GU RELEASES TWO NEW PUBLICATIONS

Generations United has announced the release of its Public Policy Agenda for the 111^th Congress.  The agenda outlines GU’s positions on current public policy issues. GU has identified three priorities that will yield short- and long-term benefits critical for the recovery and growth of our economy: 

1. Give priority to communities that commit to building facilities that serve both young and old in economic recovery efforts and sustainable community development such as schools, child- care centers, and senior centers
2. Ensure policies are in place to guarantee grandfamilies benefit from the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
3. Promote intergenerational civic engagement and multigenerational activities by promoting policies that expand the number and diversity of volunteers.

For more information of the policy agenda, please visit http://www.gu.org/PolicyAgenda111.asp.

Additionally, Generations United released "A Results Ready Agenda for Improving the Futures of Vulnerable Children, Elders, Families and Communities." The new Agenda uses a "stronger together" framework while taking a close look at the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the new Administration's budget priorities, and the interests of those advocating on behalf of vulnerable children, older adults and communities. It offers concrete examples of how policies and practices that engage and serve multiple generations maximize the outcomes from limited dollars. 

Generations United announced the release of the two new publications last week at a briefing co-sponsored with National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A) and the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA). The briefing was entitled, "Livable Communities: Ensuring Health and Wellness for All Ages in an Aging Society." The “Livable Communities” model embraces a wide range of approaches, but is defined most simply as creating good places to grow up as well as to grow old. The briefing included remarks from speakers, including Congressman Perriello (D-VA) about how the livable communities approach can be used by policymakers to improve health and promote wellness in your community.