Dane County is seeking residents to serve on the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Advisory Council, as defined in the Older Americans Act. The Council advises the AAA on planning and improving services that support older adults and family caregivers across Dane County.
Who Should Apply
Dane County residents with lived experience or professional/community experience related to aging, including:
• Older adults (including underserved older persons)
• Family caregivers, advocates, and community members
• Service providers and community leaders
• Individuals representing the general public
Council size: 9-15 members
Requirement: At least 50% of members must be age 60+
Why Serve
Council members help ensure programs, policies, and community actions affecting older adults and caregivers reflect local needs—now and into the future.
What Members Do
Members provide input through community outreach, research, and sharing their community perspective, including helping develop the 2028–2030 Aging Plan and monitoring progress on the current plan. Additional work opportunities may be available between meetings.
Mandated by the State of Wisconsin in December 1972, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) of Dane County Board of Directors serves in an advisory capacity to the Dane County Executive and the Dane County Health and Human Needs Committee. The AAA Board is designated as the planning, policy, and advocacy body of AAA. It also provides technical assistance to county departments and agencies, other governmental agencies, business and community groups, and the general public related to issues of aging and the needs of senior adults.
It also provides technical assistance to county departments and agencies, other governmental agencies, business and community groups, and the general public related to issues of aging and the needs of older adults.
The purpose of the AAA Board is to enhance the well-being of older adult residents of Dane County and to promote the independence and involvement of older persons in their community. The Board also advocates for older people in order to enable them to maintain their full potential and enhance their quality of life. The work of the Board includes policy development, budget prioritizing, identifying, planning, recommending, and overseeing County aging services. The Board, in conjunction with AAA staff, creates and promotes opportunities for communication among the entire community, including local organizations and elected representatives, public and private planners, and providers of service.
The Board is made up of 11 members consisting of at-large community members and Dane County Board of Supervisors who have a recognized ability and demonstrated interest in services for older adults. A majority of the at-large community members must be age 60 or older. Members serve staggered three-year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms.
The AAA Board meets the first Monday of every month at 3:45 PM in the Aging and Disability Resource Center.
Board Application
Community members interested in serving on the Board must complete the application here when vacancies arise. Potential appointees are asked to provide education and special training, as well as work and other experience which will be beneficial for carrying out the responsibilities as a Board member. The County Executive makes appointments to the Board, which are then approved by the Board of Supervisors.
The AAA Board Chair shall appoint all members of the Legislative/Advocacy Committee. At-large member appointments must be approved by the full AAA Board. At least two (2) members of the committee shall be members of the AAA Board. All committee members shall be residents of Dane County and a majority of each committee shall be 60 years of age or older. Committee members shall serve three (3)-year terms. A Chair and Vice-Chair shall be elected by the Committee and have voting rights.
The Legislative/Advocacy Committee submits position statements to the AAA Board for approval. Those positions establish the basis for action on public policy issues. Positions taken by the Legislative/Advocacy Committee shall reflect the approved Dane County Legislative Agenda. The Legislative/Advocacy Committee may also make recommendations to the AAA Board on evolving older adult issues. The Legislative/Advocacy Committee shall:
Meeting with Dane County Lobbyist and others interested in legislative advocacy.
The AAA Board Chair shall appoint all members of the Nutrition/Wellness Committee. At-large member appointments must be approved by the full AAA Board. At least two (2) members of the Committee shall be members of the AAA Board. All Committee members shall be residents of Dane County and a majority shall be 60 years of age or older. Committee members shall serve no more than two (2) consecutive three (3)-year staggered terms. A Chair and Vice-Chair shall be elected annually by the Committee and have voting rights; they will report periodically to the AAA Board.
The Nutrition/Wellness Committee advises the staff of the Senior Nutrition Program on all matters relating to the delivery of nutrition and nutrition support services. Emphasis on Prevention and Prevention Programs is included in the philosophy and activities of the Nutrition/Wellness Committee. Positions taken by the Nutrition/ Wellness Committee shall reflect the approved Dane County Legislative Agenda and follow state policies. The Nutrition/Wellness Committee may also make recommendations to the AAA Board on evolving older adult issues. The Nutrition/Wellness Committee shall:
