Issue One: The Investigation of Theory S

[For the complete report on this project see The Sages Among Us: Harnessing the Power of Civic Engagement, available as a link through the LPC Bookstore.]

This first issue of Sage sets the stage for our extended investigation of Theory S.  We begin by proposing that the emergence of—and need for —Theory S reflects the convergence of four interdependent social and cultural trends: 1) changes in demography. 2) leading characteristics of four generational age groups. 3) shift away from aging being considered the end of productive life to it being a time for personal and spiritual growth and continued service—that is, from aging to saging. 4) rise of civic engagement as a significant personal benefit for individuals who are involved, and a social benefit for communities who are being served.

While we will focus in this issue on the convergence of these four trends in the United States, we believe that all or at least most of these trends exist elsewhere in the world and that Theory S is relevant to all societies in the early 21st Century.

Issue One contains four articles (each about one of the four trends), two interviews with Sage Leaders (one an emerging Sage leader, the other a senior Sage leader) and an essay that provides background on the major research project conducted in Nevada County California which provides the backbone of the early issues of this digital magazine.

Setting the Stage for Theory S: I. Demography

Setting the Stage for Theory S: II. The Social and Cultural Characteristics of Generational Age Groups

Setting the Stage for Theory S: III. From Aging to Saging

Setting the Stage for Theory S: IV. The Rise of Civic Engagement

Emergent Sage Leadership: Interview of Christine Kelly

Senior Sage Leadership: Interview of Norman Westmore

Sage Leadership Project: Vision, Purposes and Methodology