As part of SAGE’s current strategic direction, SAGECollab creates a new, expanded, and flexible approach to partnerships
[New York, NY] Today, SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders, announced the launch of SAGECollab, its new innovative partnership model. SAGECollab brings together a diverse national network of groups, organizations, and individuals to support LGBTQ+ older people and advocate for LGBTQ+ aging policies across the country. SAGE brings over forty years of experience providing direct services to and advocacy for LGBTQ+ elders, including technical assistance provided by the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging and cultural competency training conducted by SAGECare.
“We are thrilled to create a flexible partnership model that will allow SAGE to both lead and learn from old and new partners across the country,” said SAGE Executive Vice President, Lynn Faria. “SAGECollab will help create a connected ecosystem of activists, organizations, and service providers who support LGBTQ+ elders in their communities and each other.”
SAGECollab aims to inspire and support organizations that offer aging programs and advocacy for older LGBTQ+ communities, particularly BIPOC elders, transgender and non-binary elders, and rural elders. Through years of growth and expertise, SAGE has built a nationwide network and is eager to share resources with our partners across the country.
Members of SAGECollab can access technical assistance and expertise from SAGE and support from peers around the country. SAGECollab partners exchange ideas, explore public policy changes, and inspire each to support better support and empower older LGBTQ+ people everywhere. With SAGE’s resources, trainings, and connections to SAGECollab partners, we can create programs and initiatives tailored to meet our community’s unique needs.
“SAGE is a tremendous resource for its community partners,” said Joe Wheeler, Director, of Carolina Aging Alliance, previously SAGE Central North Carolina. “Our services, education, and advocacy for older LGBTQ+ people in Central North Carolina are strengthened because of our partnership with our colleagues at SAGE and across the country.”
“It’s a tough job trying to advocate, educate and energize LGBTQ+ elders in a smaller community when the resources are just not there,” said Edward Adams, Operations and Program Manager, Out Wilmington LGBTQ Seniors and The LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear. “The blessing of SAGECollab is that they are always there beside me as a partner. The network of advocates across the country willing to lend support and tools to help you succeed is life-changing. Thanks to SAGECollab, my ability to advocate for positive change in the community I love is not only possible but done at a much higher level.”
SAGE looks forward to engaging with new partners working to achieve a high quality of life for LGBTQ+ older people, support, and advocate for their rights, foster a greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promote positive images of LGBTQ+ life in later years. Organizations and groups interested in learning more can visit sageusa.org/sagecollab for more information.
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SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ+ older people and their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ elders, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBTQ+ community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, and cultural competency training through SAGECare. Learn more at sageusa.org.
