to get stuck thinking about what you could do, and this program will help retirees and older residents get started doing what’s important to them to produce real outcomes that will make our community better.”
Free Coffee Open House
9-10 am, Oct. 21
All are invited to the Evolve Academy Intro Session at the AARP Iowa State Office, 600 E. Court Ave., Des Moines, 50309. Coffee and refreshments will be served
McClintock urges anyone interested in learning more about the series is invited to attend the open house on Friday, Oct. 21 at the AARP Iowa state office. Due to funding support, this year's class registration fee of $175 is being waived for all participants. The 2016-17 classes are a series of eight Wednesday sessions from 8:30 am to 3 pm, beginning Nov. 2 and ending April 19. Space is limited, and applications are due by Oct. 26th. Enrollment is open to all adults age 50+ in the Greater Des Moines area.
*Des Moines University, AARP Iowa, Aging Resources of Central Iowa and the City of Des Moines established The Age-Friendly Greater Des Moines Initiative in 2011.
Evolve: Re-igniting Self & Community is a program of the Vital Aging Network, www.vital-aging-network.org For more information, contact Barb McClintock at 515.255.2108, mcclintockbk@gmail.com or the Greater Des Moines Age-Friendly Initiative at agefriendlydsm@gmail.com
RSVP for Open House
Call 1-877-926-8300 to register or register online at: aarp.cvent.com/evolveinfoOct21
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