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Also in the past, I was a regular volunteer with Single Volunteers of the Twin Cities. I really like that organization because it makes volunteering available for people who cannot make a long-term commitment to one program, which is often a barrier to volunteering. I also went on a volunteer vacation to Jamaica with Global Volunteers. What I like about this organization is their "philosophy of service" which states "that to be truly successful in sustainable development assistance, outsiders must work at the invitation and under the direction of those they are attempting to assist". In practice that means that for each working volunteer from GV, there has to be at least one local volunteer. This helps to ensure the project has local support that would carry the project after the Global Volunteers had left. This is very important to sustainability. Currently I am a Community Outreach volunteer for the Senior Linkage Line at the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. Besides believing in the importance of everything this organization does, I am impressed by the strong commitment of their volunteers who must go through extensive training. It is interesting to note that their funding is partially based on volunteer hours. That model encourages development of a strong volunteer organization. Summarize special skills and qualifications you have acquired from employment or previous community work which may be useful in the Task Force's work. I am currently attending Bethel University for my Masters in Gerontology (study of aging). The program is opening my eyes and my heart to the issues and opportunities of our aging demographic. One area of special interest is intergenerational relations. I can envision a community which brings the young and old together to accomplish great things. I have 25 years in software design and implementation at Lawson Software. From that career I have extensive experience working with diverse clients to understand their needs and develop comprehensive solutions to solve their problems. I have had responsibility for taking a new idea through to implementation; on the other hand, I have had to work to change existing systems to incorporate new features. Yes, it was software, but I am often struck by how many of the same concepts apply to everyday life. As a consultant I can talk to anyone - from the payroll clerk to the CEO -in small or large groups. Currently I am working for Essential Decisions, which does market research and development of senior housing. The extensive knowledge and forward thinking of this organization are providing me with invaluable insight and access to connections in various programs and services available to seniors. Program Planning Committee Report to the May 10. 2011, Roseville Human Rights Commission.. 8 _ Meeting