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Commission planning listening sessions

3/1/2011 8:56:32 AM by Administrator Account

Commission on a Mission by Rick Ryan

The root of the word advocacy can be found in the Italian word voce, which means voice. If you look up the meaning of advocacy, it’s defined as “the act of speaking or writing in support of something such as a cause, idea or policy.” By its very nature, advocacy is a call to action. Advocacy means giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, and it is one of the central missions of the Rhode Island Governor’s Advisory Commission on Aging.

Throughout the 1980s and until 2001, the commission sponsored an annual conference on aging. The conference was an opportunity for aging network agency professionals to hear about new initiatives and share best practices. Because the conference was open to constituents, the commission also had the opportunity to hear from seniors, families and caregivers about the issues of growing older in Rhode Island. Eventually, the state Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) and the commission also became advocates for adults with disabilities.
    In order to hear the voices of their constituents, members of the commission want to renew their commitment to listen, take note of experiences and ask for ideas that can be used in developing the next generation of programs and services created to encourage independence and preserve dignity.
    With that mission in mind, the commission is exploring a plan to visit different parts of the state and talk with seniors, adults with disabilities, families and caregivers. The commission will pattern the listening sessions after those held across the state last year to gather local input for the 2011 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. When those sessions were completed, a report was sent to the Rhode Island congressional delegation, state general officers, the General Assembly and advocacy groups.
    The commission wants the sessions to focus on a few of the most important issues facing its constituents so it can develop a precise plan that will help achieve effective advocacy. I will give you details about the listening sessions in future columns.

    Rick Ryan is chairman of the Rhode Island Governor’s Advisory Commission on Aging. Contact him at 401.364.0690 or ryan.spritely.richard@gmail.com.

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