A packed-house of enthusiastic members and guests participated in a high-spirited and inter-active feedback workshop on November 26, 2008 in Burlington. Using the three key areas of CARP’s Mission, Advocacy, Benefits and Community as the theme for breakout groups, feedback from members on a myriad of personal issues was overwhelming.
After 15 years of growth and wonderful activities of the Halton Chapter, virtually everyone acknowledged that we are at a crucial period to look at the challenges, benefits and opportunities for the Halton Chapter to grow in 2009 and beyond. This included an expanded profile for the Chapter, a proactive advocacy strategy, added options for member benefits, and community partnerships.
With CARP transforming to A New Vision of Aging for Canada, local Chapters across Canada are building their Membership Base, gaining greater local support, and a cooperative role at the Community level, playing a critical role in the overall ‘grass roots’ effectiveness of the organization.
Key Action Items derived from the Workshop, included:
Advocacy
Generally include more CARP members and the community renew focus on financial matters in difficult times greater education on health care, social and public services
Benefits
Learn more about competitive and affordable insurance: auto, home, travel, critical illness, long term care examine a variety of travel packages and car rental options seek other health benefits, like hearing aid batteries, etc.
Community
Visit Milton, Halton Hills and Oakville for new members form new partnerships with regional and municipal officials create a higher profile of CARP’s role in the community
Dr. Gordon Atherley Joins CARP National Advocacy Team on Heath Issues With his recent involvement on the Ontario Seniors?Advisory Committee on Long-Term Care Issues, Dr. Atherley now offers his passion for change in health care matters to help seniors across Ontario. We are delighted to announce that our own Dr.Gordon Atherley will be a new strategic liaison for the CARP National Advisory Team on the quality of health care matters province-wide.
Dr. Atherley has extensive health care experience. From a practicing physician, to an advocate to improve heath care to all age categories, as well as being an active member of the Halton Chapter Management team advocating for members on various health care matters.We look forward to hearing from Gordon on the progress of the Long-Term Care Issues and how we can support him in his new role with Local Health Integration Network matters.
Sign-up for the free CARP Online Newsletter for more information about CARP Advocacy Issues at http://www.carp.ca/
Christine McLeod Receives AARP Recognition as Winner of Special Prize
At the recent 2008 CARP AGM held in Toronto, AARP’s President of their Global Network spoke highly of the level of involvement of CARP members, many of whom were able to visit the AARP Conference in Washington, D.C. to learn first hand how the Global Network benefits existing and future CARP members. Congratulations to our own Christine McLeod (Milton Member), who attended and was the lucky winner of a fantastic global trip package offered by AARP.
To learn more about AARP’s Global Network and its benefits to CARP members see: http://www.aarp.com/
