You are invited to nominate someone for the Older Adult Volunteer Award

In September 2019 the members of the State Committee on Aging transitioned to the newly formed NH Commission on Aging.  Over the past few years EngAGING NH has supported the State Committee by managing the process leading to the presentation of the Joseph D. Vaughan awards that recognized older adult volunteers.  EngAGING NH will continue to assist the Commission in recognizing volunteers this year.

The 2020 recognition of this volunteerism continues but with some changes; please note that the nomination form has been revised to reflect this transition.  The Commission will have a broad approach to the issues affecting NH’s aging population, and authority that expands on the former Committee charge. Look to the EngAGING NH Newsletter for information and updates as the Commission settles in.

EngAGING NH promotes citizen leadership and opportunities for purposeful engagement. It also advances the active involvement of NH’s older adults in the development of public policies and community infrastructure to support all of us as we age.  
                                Get Involved . . .  Make a Difference!

Our participants come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse skills. But we all agree that we want a voice in shaping the world in which we live. We share concerns regarding the needs, safety, support, well being, and connections of NH's aging population. A key concept of the EngAGING NH effort is empowering older adults to speak for themselves.

 Some of us have the ability to devote significant time to working on issues, grant writing, and organizational structure, and some do not. However,
we each bring a gift and a contribution.

                      What is your uniqueness? How can you help?

Some ideas:

Learn about Current Issues Important to Older Adults 
  - Subscribe to the EngAGING NH newsletter (FREE!) for monthly updates
  - Join and attend a Committee on Aging in your area
  - Participate in local and state listening sessions and public hearings
  - Follow legislation that is important to you; know your Representatives

Organize 
   - Do you belong to a club, organization, church or group with members who
     may share our  interests?
  - Could you meet for coffee to help build a communication network?
  - Could you share legislative analysis with others who might be interested?

Raise your Voice to Make a  Difference
  - What’s happening in your area? Contribute an article or letter to our 
    newsletter
  - Talk to your community leaders 
  - Write a letter to your local paper
  - Send an email or letter to your Representatives or Senators in Concord and
    Washington DC
  - Share your story and experience through  legislative testimony 


As the saying goes, it’s not the mountain that wears you down, but the pebble in your shoe!  Never underestimate what we can accomplish together to make NH a better place for all of us as we age.