Advocacy

Advocacy is simply the support of an idea, cause, or – in this case, more aptly – a particular population. Successful advocacy requires a comprehensive understanding of the issues involved, and is almost always a byproduct of clear, concise communication and building positive relationships. Its key components include passion, persistence and patience; creativity, cooperation and collaboration; and energy, flexibility and resourcefulness in pursuit of an organization’s objectives.

Area agencies on aging are not only encouraged to advocate for the older people in their districts, they are mandated to do so. Older Americans Act regulations specify that agencies “shall serve as the public advocate for the development or enhancement of comprehensive and coordinated community-based systems of services in each community throughout the planning and service area” (45CFR:Sec. 1321.61). Among other advocacy-related requirements, the regulations stipulate that area agencies shall:

• “Represent the interests of older personsto local level and executive branch officials, public and private agencies and organizations.”

• “Monitor, evaluate, and, where appropriate, comment on all policies, programs, hearings, levies, and community actions which affect older persons.”

• “Undertake a leadership role in assisting communities throughout the planning and service area to target resources from all appropriate sources to meet the needs of older persons with greatest economic or social need, with particular attention to low income minority individuals.”

Accordingly, each area agency should strive to educate locally elected officials (city, county, state and federal), as well as private service organizations, on the issues and concerns of older persons and the field of aging. Area agencies should also aim to ensure that older persons and those who care for them are aware of the programs, services and resources available to them in their respective areas. Far too many older Americans do not avail themselves of in-home and community-based services because, 42 years after passage of the Older Americans Act, they remain unaware of them.

Although it is often associated with political lobbying, advocacy can be many other things as well, including: letters to the editor and media campaigns; minority outreach and coalition building among stakeholders; public testimony; presentations at community forums and health fairs; and a number of other grassroots’ efforts. Whatever form advocacy takes, however, certain fundamentals will usually apply. The following guidelines should prove helpful in efforts to increase the visibility of your agency and improve the lives of older Americans.

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