DOROT was excited to attend and facilitate sessions at the American Society on Aging's "On Aging" Conference, taking place March 27-30, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme of this year's conference is is Advancing Health & Well-Being.
Over the course of the week, presenters and participants learned from one another and leaders in aging through three days of programming aligned to ASA’s five priority areas, and across several thematic tracks, including: Justice & Equity, Innovation & Social Impact, Health & Well-being, Economic Security, and Ageism & Culture.
DOROT staff presented at a number of panels during the week along with our incredible partners:
Monday 3/27 at 2:15 - Bringing people together builds life sustaining connections and better community.
Speakers: Mark L. Meridy (Executive Director), Judith Turner (Senior Program Officer), Ali Hodin Baier (Chief Program Officer), Donna Butts (Executive Director Generations United)
Brief summary: We have a newfound understanding and appreciation for the impact that loneliness and social isolation has on all members of the community. These conditions are debilitating and are linked to poor health including higher incidents of depression, poor immune systems, early onset of dementia and even premature death. But this does not have to be. Providing the opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together in a meaningful and effective way, can help to address loneliness and social isolation and build important connections, resulting in a more caring and empathic community while improving one’s quality of life
Tuesday 3/28 at 2:30 - DOROT’s Real World Experience with a Participatory Strategic Plan Process
Speakers: Ali Hodin Baier (Chief Program Officer), Mark L. Meridy (Executive Director), Julia Ritchie (Consultant)
Brief Summary: In 2021, DOROT embarked on a Strategic Plan Refresh to build upon its learnings from COVID-19 and lay the groundwork for its transformation from a Manhattan-based aging services provider to one with national reach and impact through partnerships. With the help of consultant Julia Ritchie, DOROT utilized a participatory process to engage select board members and staff at all levels of the organization in an ideation phase as well as rigor testing. Learn about DOROT’s experience in implementing the process, pain points that ultimately made the process stronger and the resulting partnership opportunities that your agency can take advantage of.
Wednesday, 3/29 at 4:30: You can establish meaningful social connections by phone - we’ve made it easy!
Speakers: Ali Hodin Baier (Chief Program Officer)
Brief Summary: NYSOFA partnered with leading non-profit organizations AgingNY and DOROT to create a new opportunity for remote social engagement among isolated individuals. The program pairs volunteers with older adults, caregivers and individuals with disabilities to build meaningful social connections by phone. Learn about The New York State Friendly Calls Program, a do-it-yourself model that includes a comprehensive training and support package to enable Area Agencies on Aging and other providers to implement the program independently and flexibly. The presenters will strive to demystify the process of launching a Friendly Calls Program and offer clear and actionable advice to support organizations in doing so.
Wednesday, 3/29 at 4:30 - Using the Past to Explore the Present during COVID: Legacy-Based Case Studies
Presenter: Sarie Monieson (Program Coordinator)
Brief Summary: We were excited to have our proposal approved by ASA, and to share our rich legacy work, and explore how we use the past to explore the present. Our presentation covers our Legacy Projects, a legacy-based writing workshop, and a large-format community education program about death and Dying in America.
Here are some of our takeaways:
- Don’t shy away from a difficult conversation!
- Create brave, intentional, safe & supportive spaces for people to meaningfully engage in reflection and dialogue
- Creative outlets are an important way in which to build community, share our stories and legacies and grapple with the process of aging
Learn more about the conference HERE.