NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES

The vision of the National Trends and Services facet is to eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education, and service.Our goals include increasing the number of sustainable and measurable programs; increasing collaborative partnerships; and extending our existing initiatives to include communities identified as having the greatest need.

Project SWAG (Seniors With A Goal) is a program designed to address the increasing needs of elderly citizens in our community by providing essential information about resources and services available to them. The Austin (TX) Chapter has partnered with various national and local agencies, including AARP, The National Dental Association, Alzheimer’s Association, Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, and the Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center, to provide this information through an annual workshop at no charge. Three interactive components are offered at each workshop through videos, power point presentations, discussions, and printed materials. Workshop topics offered have included Government Imposter Scams, Financial Fitness, Benefits for Seniors, and Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease.This dynamic program began in 2016 and is underwritten by AARP.

National Trends and Services Voter Outreach & Education Initiatives seek to improve awareness of current political agendas, register more voters, and to get more voters to the polls. Our mission is to positively impact the communities in which we serve through voter outreach, education, and advocacy in the Austin and surrounding communities. Our goals are to increase the number of registered voters as well the number of those voters voting in local, state, and national elections and who are informed regarding the various candidate platforms and proposed legislation that impact their communities.

Recent activities have included the Western Area Links HBCU Town Hall Meeting, Voter Education & Candidates Forum, Voter Registration Drives, GOTV Virtual Phone Bank, as well as Voter Deputy Registrar Training for chapter members.

Since 2006, The Austin (TX) Chapter has recognized and honored Walnut Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center residents with monthly birthday celebrations. The monthly celebrations consist of food, fun, and fitness for the residents. We partner with the Armstrong Community Music School to provide musical entertainment. The residents participate in large and small group activities focused on singing, playing instruments, and engaging in targeted physical movements. The residents look forward to the celebrations and enjoy interacting with the performers and Links members.