Leadership Development

Educational Seminars
Partners attend three training events during a 12-month period: two ASA-NCOA Joint Conferences and a week training in Washington, DC. On these occasions, partners receive custom-tailored group training, while having the opportunity to attend workshops, pre-conference programs, half- and full-day intensives, symposia and other educational events presented by the leading educators, practitioners, researchers and policy analysts in the field of aging. They are introduced to policy makers, prominent aging professionals of color and academic researchers, ASA's leadership and other key "players" in the aging field. Partners are also given the opportunity to participate in ASA's standing committees and become involved in other leadership activities sponsored by ASA. This includes attendance at the ASA Spring Board of Directors Meeting, allowing participants to observe the strategic planning, policy deliberations and budgeting activities of a national organization in the field of aging.

Special Projects
Partners develop a special project that contributes to the well-being of older persons of color in their community. This could be an outreach campaign, applied research, a needs assessment, involvement in a policy-related project, or a plan to improve delivery of services.

Mentors
To assist the partners in developing leadership and management skills and effectively developing and implementing their special projects, partners work with two mentors. The first mentor assists the partner in networking with ASA, leadership and management development, and keeping them informed of the trends and challenges that lie ahead in the national aging arena. The second mentor provides the partner with assistance in his/her special project, as well as leadership development at the local level.