OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming session of the Oklahoma Aging Advocacy Leadership Academy (OAALA), a nationally recognized program designed to train and develop volunteer advocates for Oklahoma’s older population.
The academy is sponsored by the Aging Services Division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and meets one weekend a month for 10 months.
Applications are being accepted through May 3, 2002, for the approximately 25 slots available in the academy’s fifth class which convenes in September.
"OAALA graduates are making a significant impact on the aging network in Oklahoma," said Roy Keen, OKDHS Aging Services Division director. "They are accepting leadership roles on governing boards and advisory boards and making valuable contributions to the planning and development of services for what we know is the most rapidly growing segment of our population."
Keen said, "More people are living longer, and, coupled with the aging of the baby boomers, we know that our state’s population of those 65 and older will increase dramatically in the next 20 years."
There is no cost to persons accepted into the academy, and applicants are being sought from throughout the state to assure the academy class will reflect the diverse make-up of Oklahoma.
Academy classes are conducted at the Marriott Conference Center located at the National Center for Employee Development Center in Norman.
The faculty of the academy is made up of nationally and regionally recognized experts in the aging field. The curriculum includes a mixture of classroom presentation and experiential opportunities. Some of the topics covered include media and legislative advocacy; community-based resources and services; the changing health care service delivery system; safety and security issues; intergenerational care giving; ageism and healthy aging.
Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming session of the Oklahoma Aging Advocacy Leadership Academy (OAALA), a nationally recognized program designed to train and develop volunteer advocates for Oklahoma’s older population.
The academy is sponsored by the Aging Services Division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and meets one weekend a month for 10 months.
Applications are being accepted through May 3, 2002, for the approximately 25 slots available in the academy’s fifth class which convenes in September.
"OAALA graduates are making a significant impact on the aging network in Oklahoma," said Roy Keen, OKDHS Aging Services Division director. "They are accepting leadership roles on governing boards and advisory boards and making valuable contributions to the planning and development of services for what we know is the most rapidly growing segment of our population."
Keen said, "More people are living longer, and, coupled with the aging of the baby boomers, we know that our state’s population of those 65 and older will increase dramatically in the next 20 years."
There is no cost to persons accepted into the academy, and applicants are being sought from throughout the state to assure the academy class will reflect the diverse make-up of Oklahoma.
Academy classes are conducted at the Marriott Conference Center located at the National Center for Employee Development Center in Norman.
The faculty of the academy is made up of nationally and regionally recognized experts in the aging field. The curriculum includes a mixture of classroom presentation and experiential opportunities. Some of the topics covered include media and legislative advocacy; community-based resources and services; the changing health care service delivery system; safety and security issues; intergenerational care giving; ageism and healthy aging.
To receive an application, interested persons may contact Darlene Sapp, OKDHS Aging Services Division, 312 NE 28, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 or call (405) 522-6240.
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