Advocacy
Why does MAC Inc. Advocate?
Under our federal charter through the Older Americans Act, one of MAC’s main responsibilities is to be a voice and advocate for the needs of older adults. We advocate because, without a voice federally, statewide, and locally, many issues important to older adults would not get the attention they deserve.
What can MAC do?
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, MAC Inc. can advocate on a limited basis. 501(c)3 non-profit organizations are allowed to participate in the following activities:
- Educating elected officials on older adult issues
- Discussing specific legislation with elected officials
- Supporting or opposing ballot initiatives
- Recognizing an elected official for work they’ve done that falls in line with our mission
- Having registered lobbyists on staff and filing the organization as a lobbying entity
- Conducting legislative analysis
- Working within community coalitions with elected officials and community leaders to advance our mission
501(c)3 organizations are not allowed to participate in the following activities:
- Support or oppose a political party
- Support or oppose a political candidate running for office
- Participate in events sponsored by politically partisan organizations (i.e. Republican or Democratic Party events)
Key Legislation
The Older Americans Act
The Older Americans Act (OAA), passed in 1965 and reauthorized in 2016, is a core piece of federal legislation that provides the framework for the network of Area Agencies on Aging around the country and provides funding for key supportive services. The OAA currently supports a wide array of programs and services, including information and referral, congregate and home-delivered meals, health and wellness programs, in-home care, transportation, elder abuse prevention, caregiver support and adult day care.
Through its various titles, the OAA establishes the Area Agencies on Aging and funds the following:
MAC INC.. is one of 19 Area Agencies on Aging in Maryland and one of 622 nationwide. Under our federal charter, through the Older Americans Act, we are obligated to advocate for the needs and future well-being of older adults on Maryland’s Lower Shore
