Offer Advice: Join the ElderWisdomCircle™

Ready To Apply?

Great! First, please read our Frequently Asked Questions below for more detailed information about what it means to be an Elder.

FAQs

What are the requirements for being an Elder?

• Elders must be at least 60 years old, including each member of an Elder Group (facilitators may be of any age).
• Elder Groups must have an established meeting place and a facilitator in place.
• Elders agree to log into the EWC platform on a regular basis (two or more times per week), respond to a minimum of ten letters within the 45-day period immediately following acceptance, and average a minimum of six letters a month thereafter. While each individual and group is different, generally this translates into a commitment of approximately 1?2 hours per week.
• Elders agree to respect diversity, treat advice seekers and other EWC members with respect, be receptive to input from EWC Administration, and adhere to all EWC policies.
• Prospective Elders must submit an online application, which includes writing responses to two sample letters.

What skills do I need?

• No special background is required?if you have lived life, you have something to offer!
• In fact, due to our non-profit charter, we offer NO specific medical, veterinary, legal, tax, or financial advice. Further, Elders are not permitted to reveal professional backgrounds in order to validate their opinions, to avoid its being interpreted as professional advice.
• We do expect our Elders to possess the following:
    1) competent writing skills, including accurate spelling (spellcheck is available), punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, composition, and formatting, as well as content (NOTE: though all responses are subject to editing by the Review Team, Elders are expected to proofread their responses before submitting them)
  
    2) the ability and desire to write carefully composed responses that are empathetic, non-judgmental, thoughtful, thorough, and practical
  
    3) basic computer skills to work within our online platform:
      I) reliable Internet access and the experience to navigate the Web without difficulty
      II) an understanding of basic computer functions, including copying/pasting, saving documents, and opening email attachments
      III) the ability to check your spam folder for important emails and ?whitelist? (designate as legitimate) senders to ensure future emails from those senders land in your Inbox
  

What kind of training, support, and feedback is provided?

• Orientation and instructional documents are provided to all new Elders.
• Elders have access to ongoing support from more experienced Elders to mentor and advise on policies, procedures, and questions.
• Ongoing support and feedback is provided by your friends on the Review Team.
• Weekly Updates are circulated by email to share news, tips, accolades, and best practices and solicit Elder input and feedback.
• An Elder Chat board enables Elders to share ideas, support one another, and socialize.
• A Shared Resources section houses useful links and articles.
• Our annual conference offers Elders the opportunity to meet other EWC members in person and attend [interactive workshops] on topics of value to members and advice seekers.
• Outstanding Leadership and Contributor Awards are given annually.
• Kudos from advice seekers are shared and celebrated.
• The Founder and Board of Directors are committed, engaged, and ready to help. Active local Elders are encouraged to serve as Board members.

Next, please visit our Read Advice page and browse through some recent letters and Elder responses. This will give you a sense of who we are as well as the tone and style of the letters that we typically send to our advice seekers.

Click here to complete the application.

Help us promote the EWC to other prospective Elders using this brochure.

Questions? Please contact Elder Kenti, Membership Committee Chair, at membership@elderwisdomcircle.org. You may also contact the EWC office by phone at 925-945-8814. We look forward to hearing from you!