Every year, more and more leaders around the country join SAGENet, launching programs and advocacy initiatives in their communities to improve the lives of LGBT older people.
In order to become a SAGE affiliate; groups need to complete a series of benchmarks that demonstrate their interest and their viability providing regular services for older adults and engaging in LGBT aging advocacy. These benchmarks do not have to be completed in any specific order nor within a specific time frame. Groups work through the benchmarks at their own pace. Additionally, SAGE staff are available to provide you with technical assistance and guidance as you work through the benchmarks.
To maintain good communication, SAGE asks that one person be selected to act as a point person for your group. When your affiliate launches, we ask that there be one person in your group or organization that is primarily responsible for your SAGE program.
The purpose of this call is to review the benchmarks in more detail and for us to learn about your group and the work you are doing in your community. We will tell you more about the resources SAGE provides to potential affiliates as they go through the process and highlight the benefits of being an affiliate.
These meetings are an important way for potential affiliates to build relationships with constituents and providers, gain community support and consensus for becoming an affiliate and begin gathering information about what programs, services and advocacy opportunities are most wanted by LGBT older adults in your community.
When your group has determined that you want to become an affiliate, we ask that you formally announce your intention to us and indicate your proposed timeline for completion. Once you have announced, you may begin participating in our regularly scheduled meetings with potential affiliates and accessing the tools and resources we have designed to support your efforts.
The purpose of this meeting is to provide you with timely information, resources and support as you work through the benchmarks. Each month we discuss one of the benchmarks and, when possible, we bring in guest speakers from existing affiliates to talk about their experience completing a particular benchmark. Having direct personal knowledge of the benchmarks, these SAGENet leaders provide valuable insight and practical information, just when you need it. You will also hear from other potential affiliates from across the country and learn from their recent experiences. The meetings are recorded for later playback in case you wish to review the information or if you were unable to make a meeting on a particular topic.
Every community is different and it is important for you to know as much as possible about the needs and wishes of LGBT older adults in your community. This information will be essential to you as you plan your array of programs, services and advocacy opportunities. Additionally, armed with recent, relevant local data, you will be able to make a strong case for support to potential donors, funders and government officials.
No single SAGE program is enough to serve LGBT older adults in any community. Building a network of LGBT-friendly aging services will not only increase access to needed services and programs for your LGBT older adults, but it will build visibility of your SAGE program, and provide you with a critical service to your constituents: an information and referral network.
Before your launch your affiliate, we ask that you have some modest programming on the books, perhaps a monthly educational series and a weekly social hour. When LGBT older adults hear about your new affiliate, it is important that there be some regular programs for them to attend. We encourage you to start small and build from there, rather than being overly ambitious and having to scale back if you lose a key volunteer or source of funding.
Your work plan might include your plans for developing programs and services, increasing your financial capacity, assessing the needs of LGBT older adults and creating a network of LGBT-affirming aging services. When you are ready to being creating your work plan, SAGE has an easy-to-use template and a number of sample work plans for you to reference.
Your case statement should be a one-page narrative that describes the history of your organization, your current programs, services and advocacy opportunities and your future plans.
If you are part of a larger organization, your board of directors must formally approve you becoming an affiliate.
If you are not part of a larger organization that already has a 501(c)3 status, we ask that you obtain 501(c)3 status or secure a fiscal sponsor so that you are eligible to receive grants and tax deductible donations.
Once you have completed the benchmarks, you are ready to submit a packet, which will include documentation from your focus groups and community meetings (such as a transcript or meeting minutes), the results of your needs assessment, your case statement and your work plan. Your packet is reviewed by SAGE staff and, if complete, your application for affiliation is approved, usually within two to four weeks.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) lasts for one year and can be cancelled by either party with a 30 day notice. It describes the terms of the relationship between SAGE and your affiliate.
Ready to join?
Still have questions about SAGENet?
