NH Senior Leadership Program Accepting Applications for 2020

This program designed to train people who want to advocates for older adults in New Hampshire.

The New Hampshire Senior Leadership Program is now taking applications for the 2020 class. A collaboration among AARP New Hampshire, Center on Aging and Community Living at UNH, and Dartmouth Centers for Health and Aging, the program is designed for older adults, caregivers, family members and friends who want to advocate for older adults in New Hampshire. Application deadline is February 21.

Members of the 2020 class should represent diverse backgrounds, ages and geographic regions of the state. Participants will be selected on their motivation to become well informed and active in policymaking and systems change for aging New Hampshire citizens.

“In its eighth year, this program is designed to be educational and provide advocacy and community leadership skills necessary to advance issues of importance to Granite Staters as they age,” said Doug McNutt, AARP New Hampshire Associate State Director for Advocacy. “Caregiving, advocacy on a state and local level, community-based services that allow people to stay in their homes, transportation and housing are topics at the forefront. Our hope is for every graduate to leave the program with the information they need to engage with these important issues of our times.”

Participants will meet five times over an eight-month period and receive intensive training on a variety of educational and community topics. Educational methods include discussions, web-based learning, small- and large-group sessions, independent research application, as well as video and audio resources. All expenses including hotel, meals and materials are covered for participants. The only cost to participate is a $45 contribution at the time of acceptance.

Applicants must agree to attend all five sessions:

• Aging and Society – New Hampshire and National Impacts: April 16/17, 2020: Portsmouth

• Community Engagement and Livable Communities: May 21, 2020: Manchester

• The Legislative Process: June 18, 2020: Concord

• Aging Well in our Communities: September 10, 2020: Lebanon

• Group Presentations and Graduation: November 12, 2020: Concord

“Attending this program was a life-changing event for me,” said Sherri Harden, a graduate of the program. “Learning effective strategies to promote and support change is very powerful. The exercises and group projects were the icing on the cake. Oh, and did I mention we had fun?”

To register, complete the application by February 21, 2020. A selection committee will choose this year’s participants based on the content of their applications. Candidates will be notified by March 16, 2020.

For specific questions, send us an email at nh@aarp.org.