Goals for the Illinois Policy Academy
President Barack Obama raises a call to service but he understands the obstacles, “The American people are ready to serve their communities, but not enough have been asked or know how.” The Policy Academy will work to engage, welcome, and inform Illinoisans over age 50 about getting involved. The following goals address the needs of the future with a particular emphasis on the economic life of communities and older adults. These goals include:
- Communicating the importance of civic engagement to retirees, policymakers, employers, and the public,
- Developing policy and public support for civic engagement, and
- Building an infrastructure of involvement for those 50+ in work, learning and volunteering.
Accomplishments
- Completed an environmental scan.
- Published an article in Continuance Magazine.
- Enlisted two hundred organizations to support the Civic Engagement of Older Adults.
- The Senate Resolution submitted to the General Assembly, supporting civic engagement, was passed unanimously.
- Briefed: Council of University Presidents, Council of Community College Presidents and the Illinois Council on Aging.
- On May 11, 2009 we held A Day of Celebration with 250 people joining the conversation about engaging older adults in service, learning and work.
- We held a four-generation Senate Forum on Intergenerational Leadership in the Senate Chamber.
- Governor Quinn made an official proclamation setting 2010: The Year of the Engaged Older Adult.
- We have conducted an evaluation of our First Year and have set new goals.
- In addition to our latest accomplishments, our work groups are continually mobilizing efforts for civic engagement related to the Workforce/Workplace, Schools, Volunteer Management, Learning, Policy and Publicity.
- Presidents of universities and community colleges are developing units on their campuses to connect retirees to service, work and learning.