Make A Difference

Advocacy

The Mandate for Advocacy
The Older Americans Act of 1965 established the federal Administration on Aging and created Area Agencies on Aging. The goal of the Act is to provide older adults and their caregivers with information and access to home and community based services that enable older adults to remain at home for as long as possible.

The Older Americans Act of 1965 section 306 (a)(6)(D) also mandates that Area Agencies on Aging shall:

"Serve as the advocate and focal point for older individuals withing the community by (in cooperation with agencies, organizations and individuals participating in activities under the plan) monitoring, evaluating, and commenting upon all policies, programs, hearings, levies and community actions which will affect older individuals."

How You Can Get Involved
Write a letter to your local, state or federal elected representative about issues that are important to you.

• Write as soon as possible when you=ve discovered an issue about which action is needed.
• Use personal stationery. Handwritten letters are acceptable.
• Identify yourself and your interest in the issue; be direct and concise. Always be courteous.
• Ask for specific action (co- sponsor a bill, sign on to legislation). Use the bill number or title of the measure whenever possible.
• Make sure you include your name, address and phone number on your letter.
• Mention personal connections to your elected official, if you have them.
• Make your letter personal if possible; explain how an issue affects you locally.

Call your local, state or federal elected representative about issues that are important to you.

• Use talking points or prepare notes before calling.
• State your name and the fact that you are a constituent.
• Ask to speak to the staff member responsible for the area of your concern.
• State your concern- cite specific bills if applicable.
• Be courteous.
• Ask to receive information on how the elected official plans to vote.
• Thank the staff person for their time.
• Follow up with a letter addressed to the elected official.

To find a list of legislators serving Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties, click here.

If you are unsure which legislator serves your area, or if you are searching for a legislator outside of the four counties served by Area Agency on Aging 11, Inc., visit the appropriate web site by clicking on a link below and searching by zip code.

Ohio House of Representatives
Ohio Senate

U.S. House of Representatives
US Senate

To learn more about legislative issues affecting older Ohioans, visit the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging web site.