Do you have an idea that will have a meaningful impact on your community? Are you lacking the funds and support to get your idea off the ground? Well, here’s good news.

During today’s show we will introduce you to Civic Ventures new Launch Pad contest, which is designed to discover five inspiring people 45 and over with ideas to improve their communities. Each winner will receive $5,000 and resources and support from the Encore.org community to put his or her idea into action. 

We will speak with Jennifer Coate, Associate Director of Communications at Civic Ventures. Jennifer's experience includes developing and delivering communications strategies and messages on a range of public interest issues, including health care and the environment. Most recently, Coate worked for the country’s largest labor union, the Service Employees International Union, managing communications for several campaigns, including a national registered nurse program focused on health care reform. As Deputy Director of Communications for the National Environmental Trust, Coate ran successful media strategies, protecting America’s national forests and exposing the health effects of toxic chemicals. As U.S. Rep. George Miller’s Deputy Press Secretary and Legislative Assistant, Coate handled communications and policy for national and local issues. She got her start in communications as a research assistant for Hedrick Smith’s PBS Frontline documentary, Critical Condition: How good is your healthcare? and as an intern at San Francisco’s local news television station, BayTV. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Coate earned dual degrees in political science and history.

Jennifer is going to share the Launchpad opportunity with us, so don’t miss this chance to make a change in your community!