GGS invites all of our members to support the mission and vision of GGS through volunteering to serve on a GGS committee.  Getting involved starts here, with this quick form to let us know you are interested.  

STANDING COMMITTEES 

ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY

The advocacy committee monitors legislative and public policy developments at the state and federal levels that affect the rights and wellbeing of older adults. 

GGS is an organizational member of the Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly (CO-AGE).  CO-AGE is a leader in identifying and addressing the concerns of older Georgians.  GGS participates in the CO-AGE grassroots priority-planning process every year by holding a GGS membership listening session and selecting an issue to submit for consideration by CO-AGE. Last session, the GGS legislative submission, which strengthened Georgia’s collective response to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults through multi-disciplinary teams and a statewide coalition was selected by CO-AGE as a priority.

For the 2025 legislative session, the advocacy committee submitted another important legislative issue:  supported decision-making documents, which can serve as an alternative to adult guardianship. This issue will be part of the CO-AGE legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

AWARDS

GGS annually acknowledges the outstanding achievements of individuals in the field of gerontology, through the presentation of awards during its annual meeting and conference. GGS established an early tradition of recognizing significant achievement and contributions to the field of aging.  Since 1966, the annual meeting and conference has included an awards ceremony as a particular highlight. 

Several awards have been named for individuals who have been significant to GGS and to gerontology in the state of Georgia.  Presently, GGS has seven standard annual awards:  the John Tyler Mauldin outstanding achievement award, the Elsie Alvis outstanding professional award, the Louis Newmark distinguished service award, the Marietta Suhart educator award, the Dan Hickman excellence in direct services award, the David L. Levine legislative award, and the Kay Hind change agent award.

COMMUNICATIONS

The communications committee coordinates internal and external communications, with special attention to the GGS website, social media, and public relations activities.  Through communications campaigns, the committee promotes membership in GGS and awareness of issues important to GGS.

The committee also serves as the documentarian of the long, rich legacy of GGS and helps GGS meet the requirement of publishing the annual report.

DEVELOPMENT

The development committee coordinates fundraising activities and resource development and assists with the implementation of strategic plan goals and objectives approved by the board of directors. 

The development committee is the lifeblood of GGS.  By ensuring GGS’ economic growth and seizing new opportunities for development, the committee leads efforts to provide for the longevity of GGS.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The DEI committee constantly endeavors to make GGS a place of welcome for all persons.  The committee addresses inequities, social injustice, and disparities in access to community resources. 

The committee develops strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout GGS’ programming and organizational structure, as well as within the larger aging network.

In 2023 and 2024, the committee partnered with Tools for Life to help GGS create more accessible webinars and events and secured its support as the accessibility sponsor of the annual conference.  

The committee contributes questions to the annual membership survey that assess the organization’s climate and progress towards the goal of creating a culture of belonging that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable for all and makes recommendations for achieving that goal.

MEMBERSHIP

GGS is a membership-based organization.  The membership committee is a steward of GGS’ most precious asset:  its membership.  The committee  promotes the benefits of GGS membership and recruits new and renewed memberships and seeks input from members as to how to make GGS membership more rewarding. 

NOMINATING

GGS is led by a 30-member board of directors.  The nominating committee ensures that the GGS board is composed of bright, resourceful, and committed leaders.  

The committee recruits GGS members to serve in the positions of officers, board members, and the next nominating committee. The committee employs surveys to identify gaps in leadership and recruits potential board members who offer professional, geographic, and identity diversity.

RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING

The research, education, and training (RET) committee promotes professional development, expands awareness of issues important in gerontology and aging, and supports research beneficial to older adults.  

This year, the RET committee planned and hosted eight webinars, attracting nearly 300 registrants. The webinars covered a wide variety of topics, including resilience for caregivers, long-term care facility advocacy, cultural differences across aging and caregiving, and aging in place. 

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The scholarship fund committee oversees the development and distribution of the scholarship fund based on criteria approved by the GGS board of directors. The student scholarship funds are administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc. 

Currently, GGS offers three annual scholarships:  the Robert P. Wray undergraduate scholarship, the Virginia Smyth graduate scholarship, and the Lois Ricci scholarship for older adults.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEES

The annual conference requires year-round planning.  Conference committees exist to provide for quality sessions at the conference, to gain financial support of the conference through securing sponsorships, and to deliver a welcoming, engaging conference experience through the development of innovative attendee experiences.