Toward a Regional Agenda

Role: Evaluation Specialist and Qualitative Data Analyst | Keywords: Empowerment evaluation; gerontology; logic model; organizational strategy

• Objective: Identified critical issues faced by older adults in the Southern U.S. to help refine priorities for the organization’s regional gerontological agenda.

• Key Actions Taken:

• Distributed an online survey to SGS members and partners (e.g., government agencies, community organizations, gerontological practitioners) every three years to gather insights on emerging challenges for older adults in the South.

• Collaborated with the SGS Survey Subcommittee, comprising researchers, practitioners, students, and the SGS Executive Director, under the guidance of the Development Committee and SGS Board of Directors.

• Designed and implemented the project using an empowerment evaluation framework. Analyzed survey results and compiled findings into detailed reports with actionable recommendations for the organization.

• Published two executive reports, one journal article in the Journal of Applied Gerontology, and delivered multiple presentations to SGS members, committees, and affiliated organizations. Currently preparing for the third wave of the survey, with the next Executive Report set for release in March 2025.

• Impact: Results from this initiative have directly influenced SGS’s regional agenda, particularly in research and service priorities. Key outcomes include:

• Shaping SGS Annual Conference domains

• Establishing new SGS committees

• Developing SGS webinars

• Enhancing SGS service activities

• Informing advocacy initiatives

Link to Executive Reports: https://southerngerontologicalsociety.org/publications-reports.html

Link to Publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464820966477