AARP Oregon Livable Communities Leadership Academy
AARP Oregon will be holding the first Livable Communities Leadership Academy starting in April. The 8-week academy will focus on issues that are important in creating cities that are even better places to live for people of all ages and abilities.
The first academy will be offered in the Eugene/Springfield area. Both communities have been working on housing and transportation the past few years, as well as communications and health - all issues within the 8 Domains of Livability, which help create Age-Friendly Communities.
No prior planning or policy advocacy experience is required to participate in the Livable Community Leadership Academy, although professional planners are welcome. The Academy is free, but space is limited.
Applications for the academy will be accepted February 1 – March 15, 2024.
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What will participants gain?
- Learn local planning processes, principles, and practices, and how planning shapes our communities’ today and in the future.
- Learn about issues affecting older adults, and how local planning efforts can be leveraged to enact meaningful and positive change.
- Learn the key components of an age-friendly community.
- Be prepared to serve on a local board or commission as a voice for people ages 50-plus.
By participating in the Livable Community Leadership Academy, participants commit to:
- Completing 8 virtual sessions that will take place in spring 2024.
- Identify open opportunities within in local communities where they have an interest in serving on a board, committee, and/or commission.
- Engage in and inform public processes on issues such as housing, transportation, civic engagement
No prior planning or policy advocacy experience is required to participate in the Livable Community Leadership Academy, although professional planners are welcome. The Academy is free, but space is limited.
Beyond the Academy – participants will:
- Register as an AARP volunteer with ongoing support from AARP Oregon
- Be prepared to serve on a local board, commission, or committee to represent the needs of people 50+
- Work on a local project with other members of the LCLA.
- Have the opportunity for additional learning opportunities on current policy issues
- Networking with Livable Communities Leadership Academy cohort & share experiences and updates on local work.
Curriculum/Sessions:
Speakers for all sessions will be announced prior to the class starting.
- Orientation: AARP and Livable Communities Overview
- An Introduction to Livable Communities Advocacy
- The Built Environment Part 1: Housing for all Ages
- The Built Environment Part 2: Parks and Open Spaces
- The Built Environment Part 3: Transportation
- Community Engagement: Creating and equitable and livable community for all
- Civic Engagement: Overview of Projects Around the State
- Closing Session and Celebration
Apply: https://forms.office.com/r/6Pfd3D0fva
Livable Communities Leadership Academy FAQ:
How many sessions are there?
There will be 8 in-person sessions, including a closing session and celebration. Each session will take place on Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. (PT). The first session will take place on April 4 with the remaining sessions following weekly after that (schedule permitting). There will be no virtual sessions offered.
How much planning experience do I need?
None! We are looking for people who are curious and interested about planning and civic engagement and who want to make an impact in their communities.
What if I don’t know of a board/commission I want to serve on?
We strongly encourage you to get to know the local planning bodies in your community, but it is not a requirement that you immediately serve on a board.
What if I miss a session?
By participating in this program, we hope you can commit to joining all 8 sessions. However, we do understand that emergencies and other conflicts may arise.
What is the application process?
All applications must be submitted by March 15, 2024. The application can be completed here: https://forms.office.com/r/6Pfd3D0fva
- All applicants will be asked to confirm their interest by participating in a short follow-up interview.
- Selected participants will be notified by an AARP staff member by March 20.
What is the selection process?
We are looking for a variety of things in applicants, including but not limited to; commitment, community diversity, interest/identified opportunity in civic space (boards/commissions, etc.)
How many people are selected?
We are hoping to have a smaller inaugural cohort of participants to ensure strong opportunities for engagement. The final number will be determined after our screening process.
How much does it cost to participate?
The Livable Community Leadership Academy is free.
What are the participation requirements?
All selected participants will be asked to attend and fully participate in the 8 weekly sessions, as well as complete any pre-readings and prep work in advance of sessions.
What happens after the program ends?
We want the cohort to stay involved and be willing to participate in ongoing learning sessions, as they are scheduled. Participants will be asked to register as an AARP volunteer and participate in networking opportunities with the cohort.
Is this only open to AARP members?
No. The Livable Community Leadership Academy is open to the public.
Who will lead the weekly sessions?
AARP Oregon is the lead organizer of this Livable Community Leadership Academy and will facilitate and moderate the sessions each week. We will be partnering with several issue and subject matter experts to present on the various topics. This includes professional planners and urban designers, commissioners, non-profit leaders, and more. The final list of presenters will be made available to participants prior to the start of the academy.
