About SHiFT  _____________________________________________________

Discovering Purpose and Passion
A grassroots organization like SHiFT calls for a different form of organizing — one “of, and by, the people.”  To not just enroll or sign up, but to participate.  To share our individual skills, experiences, and wisdom in expanding circles of actively supportive relationships.

The SHiFT Experience

 
As you Listen to others at SHIFT events, you’ll hear stories that resonate. That leads to opportunities to Reflect on your own experience, interests, and passions. Then you can start to Envision what you’d like to create — and to define the steps to get there. Next, begin to Connect with people, opportunities and resources. Finally, fully engaged, you can start to Take Action … asking for whatever support you need along the way.
 
SHIFT Values
Supporting the SHIFT network, operations and programs is a singular set of values:

• Meaningful work, paid or unpaid, is a critical element of the vibrant life.
• Productivity plus purpose is essential to the health and well being of both individuals and the community.
• Deep, rich conversation is key to creating community and discovering personal meaning
• Listening involves more than just hearing. Reflection, as well as honest sharing and constructive feedback with others, are the first steps in the process of change.
• Everyone ― regardless of age, ability, and personal station ― is recognized as a resource. We are all teachers, and we are all learners.

SHiFT History

Those Who Propose …
The concept of SHIFT arose out of what is a mantra at many progressive organizations: He or She Who Proposes … Does.  If an individual is able to generate a new idea ― and can round up the resources to move it forward ― then that person gets to lead the effort.  No matter their organizational rank.  

At age 46, David Buck was “right-sized” out of his job as a Project Manager at a commercial real estate firm.  For some, such a jarring dislocation creates a crisis.  For others, it’s an opportunity to seek deeper meaning in life and work.  David decided to take the time to explore.

During his search, he encountered Jan Hively.  At age 75, Jan is a Civic Ventures Purpose Prize Fellow, and founder of the Vital Aging Network at the University of Minnesota.  She explained to David that his experience was no different from that of many baby boomers.  Many are looking for work with greater purpose and satisfaction, Jan told him, and want to find frameworks that support their choices.

Together, Jan and David founded SHIFT, a non-profit networking organization, to

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address that need.  With the help of more than 40 volunteers, and a board of directors with expertise in advocacy leadership and building non-profits, SHIFT aims to be a community resource ― a web of interconnected people and organizations ― for those on the path of mid-life transition.

Take the Next Step

If what you've read rhere esonates with you, we encourage you to take the next step.  Attend a SHiFT Forum or two.  Talk with SHiFT Members.  Then consider becoming a Member of this expanding circle of seekers.

SHiFT in the News
Leading edge organizations like SHiFT make news.  Here are links to stories about SHiFT in the media.

Minneapolis Star Tribune
Want a Career with More of a Purpose? The shift started last spring, when David Buck of Minneapolis was laid off from his job as a project manager for an urban developer. Read More ...

The SHiFT Community Vision