Grateful Undead
(Sacopee Valley)

WHEN DID YOU ORGANIZE AS A REGIONAL APPROACH?

From the beginning

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE A REGIONAL APPROACH?

Because the five towns of the SAD 55 district are a pretty coherent, well-established community.

HOW MANY MUNICIPALITIES ARE INCLUDED IN YOUR REGIONAL APPROACH? 

Five

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR REGION

We are a rural area in the foothills of the White Mountains. Heavily conservative, formerly agricultural but now only logging, a few wood mills, and some granite pits. The public schools are the social hub. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ORGANIZATION OF YOUR REGIONAL APPROACH?

 All volunteer. Comment: we have formed an independent 501c3 to organize our regional initiative.

IS EACH OF YOUR MEMBER MUNICIPALITIES AN INDEPENDENTLY ENROLLED MEMBER OF THE AARP NETWORK OF AGE-FRIENDLY STATES AND COMMUNITIES?

Yes. 

PLEASE DESCRIBE ANY KIND OF FISCAL RELATIONSHIP/CONTRACT

There is no fiscal relationship with the municipalities.

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE THE BENEFITS AND DOWNFALLS OF THE REGIONAL APPROACH?

Benefits are the broader base for volunteers and activities, and support and resources from all five municipalities. 

Challenges involve keeping the group united and pulling in the same direction.

WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER PEOPLE CONSIDERING A REGIONAL APPROACH?

Make sure you have a common vision. We did a survey distributed within all 5 towns, and that was helpful in identifying needs and priorities.