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TAKE ACTION
With knowledge, education and the right tools, people 50+ can be powerful influencers for policies that further the common good and foster the ability of people 50+ to work, serve, learn, and lead throughout their lives.
The Age4Action Network sets a policy agenda that will help create and expand opportunities for people 50+ to work, serve, learn, and lead. Please join us as we mobilize the nation to tell our leaders why community engagement through work and service are so important. Below you will find ways you can be involved and TAKE ACTION!
Work. Serve. Learn. Lead.
The Age4Action Network recognizes that older Americans who pursue these values are an essential asset to our communities and to our nation. That’s why we will engage in an ongoing initiative to encourage our elected and appointed officials to pursue public policies that encourage civic engagement.
This is especially important in difficult economic times. Given limited taxpayer resources, smart investments are required. We believe that investments in opportunities for older Americans to serve as a resource to others not only are smart investments in needed community services, but also will promote productive aging and a healthier and more robust population of older Americans.
Age4Action’s Approach to Advocacy
We believe in a grassroots, bottom-up approach to advocacy that involves experts, everyday people, volunteers and program directors in our primary areas of interest. The Steering Committee envisions conducting many series of meetings and seminars designed to educate, inform and energize older Americans about important aging-related policies and legislation.
Our Initial Efforts
For 45 years, the Older Americans Act has been the primary vehicle for the organization and delivery of social and nutrition services to older Americans. In 2011 Congress will consider reauthorizing this important law.
The Age4Action Network will encourage Congress to continue its support for civic engagement activities covered under the law.
Additionally, Congress is currently considering funding levels for the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. This law, enacted in 2009, provides for scholarships, fellowships and awards that are intended to encourage older Americans to work, serve, learn and lead.
Age4Action Network will encourage Congress to ensure that funding support for service opportunities reaches fully across the ages, to include older Americans who are eager for the resources to help them meet community needs.
Ways to Get Involved
The Older Americans Act will come up for reauthorization in 2011, and the Age4Action Network wants to make sure Congress hears your voice!
- Learn more about the Older Americans Act by reading our Fact Sheet.
- Post your ideas here for the Older Americans Act on The Exchange, hosted by Age4Action Network member, the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
- Find out what others are saying by watching video clips from the Older Americans Act Idea Forums that Age4Action hosted in 6 cities across the country in the summer of 2010.
- Add your voice to our current advocacy campaign to support funding for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and the Administration on Aging Civic Engagement grants.
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