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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 - Senior Advisory Board - Work PlanSENIOR ADVISORY BOARD 2007 WORK PLAN The Board shall: ► Serve as a supporting agency for all senior citizen services and activities in Fort Collins; ► Publicize and support present senior citizen services and activities in the community; P. Investigate and make recommendations regarding new senior citizen programs; ► Encourage and support widespread opportunities for more meaningful and useful participation of seniors in community activities and programs; ► Establish and maintain communication with local, state, and national groups and agencies concerning seniors; ►Advocate for policies and practices within the community that respect and consider senior needs and interests; ► Work to dispel stereotypes about aging through education awareness activities. 1. OUTREACH A. Schedule quarterly off -site meetings at locations where older adults live or congregate to gather information about issues, concerns, ideas that the constituency may have. The Board will also inform older adults at these sessions about the activities of the SAB. In 2007, the Board is considering visits to Columbine Health Services (Winslow), Parkwood Estates, Fort Collins Senior Center and Rigden Farms. If the new Northside Aztlan Center is open, SAB plans to hold a quarterly meeting there. The Board will design and implement a process to follow up on comments received during the quarterly off -site meetings. B. Participate in City and community activities and respond to invitations to events that may impact and/or involve older adults, to support agencies and organizations that provide service for older adults, get input regarding senior needs, and provide education regarding the Senior Advisory Board and its mission. These events may include: Bridging the Gap Network Luncheon, CCN Caring Connections events, AARP meetings and conferences, Fort Collins Senior Center Council events, Homecoming events, conferences, and focus groups. C. Develop and maintain relationships with other boards and commissions, organizations and agencies that deal with areas important to aging citizens, including: Affordable Housing Board, Commission on Disability, Human Relations Commission, Women's Commission, Transportation Board, Senior Center Council, Office on Aging, TRIAD, AARP, and VOA. Attempt to City of Loveland SAB, Interfaith Council, CSU Center on Aging, Meals -on -Wheels and Dial -a -Ride. 1. Focus on promoting greater interaction between SAB and City Council on issues relating to aging and to have more participation from City Council. 2. Promote senior needs to the Transportation Board. D. Utilize Newcomer's Club to reach seniors who are relocating to Fort Collins and provide information to them about services & resources. II. ADVOCACY A. Actively support Senior Center Expansion project and raising funds for the project. B. Work with the Transportation Board to keep transportation services available for older adults, to work for transportation services to all primary parts of the community and to provide input on other transportation issues that may impact older adults. Specifically emphasize South Campus at Harmony, Dial -a -Ride options, PVH service, and evening transportation service. Transportation to the MCR in Loveland is a major concern. Encourage the City to explore additional alternative transportation options for seniors. C. Support and participate in fund raising activities for the Fort Collins Senior Center, including Sundance Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cook -off. D. Stay involved and informed of current health care initiatives and affordable housing issues effecting seniors in Fort Collins. E. Become aware of ethnic older citizen needs and collaborate to advocate on their behalf. F. The SAB will keep open the Tines of communication with the Committee raising money for the Senior Center expansion and will also advocate for the Center. III. COMMUNICATION A. Utilize many media sources to inform seniors about available resources; educate the community about senior needs and issues; highlight the contributions and achievements of older adults. Sources may include: 1. Print media; Radio; Local Television and the Internet as a method of communication. 2. SAB members author Soap Box editorials throughout the year. 3. Continue working more closely with the Coloradoan. B. Maintain effective communications with the City Council, the Mayor and the City Manager. 1. The SAB chair will meet quarterly with the Mayor and the City Manager to give and receive information regarding senior issues. 2. SAB members will meet as needed with their City Council member to present senior issues. C. Attend City Council meetings where senior issues are being discussed. SAB members to address Council during public participation segments of Council meetings. IV. COORDINATION/EDUCATION/FACILITATION A. Co -host the Bridging the Gap Senior Network event annually with the Larimer County Office on Aging and the City of Loveland Senior Advisory Board to encourage networking and cooperation among agencies, businesses and organizations that service aging adults. B. Host a meeting with the City Council members annually to promote better communication on issues that may affect seniors. C. Solicit information about aging issues to members of the Senior Advisory Board. 1. Recruit speakers that will provide insight in to issues, resources, and other items of interest for aging adults to present to members at SAB meetings. 2. SAB members will report at meetings from books, reports or articles that inform about senior issues. D. Work with the Senior Center Council to promote the Senior Center. 1. Continue working with the Senior Center Council and the City Council to rename the Senior Center. 2. Actively solicit new members and participants to the Senior Center facility and activities.