Gov. Kaine to be guest at Diversity and Aging Forum

Knowing that every Virginian has the right to age with dignity regardless of ethnicity, gender, economic or disability status, AARP Virginia will hold its first Diversity and Aging Forum on Nov. 19 at the Sheraton Park South Hotel, 9901 Midlothian Tnpk. Gov. Tim Kaine will address the forum in a special afternoon session.

The forum will focus on the many unique ways that aging issues such as health care, employment and immigration affect the diverse segments of older Virginians. Business and government leaders, educators, human resource professionals, community activists and citizens concerned with diversity and aging related issues have been invited to attend.

"We all need to understand the issues faced by older adults in diverse communities," said AARP Virginia's State Director Bill Kallio. "This forum is a great opportunity to learn and better prepare organizations and businesses about managing an older diverse workforce."

A conversation on diversity and aging will be led by Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder. Linda Nablo, commissioner of the Virginia Department for the Aging, will be the forum luncheon speaker and Dr. Percil Stanford, AARP's chief national diversity officer, will open the forum with an address.

Important subjects to be addressed in mini breakout sessions include issues impacting non-traditional households, having financial security in retirement, new aging demographics, creating livable communities and empowering diverse volunteers.

Forum registration is $25 and includes all meals, refreshments and workshop materials. To register, call (877) 926-8300.

AARP Virginia's Diversity and Aging Forum is being sponsored by the organization's Diversity Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the Asian American Society of Central Virginia, the Department of Rehabilitative Services, Equality Virginia, the League of Women Voters, the Northern Virginia Urban League, Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging, the Urban League of Greater Richmond, the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Poverty Law Center. The committee advises AARP Virginia's executive council to ensure policies are implemented to include and serve the diverse populations that are Virginia's senior community.