"A friend of mine turned 50 recently. There were the usual congratulations tossed her way, followed by friendly advice about the meaning of the big five-oh.

But I heard something else: the chorus of "happy birthday" is growing incredibly loud.

We are at the beginning chord of a generational shift. I know a lot of folks turning 50 this year -- and I should -- because some 10,000 people a day are facing a cake bearing all of those candles."

Get the Story:
Mark Trahant: We're on the cusp of a new age of volunteerism (The Seattle Times 6/20)

More Mark Trahant:
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