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2004-2005 Application Period Open
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is accepting applications for Class VII of the Oklahoma Aging Advocacy Leadership Academy, a state official announced this week.
The OKDHS Aging Services Division sponsors the academy and will be accepting applications for 25 slots in Class VII through June 4. The Class VII academy will start in September.
OKDHS Aging Services Division Administrator Roy R. Keen said “OAALA graduates are making a significant impact on the aging network in Oklahoma. They are accepting leadership roles on governing boards, advisory boards and making valuable contributions to the planning and development process as Oklahoma continues to move forward to best serve what we know is the most rapidly growing segment of our population. Some of most innovative new programs have come out of the study of these amazing folks.
“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 within the next 20 years,” Keen said. “We need more advocates who have well developed advocacy skills and who are aware of the issues of importance to older Oklahomans and their families. The academy graduates are proving to be our seed corn for a better future.”
Applicants selected for Aging Advocacy Class VII will reflect the diverse makeup of Oklahoma. There is no cost to those selected for the 10-month course other than the time they will spend attending the weekend training sessions. The academy classes will be held at the National Center for Employee Development in Norman.
The academy is designed to train and develop volunteer advocates for Oklahoma’s older population. Faculty for the academy will be composed of regionally- and nationally-known experts in the aging field. The curriculum will include a mixture of classroom presentation and experiential opportunities.
Some of the topics covered in the academy 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.
OAALA graduates receive additional training opportunities four times each year on aging topics. This training also is offered at no cost to the participants.
For an application or additional information, contact: Sheila Garner, OKDHS Aging Services Division, 312 N.E. 28th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73105 or call (405) 522-6239 or e-mail her at: Sheila.Garner@OKDHS.org.
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