New York has been selected to participate in a National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices "Policy Academy on Civic Engagement of Older Adults." Funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies, the Academy's focus is on helping states improve the health and lives of older adults and strengthening communities statewide by developing strategies for training, retraining and retaining older adults who are in the workforce or retired and want to engage in a second career. The grant will also work to develop strategies to utilize more effectively the skills, knowledge and talents of older adults by enhancing meaningful volunteer activities that can help address many community problems.
Governor Paterson stated that, "I am very excited that New York was selected to receive this grant because it supports my priority on enhancing volunteerism and civic engagement in our great state. Having New York State selected to participate in this effort will advance our efforts to improve the lives and well-being of persons of all ages, will result in better and more efficient government through the collaboration of several state and community agencies and organizations and will impact positively the number of retirees who choose to remain in the state in their retirement years rather than seek to retire elsewhere. The National Governors Association has a long track record in working with other states and these experiences will be shared with New York as we seek to implement this important initiative."
New York State's efforts to garner selection by the NGA were led by Michael Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging. Joining Burgess on New York's team of experts are: Lola Brabham Harder, Director of Human Services, Office of Governor Paterson; Greg Olsen, Deputy Director, NYS Office for the Aging; Patricia Hite, Executive Deputy Commissioner, New York State Department of Civil Service; Mario Musolino, Executive Deputy Commissioner, New York State Department of Labor; Jennifer McCormick, Vice President, Policy & Research, Empire State Development Corporation; Mark J. Walter, Executive Director, New York State Office of National and Community Service; Mark Kissinger, Deputy Commissioner, New York State Department of Health; Ann G. DiSarro, Consultant, Aging Programs and Management; Lois Aronstein, New York State Director, AARP; Susan Stamler, Director of Policy & Advocacy, United Neighborhood Houses; Dennis Tracey, Executive Director, New York State Alliance for Retired Americans; Katherine Briar-Lawson, Dean, State University at Albany School of Social Welfare; Justin Cunningham, Executive Director, NY Statewide Senior Action Council; Margaret M. Moree, Director of Federal Affairs, The Business Council of New York State, Inc.
NYSOFA Director Burgess said, "Because of the collaborative relationships we have in place here in New York State, the Office for the Aging was able to pull together a team of committed agencies and experts that will be able to put into practice the ideas and strategies identified through the process that will be lead by the NGA." Governor Paterson will receive periodic reports and recommendations throughout the next year on strategies and actions that will guide the implementation of civic engagement, volunteerism and workforce initiatives for older New Yorkers. New York's team will explore how New York can link current efforts to assist informal caregivers with civic engagement efforts in order to support their efforts in communities across the state. The team will work to bolster the state's efforts to improve quality in nursing homes, adult homes and assisted living facilities by expanding monitoring through that State's volunteer Long Term Care Ombudsman program. The team will explore intergenerational opportunities that can utilize the skills of older adults to improve academic performance of school children through mentoring and other assistance. Another major focus of the year-long effort will be identifying a plan to coordinate and increase the state and private sector's efforts to increase employment and volunteer opportunities for older New Yorkers, in coordination with the new Mature Worker Task Force.
Additionally, the work product will include identifying opportunities for older New Yorkers to volunteer in communities throughout the state. If you know of a volunteer program in your community please share its contact information with us by email to nysofa@ofa.state.ny.us or call 1-800-342-9871.
