ETCOG Introduces New Public Engagement Website
East Texas Council of Governments • September 20, 2021
We Want Your Feedback!
The East Texas Council of Governments(ETCOG) announces the launching of www.LetsTalkETCOG.org, an engagement website devoted as a space for our members and East Texas residents to share ideas, discuss important topics, and provide feedback on our programs, services, regional planning, and contributions to the region. ETCOG is the program administrator of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas.
Join the Conversation
This online platform offers various interactive tools, including discussion forums, polls, surveys, and crowdsource mapping. Use Let's Talk ETCOG to contribute your ideas and ask questions about featured projects such as:
- Aging in East Texas
- Economic Development
- Enhancing the Environment
- Regional Transportation
- Safety in East Texas
- Workforce Development
- Regional Grants
- East Texas Broadband Initiative
- ETCOG Board and Executive Committee Decisions
"Public engagement usually involves attending a public meeting or providing a letter to ETCOG. To enhance in-person engagement efforts, we've launched Let's Talk ETCOG to help reach a broader audience for those who may not have the chance to participate in person, gather more member feedback, and offer the community a new way to provide input on projects," said ETCOG's Director of Communications, Lindsay Vanderbilt.
To engage on Let's Talk ETCOG, visit the website to submit input using the online options relevant to each of the projects currently open for discussion. To provide feedback, participants must create a login and be signed in. All input and ideas are compiled and sent to the relevant project manager to make recommendations.
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
