‘Engage with CO-AGE’ keeps senior issues on legislators’ radar

ALBANY — Each spring, CO-AGE presents “Engage with CO-AGE,” the coalition’s annual conference that kicks off the beginning process of selecting issues for the upcoming year’s legislative priorities.

In July, CO-AGE members vote to prioritize the top five issues that will be brought to the state’s elected officials in legislative sessions. These priorities will be the focus of CO-AGE and its efforts with the governor, General Assembly and Department of Human Services.

CO-AGE, the COalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly, is a grassroots organization made up of a diverse group of individuals, organizations, consumers, stakeholders and providers whose common goal is to advocate on behalf of — and with — older adults. It is the advocacy arm of the Georgia Council on Aging that serves in an advisory capacity on aging issues. The coalition was formed to be:

♦ A forum to identify and address concerns of

♦ older Georgians;

♦ A vehicle for bringing broad-based input on aging issues from across the state;

♦ A diverse group interested in “aging specific” and inter-generational issues;

♦ A unifying force communicating the importance of providing supportive communities and adequate services and programs for older Georgians.

♦ Historically an in-person event, Engage with CO-AGE is currently an informational video that will:

♦ Introduce the group’s elected officials who are at the forefront of advocacy;

♦ Provide updates from the previous year’s legislative priorities;

♦ Give instructions on how individuals can have their voice heard on issues that matter during the 2022 Legislative Session;

♦ Educate participants on other current bills that affect Georgia seniors;

♦ Provide an opportunity to become a member of CO-AGE.

For additional information, contact the Southwest Georgia Council on Agint at www.sowegacoa.org.

File Photo