Public Policy
Representative
Introduction:
AGHE membership is institutional rather than individual, as a result, one person from each AGHE member institution is selected as the official representative to AGHE – this person is referred to as the Institutional Representative. The Institutional Representative serves as the primary communication link for the member institution/organization and AGHE. In Addition, each member institution is requested to select an AGHE Public Policy Representative. The process for selection and responsibilities for the Public Policy Representative are as follows:
Choosing an AGHE Public Policy Representative:
The AGHE Institutional Representative, alternate representatives and gerontology colleagues at the institution shall determine a list of colleagues that are familiar with or have an interest in policy issues related to aging. Once the list of eligible colleagues has been created, the AGHE Institution may determine how best to select a Public Policy representative and their term of representation. The Institutional Representative shall notify the AGHE office of the name and professional contact information of the selected Public Policy representative.
The Public Policy Representative has the following responsibilities:
- The Public Policy Representative should be familiar with the mission and goals of the AGHE and GSA Public Policy Committees.
- Confer with the AGHE Representative campus team (Institutional Representative, Alternative Representative, Student Representative, and Affiliate Representatives) regarding the gerontological/geriatric institutional mission and goals.
- Disseminates all Aging Related Policy information sent by AGHE/GSA or their Public Policy Committees.
- Assist the Institutional Representative with selecting additional persons from the member institution to serve as Alternative Representative, Public Policy Representative, or Affiliate Representatives to ensure widespread institutional distribution of AGHE – related information.
- Assist the Campus Team with publicizing AGHE resources, activities, and benefits through appropriate channels such as newsletters, e-mail announcements, or bulletin boards to all at the member institution.
- Coordinate with the AGHE Public Policy Committee to ensure current information on the activities of this committee.
- Encourage co-curricular activities such as a lectures, debates and panel discussions on current public policy issues
- Disseminate “policy briefs” on current topics for print and digital media both on campus and in the local area with the assistance of the Affiliate Representatives.
- Create a community space for ongoing discussion of age-related public policy e.g., a regular column in the campus or local newspaper, dedicated space in a Learning Management System.
- Promote participation in activities for contacting elected officials e.g., personal appointments, open meetings, public hearings, phone and/or letter-writing campaigns including electronic options.
- Attend the AGHE Annual Meeting/Conference when possible.
The Public Policy Representative is a crucial link to national, state and local policies on aging. The person who acts in the capacity of Public Policy Representative is encouraged to involve faculty, staff, students and community members in ongoing dialogue and education regarding aging policy.
