The success of the committee was not determined by structure.  Successful lifelong communities come in all forms. The key building blocks were having members who were skilled in diplomacy, had passion and commitment, and were engaged and positive.

 Jim Bellissimo - former chair of Berwick for a Lifetime and current Town Manager:

Structure is wonderful for long term success, but unnecessary bureaucracy can turn people away from volunteering. A balance is important. Envision Berwick very well could be a non-profit but is very successful as a standing committee. So overall I don’t see a distinction or advantage one way or the other.

Take-Away - Don't get too caught up in structure but focus on keeping committee members and volunteers engaged and motivated. 

Town administrators demonstrated unwavering support for the Age-Friendly/Lifelong Community programs. In each of the communities interviewed, town/city manager support was always available but the way it was provided varied. Some managers were very involved in all town committees. Town managers with a hands-on-approach to their role in the community attended Age-Friendly/Lifelong Community planning meetings and events. Some worked/volunteered at the events, while others provided administrative support or allocated municipal employees to support activities and programs. Some communities assign a member of the select board or municipal staff to attend Age-Friendly/Lifelong Community meetings. Others have developed paid positions to provide broad support to the committee. For example, Bowdoinham has expanded the hours of their Recreation Director so that he can also take the role of Age-Friendly Coordinator. 

Take-Away - Town managers and city administrators are important sources of support for Age-Friendly/Lifelong Communities but they have very different working styles. Find ways to celebrate the help they offer and don't forget to say thank you. 

Funding support may come from a variety of sources, including municipal budgets, AARP, community fundraising, and other sources.

• In Madison and Caribou, public health organizations provided money to launch Age-Friendly.  

• In Berwick, the Envision Berwick committee channeled funds from AARP Maine to launch the fledgling Age-Friendly Committee - Berwick for a Lifetime. Over the years, additional funds came through grants written by the Berwick Public Library to further Berwick for a Lifetime projects. 

• In South Portland, the city provided $6,000 to implement a survey and then added another $15,000 to create the action plan. It then provided $5,000 for operational needs. The committee does not make annual requests of the city council.

Take-Away - If your Age-Friendly/Lifelong Committee receives municipal funds, it is critical to attend and participate in budget meetings. Think outside the box when you are looking for funding so that you can show that your committee contributes to the town to get work done that benefits all ages. 

Recruitment is an ongoing effort for all committees.  In addition to the complexities of age-friendly during the pandemic, many committees have gone through transitions in municipal leadership or on their committee. Regaining and maintaining momentum are both challenges. 

Penny Thompson in Caribou describes committee membership as STP - The Same Ten People. This point was underscored by other town managers. Recruitment of new members usually falls to the committee members who are able to cast a wider net and engage residents who aren't traditionally at the decision table. Managers provide support from the sidelines. Sharing the committee’s action plan broadly, communicating successes, and keeping barriers to joining the committee low are some keys to successful recruiting.

Take-Away - Casting a wide net, making a personal ask, and being a committee that welcomes diverse opinions are a few of the tactics used successfully to recruit new members.

Town managers understand the larger picture. They are important to the success of age-friendly so they should always be “kept in the loop”.

 Routine reporting of activities to elected officials and the municipal administration, as well as town residents, is essential to success. Committees use many different methods and strategies:

• Biweekly electronic newsletters

• Monthly reports to elected officials

• Attendance at municipal meetings

• Routine use of social media

• Posters in public places

• Local newspaper reporting

• Information tables at local events

• Report in annual Town Report 

Take-Away - Communication is always a top priority. It helps to keep the municipality, partners, and residents informed. Good communication can also boost engagement and aid recruitment.

Different strategies work in different towns – the rule is to use what works.

• Municipal staffing support isn't the only path to success

  • In some towns, the town manager, attends every Age-Friendly meeting

  • In less than half of all age-friendly communities, paid staff members are assigned to support committees

  • Age-friendly committees carry out the work of the committee often in partnership with municipal employees, but successful committees drive their own results

• Working with municipal staff, a little advice

  • Committees that are most successful use diplomacy when working with town employees. 

  • Show appreciation to town officials and municipal employees. Say thank you for their support

• Keeping the committee on track and motivated

  • Committee leaders are prepared for meetings and the meetings have purpose

  • Realistic, actionable and achievable goals are set

Take-Away - Program sustainability requires a combination of municipal support, recruitment, communication, and committee members who are engaged and enthusiastic!