Aging in RestonPhase II Concepts

Volunteers with the Aging in Reston (AIR) initiative have just completed a draft document that summarizes the activities of Phase I (December 2010 - April 2011).

Moving forward it is important for AIR to maintain focus and growth through a clearly defined strategic plan.

The following offers a framework for discussion and review on the strategic direction and structure of AIR for Phase II and beyond.

Phase I In Phase I, AIR structure centered primarily around four working groups of volunteers.

Each group was managed by a convener who scheduled meetings, arranged for speakers and resources, and assisted in documenting the “voice” of working group in Phase I. The Phase I overview offers details on the process and suggestions for the future.

Phase II

June 2011 – September 2011 – it is recommended that AIR continue with short-term phases at this stage of the initiative. This is ideal for volunteer recruitment, goal setting, and it offers flexibility for the future.

Same Structure vs. New Structure? One option would be to continue into the next phase utilizing the same working group structure. An alternative would be to propose a new structure that addresses the issues outlined in the Phase I Overview.

Proposed Concept for Phase IIIn Phase I the Model Development Working Group was charged with proposing a structure to facilitate making Reston a better community to live a lifetime. In Phase II we propose to focus on launching a pilot project to test a proposed structure. The Resources Working Group identified that a key resource to making Reston more liveable for a lifetime is the ability for neighbors to help each other This work will be done primarily in the newly formed Neighborhood Network Working Group in Phase II.

Neighborhood Network Working GroupSupport, monitor and review pilot projects with a focus on further developing a sustainable model.

• Reston Coordinators - The primary role of these volunteers is to support to Village Coordinators, promote AIR throughout Reston and provide informal guidance and resources to general “aging” questions via the AIR phone line and website.

• Village Coordinators - Volunteers responsible for coordinating and promoting this concept in the geographic region surrounding 7 “village” centers.

• Neighborhood Coordinators - The primary role of these volunteers is to promote and support this initiative at the “street level”. These volunteers will help organize the neighborhood structure and serve as a trusted resource and access point for the neighbors in their community.

• Pilot Neighborhoods:• Newport Shores (Townhouses)• Villa Ridge (Condominiums)• Timberhead Lane, Burgee, Spinnaker Ct. (Single Family)

Proposed tasks:• Reports from Neighborhood Coordinators• Recruiting more Neighborhood Pilots• Recruit Village Coordinators

In Phase I the Transportation and Housing Working Groups identified issues that they would like to continue to pursue from an advocacy or community education perspective. In Phase II the Advocacy Working Group will manage, connect and report on these topics working closely with the other working groups.

Advocacy Working GroupOngoing research and focused activism. Potential groups might include:

• Affordable Housing• Transportation• Accessibility

In Phase I all four working groups identified special projects that they would like to continue to pursue In Phase II the Projects Working Group will manage, connect and

report on these topics working closely with the other working groups. For a project to be defined as an AIR project it will need a designated leader and a defined plan.

Projects Working GroupDefined projects with a specific goal. Potential projects might include:

• Elder Playgrounds• Senior Housing Engagement• Volunteer Screening• Shepherd Center Pilot• Farmers Market and Community Outreach

AIR is fortunate to have the support and interest from many organizations. The Phase I Overview has outlined many needs that AIR working groups have identified in their “wish lists”. In Phase II the Sustainability Working Group will strive to match AIR needs with appropriate partners.

Sustainability Working GroupResearching support and resources to accomplish AIR goals and projects. Focus might include:

• Establishing partnerships with community groups• Grant writing• Fees and Donations• Fundraising