Civic Academy Connects Older Persons
to Decision Makers

The third year of the Aroostook Civic Academy, hosted by the Aroostook Agency on Aging, kicked off Tuesday, March 26, 2024, with 22 participants engaging in a 6-part 30-hour intensive course about aging policy and advocacy. 

The free program is hosted at the Aroostook Agency on Aging in Presque Isle with satellite locations in Houlton and Danforth. The Academy equips residents of all ages with skills and knowledge to affect positive change in their community.

Last year, 20 individuals graduated from the Aroostook Civic Academy and 14 individuals graduated from the Academy in 2022. The Aroostook Civic Academy is modeled after a program developed by the City of Boston Age Strong Commission. Sessions are coordinated and conducted by volunteer leaders – Ginny Joles, Dottie Martin, Dick Engels, and Tim Vernon, in addition to Joy Barresi Saucier, Executive Director of the Aroostook Agency on Aging. 

Day One: An Introduction to Advocacy

highlighted speakers from across the state, including Noel Bonam, AARP Maine State Director, and Jena Jones, Maien Council on Aging, Policy and Advocacy Manager. An intense discussion about seeing, naming, and disrupting ageism was led by Maureen O’Conner of Maine Council on Aging. Participants learned how to be inclusive, listen for understanding, and engage in differences constructively.

Day Two: Engaging in Local Government

included presentations by a panel of municipal leaders from Madawaska, Van Buren, Fort Fairfield, and Presque Isle. Developing an age-friendly community, determining the heart and soul of a town, recovering from a downward spiral, and listening for understanding were topics discussed.

             Representatives from the local library and the Maine Municipal Association discussed resources offered to strengthen advocacy positions. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of an elevator speech and an assignment to present a three-minute position of their choice on day six. Also among the day’s speakers, Patricia Oh, Director, Lifelong Maine at the University of Maine Center on Aging, discussed grass-roots advocacy and  age-friendly community’s efforts to enhance the physical, social, and service environment for aging. The day concluded with break-out discussions about healthcare and/or housing.

The Future

Going forward, the Aroostook Civic Academy sessions will focus on engaging with state, county, and federal government. Upon graduation, students will have accomplished, or plan to accomplish, writing letters to their elected officials, scheduling a meeting on a topic of importance with someone in authority, or drafting and delivering testimony on an impactful matter pending before their community or the Maine legislature.