The Retirement Compass ELGPN WP2 Meeting Warsaw, 11. - 12. April 2012 Dr. Bernhard Jenschke, National Guidance Forum, Germany

Overview Background Aims and purposes Methods Content Implementation

Background Invented as part of the programme „Local Learning“ which aims to support municipalities in developing a coherent education management Programme „Local Learning“ financed by the Federal Education Ministry Developed by a municipal guidance service in the city of Leipzig Inspired by portfolio-approaches for young people and for competence assessment

Aims and purposes Support the orientation for and planning of retirement Manage the transition into retirement as a conscious step Improve self-knowledge, self-reflection and planning and acknowledging personal interests openess – allows all outcomes (including the decision, not to plan anything) Information on opportunities, possibilities, services in the municipality

Methods Portfolio approach using different methods May be used by oneself Professional support by a career guidance practitioner is adviced and available Encourages to exchange reflections, ideas and plans with friends, family and colleagues

Contents: reflection Reflection of working life (what would you miss once you will have retired? What would you not miss at all?) -> mind mapping 2. Sorting out of interests, likes and dislikes -> what would you take (a.e. friendship to colleagues, acknowledgement and praise), -> what would you leave (a.e. stress, strict working hours -> what are you already carrying (a.e. doing more sports, travelling)

Contents: collecting ideas 3. Take time and collect things you would like to do: -> for myself (a.e. learning a language, spend time in the garden, meeting more with friends) -> for others (a.e. voluntary work for mirgants) 4. Mark the ideas according to priority

Contents: planning steps 5. Making plans: Following the priorities, make a list or write down in a letter or calender what you are going to do first and second - also note how you implement these plans

Contents: information 6. information on local services including contact adresses: agencies for voluntary work educational provisions Associations and clubs for senior citizens Socio-cultural centers, multi-generation houses sports clubs and animal protection provisions …

Implementation First piloted 2010 in the municipial administration Since June 2011 used in municipial administration on a regular basis: employees going into retirement are encouraged to use the retirement compass other cities are already interested (Dresden: office for senior citizens – cooperation agreement) A special version for blind and visually impaired people is availlable (developed in cooperation for the central library for blind people in Leipzig) Side effect: Stronger local networks between the relevant stakeholders in the field of education and social work for senior citizens

Thank you for your attention! Dr. Bernhard Jenschke, Nationales Forum Beratung (nfb) Kurfürstenstr. 131, D-10785 Berlin bernhard@jenschke.de www.forum-beratung.de