Local Photographer Exemplifies Spirit of Purpose Prize

Doug Ricker, ADS Planner

Retirement used to be viewed as a time to disengage from broader society. You know—spend time on the golf course, write memoirs, dote on the grandkids. It is still viewed this way by many, if not most, Americans. There's nothing wrong with this vision, except for what it leaves out. Many older adults, and especially the baby boomers, find it too limiting.

"Sure," they say. “I want to relax, but I also want to give back to society. I want to do all the things I put off while working 9-to-5 and supporting the kids."

In fact many older adults find retirement to be the perfect time to try out for a new role, to write their "next chapter." The Purpose Prize was conceived as a way to recognize those who have made the transition to an active, "purposeful" retirement. The nomination process is now open for the 2008 Purpose Prize.

According to Marc Freedman, co-founder of the organization sponsoring the Purpose Prize, "These men and women—some national figures, some local heroes—disprove the notion that innovation is the province of the young and show us the essence of what's possible in an aging society"

Here in King County there are many older adults who exemplify the spirit of the Purpose Prize. Mercer Island-based photographer and philanthropist Phil Borges is an excellent example, and as he is a 2007 winner of one of the $10,000 Purpose Prizes, the folks behind the Prize seem to agree.

"It was a huge honor just to be nominated, and a validation of what I've been doing," says Phil.

In his mid-forties, Borges gave up a successful career in dentistry to pursue his true passion: photography. He excelled in this new role, and became known for his dignified portraits of indigenous people and those who fight for endangered cultures.

But this was just the beginning for Phil. In 2001 he launched a nonprofit called "Bridges to Understanding," with a goal of linking school children around the world through photography. Bridges works closely with teachers in several countries to develop classroom photography projects involving interactive storytelling.

Inspired by advances in technology, Phil created Bridges with a goal of linking classrooms across borders using videoconferences, podcasting, and its own webpage. These interactive classes allow children from different cultures to share stories about themselves and their lives. Climate change is a current focus of Bridges projects.

Phil's advice to those thinking of a similar life change: "My first jump was very frightening, due to 'security' issues—I had a one year-old son and a mortgage. To drop something secure and try something brand new was frightening. I trust a lot more looking back, that things will work out."

Older adults and boomers thinking of following in Phil's footsteps might want to check out a new project in King County called Next Chapter, a consortium dedicated to helping older adults navigate similar life transitions.

"Follow that which you are drawn to. Put security issues on hold, and go for it," says Phil.