Council on Aging

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 

Elevate the visibility of Framingham’s 55+ community to the Mayor and City Councilors. 

This will be done by conducting meetings with the 55+ community to understand their issues and providing periodic summary reports/updates to the Mayor, City Councils, and other city officials, as needed, to develop plans that will address concerns/issues identified:

• Impact of COVID-19
• Communication 
• Resources
• Awareness
• Access 
• Housing and rental concerns
• Transportation needs
• Socialization concerns and desires
• Other topics that may arise

MEMBERSHIP 

The Council on Aging shall consist of not less than 7 nor more than 11 members. All members shall serve without compensation. The mayor shall appoint all members of the board. Members are required to be residents of Framingham. Non-residents shall not be eligible to serve.

MEMBER DUTIES

A member must understand, support, and carry out the Council on Aging’s mission on behalf of the aging population. The Council on Aging assists older adults to remain independent at home for as long as possible while providing for choices and opportunities. This includes identifying unmet needs and developing and implementing programs and services that help to meet those needs. Members should attend as many of the eleven meetings each year as possible. Preview the budget and narrative reports sent by the Director review the minutes from prior meetings and the agenda for the current meeting and come prepared to discuss.

MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Members are responsible to the City Mayor and ultimately to the citizens of Framingham. Members must understand and be committed to the COA-defined mission. Members must understand the state laws that affect all Council on Aging board members across the state, such as the Open Meeting Law, Public Records Law, Conflict of Interest Laws, and the Fair Information Practices Act. Effective communications between the COA board and the Mayor are central to the Council’s fulfillment of its mission.

Board members must understand and approve the Director of Elder Services budget and monitor it monthly or at least quarterly.

COA Board should be involved with the Director of Elder Services in planning and/or reviewing annual and long-term goals. Evaluate and monitor the programs and services.

COA Board members may also serve as program volunteers.

MEMBER SKILLSET

Familiarity with the elderly population and their needs and services available, interest in advocating for seniors’ needs, willingness to engage seniors in the community for input and feedback, commitment to attend monthly meetings approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Recognition and acceptance of an advisory role to the City Mayor. Familiarity with budgets and how to monitor them. Long-term planning, marketing skills, communication skills, interviewing skills, and openness to new ideas.

MEETING INFORMATION

Meeting dates/occurrence: Second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m.; September through July.