MEMBER SERVICES: Stay ahead of the curve, foster a thriving community, and support your aging population
“As a member services manager for MCOA, I am dedicated to empowering Councils on Aging and the community by providing essential support and resources. My role is rooted in fostering collaboration, promoting advocacy, and enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Together, we strive to create inclusive environments that enrich the lives of our communities and promote their well-being.”
For National Senior Center Month, an Irish “Men’s Shed” offers an idea worth bringing home.
Last year, while traveling in County Cork, Ireland, my husband and I visited a Men’s Shed in Allihies. We expected to see a workshop. What we found was something much bigger: a place where men could build things, contribute to their community, learn new skills and,...
MEMBER SERVICES -
Membership in MCOA is a gateway to a thriving Aging Network
Joining MCOA opens a door to a vibrant network of aging professionals, empowering local COAs to stay abreast of the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in aging. This continuous learning fosters a forward-thinking approach that ensures older adults receive the most up-to-date support.
- Stay current with aging community news and innovation: MCOA provides members with access to timely updates on aging-related research, policy changes, and emerging programs, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve and can adapt their services accordingly.
- Unlock grant opportunities to expand your impact: MCOA offers a variety of funding opportunities to support local COAs in implementing new programs, expanding existing services, and enhancing their capacity to serve the aging population.
- Gain access to expert technical support: MCOA’s team of experts provides members with comprehensive technical assistance, guiding them through legislative changes, program development, and resource allocation strategies.
- Foster a vibrant aging community: MCOA provides peer-to-peer connections through our COA network and a network of partners, including community organizations, government agencies, and private businesses, enabling them to collaborate and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for older adults.
Benefits of MCOA Membership
MCOA’s commitment to supporting local COAs extends beyond information and resources. They provide a comprehensive suite of services that enhance the capacity of COA professionals and empower them to better serve their communities.
- Director Certification: MCOA offers a Director Certification program that equips COA leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and lead their organizations.
- Private peer-to-peer network: MyMCOA is a private online forum where COA directors and staff can connect, share experiences, and seek advice from their peers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective support.
- Board training: MCOA offers a comprehensive Board Resource Guide to help COA governing bodies understand their fiduciary responsibilities, strengthen governance practices, and provide informed strategic leadership.
- Access to partner organizations: MCOA connects local COAs with a wide range of partner organizations, offering access to specialized expertise, resources, and collaborative opportunities.
- Professional development: MCOA hosts regular conferences, workshops, and webinars, providing COA professionals with opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- New Director Visits: Individual meetings with the Member Services Manager to provide support, review day to day operations and answer questions.
- New Director Training: Leadership Development-a series of skill building classes that give new directors the necessary tools, knowledge and skills to be successful!
Here you can:
Ask Questions of Your Peers
Start discussions with fellow MyMCOA members by creating posts that your peers can provide their thoughts on.
Share Important Resources
Have a document that you think others in the community would benefit from? The online community is a perfect place to share it.
Get and Give Answers
See a question that you know the answer to? You can use the MCOA community to provide your thoughts!
Follow Topics of Interest
Stay up-to-date on the professional topics you care about most, like: [INSERT EXAMPLE TOPICS].
Share Conversation-Worthy Articles
Come across an article that you think that the MCOA community might enjoy reading about? Share the link with the community to start the conversation.
Create Your Community Profile
Make it easier for others to find and learn about you by building a full profile within the community. If there’s information you’d rather not share, you can control that through your privacy settings.
Welcome
Dear New Director:
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging and Senior Director Centers (MCOA) organization and network, consisting of 350 Councils on Aging throughout the state of Massachusetts.
This new Director’s Guide has been set up to walk you through the procedures of your new position as a problem solving source and reference tool. While we have tried to incorporate all of the major aspects of your new position, we know that every COA has its individual
challenges and mission. Please don’t hesitate to contact MCOA with any questions or problems that you may have along the way. We are here to help and support you in your new role. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to other Directors in your area and across the state for helpful hints, guidance, a listening ear and valuable advice.
You will receive weekly news briefs and monthly newsletters electronically from MCOA. Stay up to date with the training and events that are being held and frequent as many as you can.
The MCOA website is a wealth of information with links to an array of resources and is always being updated. Make sure to check out the website and bookmark it!
If we can be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 413.527.6425. Please feel free to reach out to our Member Services Manager. Her contact information is listed below.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Connell
MCOA Executive Director
Kelly Burke
Member Services Manager 413-923-1972
kelly@mcoaonline.com