Wouldn’t it be beneficial to have the opportunity to learn what peer advisory groups across the country are doing? Wouldn’t it be in the best interest of the public to inform them about the success and challenges of these groups?
Most people don’t realize that for the past 45 years 650 advisory boards across the country have been working on aging issues. Advisory Boards were created as a result of the Older Americans Act of 1965. The OAA required each state to establish a unit on aging. The state units then designated Area Agencies on Aging. And each Area Agency on Aging is required to have an advisory board or council.
The format and structure of advisory groups varies in each jurisdiction but all share common goals. Most work, however, is done in isolation without knowledge of what peer groups are doing. State Units on Aging have a National Association. Isn’t it about time advisory groups had a forum in which to compare strategies, talk about what works and what doesn’t, to share success stories? Isn’t it about time to coordinate and leverage all the separate experiences of local groups into an integrated force? 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 everyday – it’s time to draw on the knowledge and expertise developed in local communities to find the most effective solutions to critical issues.
Many leading advocacy and service organizations are taking advantage of innovative options to create greater awareness about their work and to engage with their constituents. The Administration on Aging, AARP, n4a, The National Council on Aging, for example, goes where their audience is: Facebook and Twitter.
Advisory groups should do the same. But as of October 1, only about 10% of the 650 advisory groups are using Facebook pages to connect with their constituents. While some news may be unique to a specific organization many concerns are universal. And, on occasion, a majority of the 650 advisory groups could choose to present a unified voice on a specific issue. The opportunity to present a cohesive view directly to Congress would be powerful.
To capture these opportunities I’ve setup a Facebook page as a resource for all Advisory Groups on Aging. Come to the page by clicking on the link: National Forum for Aging Advisory Groups. Introduce yourself. “Like" the page. If your area group is not using this venue please let them know about this resource and opportunity. Let’s create greater community awareness and learn what’s happening across the country.
The author, Candice Rose, is a specialist on the topic of aging and elder care. She is currently serving as the Chairwoman of the Arlington County Commission on Aging in Virginia. You can follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CandiceRose.
