BGSU, Ohio Department of Higher Ed launch ‘Give Back. Go Forward.’

Volunteer opportunities available for participants 60 and older

BGSU, along with the Ohio Department of Higher Education, recently launched “Give Back. Go Forward.,” a volunteer initiative for community members age 60 and older. 
  
Give Back. Go Forward. gives participants the opportunity to volunteer at least 100 hours and receive a three-hour tuition voucher, which they may use themselves or give as a gift to an individual enrolled or planning to enroll at BGSU. 
  
The initiative, which supports BGSU’s Vital Communities Initiative in the Bowling Green/Wood County and Firelands regions, encourages community members to link their volunteer service to areas of passion and expertise that impact critical issues in the community and region. It also aligns with the state’s efforts to make postsecondary education affordable and accessible for all students.
  
“This innovative program serves as an ideal vehicle for linking community and civic engagement with the involvement of older adults in volunteer services,” said President Mary Ellen Mazey. “It also aligns with BGSU’s core values – collaboration, intellectual and personal growth, and creativity and innovation.” 
  
BGSU’s Center for Community and Civic Engagement, in collaboration with its Optimal Aging Institute, will provide opportunities for Give Back. Go Forward. participants to serve alongside University students or in programs that are affiliated with BGSU community and civic engagement initiatives. Participants can also volunteer in any formal organizational setting where their services impact the community/public good and where the service benefits the broader community.