Retirees Leading Initiative
In 2005, with the help of a grant from the Retirement Research Foundation in Chicago, Spoon River College established the Retirees Leading Initiative. Since it's creation, the program has offered many Retirees Leadership Academies in Canton and Havana with Retirement Learning Institutes being held in Canton, Macomb, and Havana.
The Retirees Leading Initiative objectives include (1) increasing the number of trained and knowledgeable retiree leaders for the community; (2) creating a volunteer and/or employment base for economic and community development; (3) initiating institutes of learning in retirement presented to and by retirees; and (4) providing a network of experienced individuals who will provide guidance to the community’s businesses, service organizations, and educational institutions. All program work is guided by an advisory panel representing area civic, business, and organizational entities.
Graduates of the Retirees Leading Initiative have participated in the following programs:
The Retirement Learning Institute takes place each spring at the SRC Canton campus and each fall at the SRC Macomb campus. Close to 200 retirees are served each year through these institutes created FOR retirees BY retirees.
The Generations Connect Project brings together retirees and at-risk youth from the Fulton-Schuyler Regional Office of Education. They work collaboratively on many projects and learn to appreciate their individual gifts, challenges, and experiences.
The Big Read is a nationally funded literacy project funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. Retirees participate in all activities.