FAQ’s

WHAT IS THE NETWORK IN AGING?

In Western New York, professionals working with and for older adults are fortunate to have an organization whose mission is to help them to do their jobs better. The Network in Aging of Western New York is a unique organization that brings together individuals and organizations involved in aging and long-term care.

WHAT IS THE NETWORK’S MISSION?

The Network’s mission is to help our members by providing opportunities for resource exchange, professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration through networking events, educational programs, strategic partnerships and promoting public awareness of the organization and its mission.

HOW LONG HAS THE NETWORK BEEN OPERATING?

The Network was founded in 1981 by the late Dr. Evan Calkins, along with a group of people committed to improving the quality of life for older persons in Western New York.

WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE NETWORK?

Our members are from diverse backgrounds and include educators, health and social service professionals, educators, attorneys, and many other community leaders. Members are brought together through the Network to exchange information, to learn about services available for their clients, to develop their knowledge of aging services, to develop in their professional roles and to foster collaboration for the betterment of life for older adults and their families.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE NETWORK?

Through active membership in the Network in Aging you will meet new people and develop contacts within the aging services field, stay updated on the changes and challenges facing organizations servicing older adults, participate in educational programs for your professional growth and receive information in timely issues in the field of aging.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL?

All members may participate on committees, may be nominated to the Board of Directors and will receive the Network Newsletter which includes a calendar of events listing workshops, educational seminars, conferences and other activities related to aging and long-term care and will receive discounts on all Network events.

I’M NOT SURE ABOUT BECOMING A MEMBER YET, CAN I STILL BE INVOLVED WITH THE NETWORK?

Yes! Potential members are welcome to attend one of our free monthly Networking events. This will give you an opportunity to talk to board and committee members, along with other members of the Network in Aging. Non-member prices are offered for our annual meeting. You may also wish to attend a committee meeting as a guest to see if the Network is right for you. 

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER?

You can join via our homepage www.networkinaging.org. Under Membership, select Join and choose the level you want. We are only accepting checks for memberships at this time. Call the Network office at (716) 954-3075 for questions.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP WITH THE NETWORK?

There are five levels of membership.  Benefits for members vary based on levels. Click on this link Membership benefits to view the different levels and benefits offered for each.

HOW DOES THE NETWORK DECIDE WHAT KIND OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO OFFER?

The Network in Aging has an active Education committee that reviews program evaluations from previous Network education events for suggestions, and also looks at offerings in the community to see where education is lacking. In addition, all Network members may suggest topics of interest. The Network attempts to offer unique educational opportunities on issues of interest at an affordable cost to our members.

HOW CAN I GET THE MOST OUT OF MY NETWORK IN AGING MEMBERSHIP?

Your time and money are valuable. There’s no better way to put your membership to work than by selecting and taking part in one of our active committees. The Network has five working committees (and ad hoc committees as needed): Communications, Education, Membership, Networking and Special Events. Visit our committee page to learn more and get involved.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT COMMITTEES?

The Network has five standing committees who are always looking for assistance. The Communications committee establishes and directs the Network’s print and on-line communications with its members and the public. The Education committee plans and carries out educational programs/workshops on aging-related issues, along with planning and preparation for the annual meeting. The Membership committee reviews and recommends changes in membership dues and benefits and coordinates ongoing membership recruitment efforts. The Special Events committee plans social functions, including the January Social, Taste of the Network and annual meeting venue. The Networking committee plans and carries out member-to-member functions, including Networking events. Each committee sets its own meeting schedule. Committee contact information is listed under Committees accessed on our home page . What’s involved with being a committee member? Most committees meet at least monthly, on a schedule arranged by the committee.

HOW CAN I SUBMIT INFORMATION FOR THE NETWORK’S CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND NEWSLETTER?

Event information may be submitted under SUBMIT YOUR EVENT under Events. Once approved, it will be listed on our Calendar of Events on the home page.

CAN I GET A LINK FROM THE NETWORK’S WEBSITE TO MINE?

Links are provided for members.