Ohio Department of Aging Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 19, 2008

Civic Engagement Council to Hold Inaugural Meeting
Members will review employment, volunteerism and lifelong learning for older adults.

COLUMBUS - Ohio's Senior Civic Engagement Council meets for the first time Thursday, November 20, at the Center for Older Adults in Delaware, Ohio. The council includes members representing state agencies, education, business, non-profits and the aging network, and is chaired by Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging.

Governor Ted Strickland signed an executive order in May 2008 establishing the Senior Civic Engagement Council. The Governor cited the increasing older adult population in the state and the need to provide resources and opportunities for them to lead productive, fulfilling lives. The Senior Civic Engagement Council will address goals that:

• Ensure Ohio's workforce includes older workers with new or updated skill sets;
• Actively engage seniors with diverse skills in volunteer services; and
• Provide educational opportunities that both enrich the lives of seniors and offer opportunity for career growth.

At the meeting Thursday, council members will receive their official appointment, learn more about the charge to the council and hear a keynote presentation by Deborah Russell, director of workforce issues for AARP. Ms. Russell works with businesses and employers to create employment opportunities that are flexible, fair and capitalize on the wealth of knowledge and expertise of mature workers.

"The experience and perspective on aging issues that our council members bring to the task ahead will enrich our discussions about senior employment, senior volunteerism and lifelong learning opportunities for older adults," said Barbara E. Riley, chair of the council. "In these challenging economic times, the policy and strategic recommendations the Council will develop are going to help chart the course of Ohio's, and Ohioans', economic future."

Council members will collect and analyze data on the participation of older adults in employment, volunteerism and lifelong learning. They will promote policies and legislation that encourage continued and expanded participation in these key areas. The council will also provide information to Ohio's business leaders, economic development and workforce development systems that will enable those systems to better prepare for and offer services to the state's growing older adult population. For more information, visit www.aging.ohio.gov/services/SeniorCivicEngagementInitiative/.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.