Call for Community Advisory Committee Members
About the Centre on Aging
The Centre on Aging is a cross-faculty, interdisciplinary entity embedded in the O’Brien Institute for Public Health in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. It was established through a philanthropic gift from the Brenda Strafford Foundation. The Centre serves as a hub for advancing innovative and collaborative research and education on aging, with the goal of improving the health and well-being of older adults. It supports academic activities across multiple UCalgary Faculties and leads institutional activities that promote an age-inclusive campus culture and environment.
The Centre is establishing a Community Advisory Committee to provide diverse perspectives and expertise that will help guide its work and ensure it aligns with the needs and priorities of older adults and those who support them.
Committee Member Responsibilities
- Provide guidance on the Centre’s research and educational activities by identifying key challenges faced by older adults.
- Serve as a liaison between the Centre and the broader community by fostering collaboration and ensuring community perspectives are reflected in aging-related research and education at UCalgary.
- Support efforts to inform and influence aging-related policy and practice by ensuring that the Centre’s work contributes to decision-making across relevant organizations and sectors.
- Provide guidance on philanthropy and fundraising efforts for the Centre.
Committee Member Expectations
- Attend four meetings per year, each lasting up to two hours, in a hybrid format (in person / virtual).
- Fulfill the responsibilities listed above.
- Provide timely and effective advice and support.
- Serve a full two-year term.
Committee Roles & Requirements
The Committee will consist of diverse members to bring a variety of lived experiences, perspectives, and expertise. To be considered, applicants must meet specific criteria. Please review the required and preferred qualifications for the role you are applying for below.
Four representatives will be selected for this role.
To apply, you will need to:
- Be 50 years of age or older, or a caregiver who is 45 years of age or older.
- Have lived experience of aging or caregiving for older adults (50+ years).
- Reside in the Calgary Metropolitan Area.
For this role, you should have:
- A good understanding of the challenges and needs of older adults and/or caregivers.
- Comfort in sharing personal experiences and concerns in a group setting.
- The ability to advocate for the needs of older adults and/or caregivers in research, policy, and practice.
Two representatives will be selected for this role.
To apply, you will need to:
- Be affiliated with a community-based organization that serves older adults (e.g., not-for-profit organizations, government agencies).
- Have experience providing services or programs that support older adults.
- Reside in the Calgary Metropolitan Area.
For this role, you should have:
- A solid understanding of the community-based sector, community engagement, and aging-related issues.
- Strong networking and collaboration skills to help connect the Centre with community organizations and resources.
- The ability to bring community perspectives into the Centre’s research and educational activities.
Two representatives will be selected for this role.
To apply, you will need to:
- Be affiliated with a for-profit organization that serves older adults.
- Have experience developing or delivering products or services for older adults.
- Reside in the Calgary Metropolitan Area.
For this role, you should have:
- An understanding of the needs and preferences of older adults in a market context, including current trends, products, and services.
- The ability to guide the Centre in exploring market-based solutions through research.
- The ability to balance business objectives with social responsibility and the well-being of older adults.
Two representatives will be selected for this role.
To apply, you will need to:
- Be a professional in the healthcare and social services sector (e.g., geriatric care professionals, social workers, recreation therapists, etc.).
- Have experience working directly with older adults in clinical, community, or residential settings.
- Reside in the Calgary Metropolitan Area.
For this role, you should have:
- A strong understanding of the health or social service needs of older adults.
- The ability to provide expert advice to inform research, education, policy, and practice related to older adults’ health and well-being.
- The ability to advocate for the needs of older adults in policy discussions and healthcare or social services practices.
One representative will be selected for this role.
To apply, you will need to:
- Have experience in philanthropy and fundraising.
- Reside in the Calgary Metropolitan Area.
For this role, you should have:
- Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape and effective fundraising strategies.
- A network of potential donors or stakeholders who are interested in supporting aging-related initiatives.
- The ability to advise on resource development and help the Centre build strong partnerships for funding and support.
How to Apply
To join the Community Advisory Committee, complete the online application form below. If you prefer to submit a video application instead, contact the Centre on Aging for details. Applications will be accepted from September 2 to October 10, 2025. Please note that positions are limited and only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Questions about the Committee or the application process should be directed to the Centre by email at aging@ucalgary.ca or by phone at 403-210-7208.