Advocacy
Advocacy in the High Country
Advocacy plays a vital role in improving the lives of older adults
and creating more accessible, age-friendly communities.
What Is Advocacy?
Advocacy is the act of supporting a cause or proposal. Under the Older Americans Act, Area Agencies on Aging are responsible for advocating for the needs and well-being of older adults.
Curious what is an Area Agency on Aging? Learn more here!
At High Country Area Agency on Aging, our advocacy work includes:
- Keeping the community informed about current issues & policy
- Communicating the needs of older adults to elected officials
- Coordinating advocacy events and outreach.
Stay connected by following advocacy alerts from USAging and AARP.
You can also make your voice heard by contacting your elected officials about issues that matter to you — especially those impacting the health and well-being of older adults.
Find Your Elected Officials:
United States Senate
United States House of Representatives
North Carolina General Assembly
Senior Tar Heel Legislature
Established in 1993 by the NC General Assembly, the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL) gives older adults a direct voice in state policymaking. Its mission is to educate seniors on legislative issues, advocate for aging-related priorities, and assess the needs of older adults through a forum modeled after the General Assembly.
Each of North Carolina’s 100 counties appoints one delegate and one alternate, all age 60 or older. The STHL meets three times a year – March, June, and October – and produces an annual report outlining its priorities.
The NC Division of Aging supports the STHL in partnership with High Country Area Agency on Aging, which assists counties with selecting representatives.
For more information about STHL or our regional delegates (or to express interest in becoming a delegate), contact Zack Green at 828-265-5434 ext. 122 or zgreen@hccog.org.
USAging
USAging is the national association representing Area Agencies on Aging. It advocates for federal policies that strengthen services and supports for older adults and caregivers. Through leadership, education, and policy engagement, USAging helps communities respond to the evolving needs of an aging population.
North Carolina Association on Aging
North Carolina Association on Aging (NCAOA) is a statewide network dedicated to improving the lives of older North Carolinians. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, NCAOA supports aging services, promotes best practices, and advances policies that enhance health, independence, and well-being.
National Council on Aging
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) works to ensure all older adults can age with health and financial security. Through advocacy, innovative programs, and partnerships, NCOA helps older adults – especially those in most need – access benefits, improve well-being, and maintain independence.
Friends of Residents
Friends of Residents in Long-Term Care (FOR) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of long-term care residents across North Carolina. Through advocacy, education, and partnerships, FOR supports individuals in nursing homes, assisted living communities, continuing care retirement communities, and home health settings.