Let’s Talk, Massachusetts: Embracing Conversations to Build Community
In 2023, together with AARP Massachusetts, we hosted a virtual summit to celebrate National Good Neighbor Day on September 28, 2023. Watch the recording and learn more below.
Shared Resources:
Our Speakers
These experts and community leaders discussed opportunities to rebuild social connections, in response to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s advisory to destigmatize loneliness.
Sandra Harris
Taskforce Co-Leader & State President of AARP Massachusetts
Caitlin Coyle
Taskforce Co-Leader & Director, Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging
Jean Patel Bushnell
Taskforce Co-Leader & Executive Director at Billerica Council on Aging
Jennifer Raymond
Taskforce Co-Leader & Chief Strategy Officer & Director, Healthy Living Center for Excellence at AgeSpan
Nikki Shults
Executive Director of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (Boston)
Cara Solomon
Founder and Executive Director at Everyday Boston
David Conner
Executive Director of OutstandingLife
Gladys Vega
Executive Director of La Colaborativa
Amy Ruell
Director of Adjustment Support Services and Support Groups at Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
September 28, 2023 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Agenda
10:00—10:30 | Introduction & Welcoming Remarks
The taskforce’s commitment to ending loneliness and strengthening community relationships
Sandra Harris, Taskforce Co-Chair & State President of AARP Massachusetts
10:30—11:15 | Meeting People Where They Are: Leaving No One Behind
The importance of ensuring we are being inclusive of people of all abilities, and culturally relevant to ensure no one is left behind.
Nikki Shults, Executive Director of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (Boston Chapter)
Gladys Vega, Executive Director of La Colaborativa
David Connor, Executive Director of OutstandingLife
Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
11:15—11:45 | ConversationsMA
Recap of the ConversationsMA projects from across the state, focusing on why reconnecting and talking to each other is important, the lessons learned, and highlighting featured conversation
Caitlin Coyle, Co-Lead & Director, Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging
11:45—12:20 | Conversations Stations
An opportunity for participants to experience setting up, conducting/facilitating, and documenting a conversation station.
Cara Solomon, Founder and Executive Director, Everyday Boston
12:20—12:30 | Closing Remarks & Call to Action
Jennifer Raymond, Taskforce Co-Leader & Chief Strategy Officer and Director, Healthy Living Center for Excellence at AgeSpan
Jean Patel Bushnell, Taskforce Co-Leader & Executive Director at Billerica Council on Aging
September 28 is National Good Neighbor Day!
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Invite others to attend the Summit by sharing it in your newsletter and posting it on social media. We’ve made it easy with this promotional toolkit.
