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Why join and support COVE?
Membership is essential to COVE’s credibility and financial sustainability. Support COVE for the satisfaction of knowing and contributing to assurances that:
  1. Issues effecting Vermont seniors are being monitored. COVE is keeping watch.
  2. Vermont seniors are represented during the entire Legislative Session.
  3. Forums are held throughout the state encouraging dialogue between local Legislators and citizens.
  4. Senior issues are raised and represented in over 40 statewide task forces, advisory and planning groups, legislative studies etc.
  5. COVE is engaged in and serves best through multiple and meaningful collaborations, partnerships and coalitions.
  6. COVE has long term knowledge and relationships within the long term care communities.
  7. COVE is a well respected, locally governed 27 year old Vermont based consumer advocacy organization.
  8. COVE is non partisan and works effectively with all parties and affiliations.
  9. COVE has a legacy of strong and capable leadership in its President: Esther Urie, Faire Edwards, Marion Gray, June Elliot, Pat Burnham, Betsy Davis and now Marion Milne (to name just a few).
  10. The very active Board of Directors is comprised of statewide consumers, seniors, professionals in the aging field, business and retired legislators.
  11. COVE evaluates and prioritizes issues & concerns in accordance with deeply held core values and principles reflecting self determination, choice, and social justice.
  12. COVE demonstrates financial integrity, efficiency and stewardship.
  13. Vermont’s aging population is growing-requiring even more attention to public policy, planning & advocacy.
  14. COVE has a track record in positively influencing public policy, legislation, rules & regulations that protect the rights and interests of seniors.
  15. COVE vigilantly speaks to the needs of Vermont’s most medically frail, economically disadvantaged, and geographically isolated elders.
  16. COVE has successfully managed important initiatives such as Better Jobs Better Care, the development of the Vermont Association of Professional Care Providers and other activities that address the “CareGap”
  17. COVE is blessed with a capable and caring staff: Sheila Burnham, Dolly Fleming, Susan Gordon, and Anita Hoy.
  18. Decisions are made locally here in Vermont, not at some national headquarters.
  19. State government and legislators have come to rely upon and value COVE’s counsel.
  20. COVE is engaged in public education that helps prevent such things a Medicare error, fraud & abuse.
  21. Brian Harwood hosts a COVE TV show that features successful Vermont seniors and aging service providers.
  22. The Savvy Senior Theater Groups help present complex issues seniors face with humor and pizzazz.
  23. Efforts are made to protect and preserve such important social insurance programs as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and Food Stamps.
  24. COVE members, Board members, staff and volunteers actively participate on commissions ensuring that seniors’ concerns and insights are voiced.
  25. COVE follows the trail of legislative bills and policy to actual program implementation and consumer satisfaction. Sometimes well intentioned bills require scrutiny to ensure that programs and services actually improve the quality of life at an operational level.
  26. COVE is vocal about the needs and interests of seniors but also works respectfully and effectively with the Administration, providers and other key stakeholders.
  27. COVE has recognized and supports the essential role that care givers and care partners play in promoting independence and well being of folks needing care and support.
  28. COVE has been a leader the Culture Change and Person Centered Care movements in Vermont and throughout the nation.
  29. COVE fights to ensure that the necessary Vermont infrastructures are in place to support the growing aging population.
  30. COVE identifies problems but is part of the solution.
  31. COVE looks for opportunities to advance its mission and vision and encourages citizen engagement.
  32. Donors, foundations and government grants have invested in COVE’s work and see it as a viable and essential vehicle for positive change.
  33. COVE engages one of the most highly respected and capable policy advisors and consumer lobbyist in Vermont-Michael Sirotkin.
  34. COVE continues to improve the quality of life for Vermont seniors and the community as a whole.
  35. It is a smart investment with positive returns for Vermonters.
There are two membership categories to choose from:
Individual Membership $20

Organizational Membership:
Statewide Organization $200
Regional (Multi-County) $100
Local (County/Community) $50
Corporate $500
Additional tax-deductible contribution $_____