On a bitterly cold Saturday morning in January, the staff and board of directors of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter of Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly gathered in a conference room at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota in Eagan. Four hours later, they emerged with a bundle of goals, metrics and fresh ideas that eventually were spun into LBFE's three-year strategic plan. 

The Strategic Plan will guide our mission of providing friendship to isolated elders for the next three years.

"The new plan is a brilliant piece that will guide our work for the next three years," said LuAnne Speeter, Interim Executive Director. "It ties together our vision - that older adults are a valued and integral part of our community - with clearly defined goals and action steps to make that vision a reality." The result is a seven-page document that outlines an achievable plan for ensuring LBFE will be fulfilling our mission for years to come.

The strategic plan incorporates all areas of the agency, from elder services and volunteer management to internal systems, facilities, technology and resource development. Highlights of the strategic plan include:

Broadening our public awareness. LBFE will leverage mail, email, social media and annual special events, as well as a more vibrant interface with local media, to enhance our recognition. We will also utilize new marketing opportunities available through LBFE's national and international organization.

Dynamically engaging our board of directors for maximum effectiveness. Greater focus on active recruitment; ethnic, gender and age diversity; enhanced new member orientation; and ongoing enrichment will empower our board to be valuable stewards and ambassadors of LBFE's mission.

Diversifying our elder and volunteer groups to better reflect the communities we serve. LBFE programming will establish a diversity action team, and build partnerships with agencies serving targeted elder populations with the goal of developing mutually beneficial elder programs.

Developing new sources of revenue. We will be reaching out to new funders as well as developing a flexible sponsorship package for partnering corporations. We're also moving forward on renting the unused office space on the second level of our East Lake Street building, and better utilizing the event center for broader community use.

You can view the strategic plan document by logging onto our website. For a print version, please contact Danielle Fehring at 612.746.0726.

In Brazil, elders celebrate International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) by dancing in the streets. In Australia, a symposium will bring together key decision makers to discuss age discrimination in its labor force. And in the United Kingdom, events will vary from shorter half-day activities to month-long festivals.

What about in your neighborhood?

 
IDOP, which falls each year on October 1, was specially designated by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1990 as a day to celebrate and honor elders around the world. It's also is a time to tackle negative perceptions and outdated stereotypes of aging.

On October 1, LBFE will celebrate IDOP and honor elders by distributing fresh roses on the Nicollet Mall in

Please join us in celebrating IDOP by reaching out and appreciating an elder in your neighborhood. In doing so, you will brighten his or day while enriching your own. Consider that elders contribute to the rich tapestry of our neighborhoods. They know the community's history, block by block, and pass its story down to younger generations. They keep a guardian's eye on our children and property, enhancing our sense of security. And they enjoy an unhurried conversation, forging enduring friendships that enhance a community's livability.

If you know of an elder neighborhood who is alone and needs companionship, you can also refer them to LBFE by calling 612.746.0724.