Advocacy
Advocacy is a primary role for all area agencies on aging. Since the first passage of the Older Americans Act in 1965 the aging network has been charged with the responsibility of advocating for the needs of older persons.
The area agency staff, Board of Directors, Advisory Council and service providers work to assure fair treatment for older people and that the interests and needs of older persons are considered when decisions are made in the community. This is done on an individual basis when the agency works with and for an older person to obtain needed physical and financial supports.
Advocacy is done on a policy level when Area XIV Agency on Aging seeks to empower and educate older adults, their families, caregivers, service providers and elected officials about the needs of the aging network. Area XIV supports advocacy groups, such as the Older Iowans Legislature, who work for policy modification. These important policy issues are then proposed to the General Assembly through the efforts of advocacy groups. Policy issues that affect older Iowans are followed throughout the legislative bill process and beyond.
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