Governors Association Encouraging States To Engage Seniors in Volunteering and Employment

New York has been selected by the National Governor's Association as one of six states to participate in a Policy Academy sponsored by the Association that will address issues related to engaging the elderly in volunteering and employment opportunities in the future. According to the Center for Best Practices of the National Governors Association, the goal of the initiative is to improve the health and lives of older Americans by substantially increasing the proportion of seniors who participate in employment, education and training, or meaningful volunteer activities. Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania are the other states being awarded grants.

The goals of the team appointed by New York Governor Patterson are to:

• Develop a strategic plan to increase employment and volunteer opportunities for older adults.
• Ensure that older adults can age with dignity and respect in their communities with volunteer support from their peers.
• Create a unified communication strategy and educational campaign to promote civic engagement among older New Yorkers and highlight the benefits and contributions they can make in the work force and voluntary endeavors.

Sources: New York State Office for the Aging Press Release; Watertown Daily Times "Grant to help older workers find volunteer and paid jobs" (July 21, 2008)