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Cyber Field Trip-Advocacy

For this assignment you are asked to learn about advocacy and  social policy  for the senior population. Who advocates for the needs of older people? There are many organizations and agencies in the aging network who do this. Some are National, while others are State or local.

For example AARP (they no longer want to be called the American Association of Retired Persons can you guess why? HINT: think about what you have learned about the boomers and age discrimination) is the Nations  largest advocacy group for seniors. That means they try to get legislators to carry bills that are of interest to older adults and assist in drafting and passing new laws. You can log onto their web site at  http://www.aarp.org/.  Surf through the site, learn who they are, their mission, and the programs they sponsor.

Assignment:

Now find your own agency or organization that advocates for the elderly.  Using a search engine put in terms such as "advocacy and aging" or seniors and advocacy.

1. Explain at the discussion board:

• The name of the agency you found and please give us their web address.
• Explain one of the measures they are taking to support seniors in the  area of public or social policy

3. Explain why this might be an important issue for seniors. You have completed the reading in this text. Use the knowledge you have learned.   For example, recall theories and materials from you text or lecture to justify your position (again this is the "so what" of the issue- why should we care that this issue exists?). Site this position (not the program ) if you want full credit.  For example you will need to cite your author, the lecture materials or other assignments as to why this program works or is needed.
   
   WAGS are still a nice addition but still will not receive credit.
   
4. Please put the name of the organization or program in the subject line of your post and don't repeat what has been posted unless you are adding to the materials. 

Enjoy, this was an easy week!