Over the weekend, I was honored to be invited and to attend Civic Ventures’ Purpose Prize awards gala and the day of learning that followed. Civic Ventures is “a think tank on Boomers, work and social purpose.” People over 60 who are improving their communities and the world receive Purpose Prizes that recognize and reward their efforts. Five people receive $100,000 and five receive $50,000. It was something else to meet the prize winners and fellows who are doing amazing work in what might otherwise be their “retirement” years. (View highlights of the events captured on Twitter by searching #purposeprize.)

In fact, I didn’t hear anyone mention the word “retirement” without it being followed by a laugh. As if to say, “Like there is time to relax. There is too much to do.”

Inez Killingsworth won a $100,000 prize for her work heading Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People. The organization helps homeowners avoid foreclosure by negotiating with banks for more favorable terms on mortgages. When receiving her award, she commented, “if you know something is wrong and you don’t try to do something about it, why are ya’ here?” (Learn more about Inez and her work here.)

Take a look at the video (below) about Inez from Civic Ventures. (See more videos at Civic Ventures’ site.) I will be sharing stories from winners and other remarkable people I met during the weekend in Philadelphia on my blog in the next few weeks. I hope their stories help inspire you if you are a job seeker to begin to think about how you can use your time and expertise. No matter what your age, there is something out there for you to do that makes good use of your skills.

Maybe you don’t want to start your own non-profit or launch a movement in your community, but there is sure to be some place or organization that needs you. You never know when that something may turn into a paid position.

Learn more about Inez below:

photo courtesy of Civic Ventures.