Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

Encore Fellows: Program matches professionals who want to give back with nonprofit groups


{p}David Williams retired from Intel at the end of June 2016. Eight days later he was back at work, this time updating the Friends of the Columbia Gorge mapping system as an Encore Fellow volunteer through the global network, Social Venture Partners. (KATU){/p}

David Williams retired from Intel at the end of June 2016. Eight days later he was back at work, this time updating the Friends of the Columbia Gorge mapping system as an Encore Fellow volunteer through the global network, Social Venture Partners. (KATU)

Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

Baby boomers easing toward retirement are finding ways to give back by taking those professional skills to local nonprofits through a program called Encore Fellows.

And one man’s work will benefit the Columbia River Gorge after the withering Eagle Creek fire.

David Williams retired from Intel at the end of June 2016.

Eight days later he was back at work, this time updating the Friends of the Columbia Gorge mapping system as an Encore Fellow volunteer, through the global network, Social Venture Partners.

“David was not only able to go out and refresh those map layers that we had before, that we already had existing, but also to acquire new map layers, especially in areas around natural resources,” said Tom McCoy, staff attorney for Friends of the Columbia Gorge.

The work to update those layered maps that show everything from scenic, cultural, natural and recreational values and resources took on even more import after the Eagle Creek fire that continues to burn in the gorge.

“Right now it's hurry up and wait. We're preparing to do things but we're actually unable to get on the ground right now,” McCoy said. “We're gearing up with, for example, Trailkeepers of Oregon to get ready so that whenever people can go in there that we can do things like restore trails.”

The updated maps are also vital for protecting areas of the gorge from overdevelopment, or from proposed development that hampers the scenic areas stunning vistas.

“Since we do protect scenic, cultural, natural and recreation resources in the gorge, knowing where all those things (are) is really important,” McCoy said.

For Williams, working for Friends of the Columbia Gorge was a natural fit. Although his year-long fellowship is supposed to last a year, he's going to stay on as a volunteer. Fellows receive a yearly $20,000 stipend.

“There are always new layers,” Williams said of his mapping efforts. “Every day there's always new data available to be incorporated into that rich database.”

What would he say to someone close to retiring who may want to give back during a gap-year between work and retirement?

“I would say, go for it,” Williams said. “The opportunity to contribute to your community is a wonderful thing. For me personally it has really allowed me to contribute in ways I never really thought possible.”

The Encore Fellows program matches professionals with expertise in management, marketing, technology, finance and human resources, usually for a 1,000-hour commitment spread over one year.


Loading ...