Commission on Aging subcommittee proposes virtual volunteer hub and newsletter to boost outreach

Commission members proposed a digital outreach strategy to make presentations and service-provider information accessible to the public, including a web-based hub of vetted organizations and a short newsletter for distribution.

Franklin (last name not specified) described a mock-up webpage that would list organizations the commission has heard from, link their logos to those organizations’ pages and provide a centralized place for volunteers and seniors to find services. "If you'd clicked onto each one of these names, boxes that would hyperlink you into that organization's page," Franklin said, noting the work would require some technical support from county communications staff.

Commission members suggested pairing the hub with a short, regular newsletter distributed through existing county listservs or a commission-managed mailing list. Cass Friedland said the newsletter could tie into the web hub and be used to publicize events such as National Night Out. Members noted county protocols may constrain how content is published or distributed and asked staff to check with communications staff.

The subcommittee composition was clarified: Donna, Ken, Justin and Mel make up the formal communications subcommittee (maximum four members), but members can present ideas and assist without being formal members. Ellen Rogers agreed to take the lead on a newsletter idea and work with the subcommittee; staff said they would check whether distribution via county listservs or other channels is permitted.

No formal action was taken; members asked staff and the communications subcommittee to pursue the technical and policy checks needed to advance the proposal.