Local Implementation Toolkit
The inherent nature of an MPA that has had contributions from cross-sector governmental agencies and public and private partners means that messaging and implementation of the MPA and its initiatives also must be disseminated to a wide variety of audiences. The Master Plan on Aging is relevant to many different groups, including legislators, local governments, independent citizens, statewide associations, providers, and caregivers. While these groups are not siloed, the different groups may use the MPA in different ways.
- Legislators can use the MPA as a cross-check for legislation and to get a “pulse check” on the public’s prioritization around certain issues. They can also use it as a building block to become champions of certain issues and build bridges and relationships with local government, citizens, providers, or interested groups who also support similar issues.
- Local Governments can use the MPA as a guiding force for priorities and more targeted change, as well as a starting point to work for larger change at the state and federal level. They can also use it as a jumping off point to promote cross-collaboration systems change with other local governments, the state government, and various interest groups.
- Citizens can use the MPA to understand what Missouri’s plan is to support people aging in the state and where to ask for state accountability.
- Providers can use the MPA to cross-check the programs they have available and ask, “Are these positively contributing to making people’s lives better?” They can also use the MPA as a guide for examples of programs or services that are important to Missourians.
- Educators and Researchers can use the MPA to guide program development and research questions and track progress against it. Along with determining Missourians' needs and devising the MPA, it is important to measure the success of various initiatives to understand whether and how well they are providing the requested services. Some initiatives and programs are harder to measure than others, so unique methodology and sufficient resources are required to evaluate and refine this long-term effort.
- Caregivers can use the MPA as conversation starters for supporting additional supports and education.
- Interest groups can use the MPA as a starting place for their work. They can use the topics and examples in the MPA as a basis for determining what legislators have relevant experience or are champions of certain issues.
Common messaging that can be useful for all groups to drive support of the MPA and the ideas contained in it are:
- Everyone is aging. The MPA is for all, not just current older adults, and can prepare and support all who are aging in a way that benefits everyone.
- Cross-sector support, planning, and implementation. The MPA was created by groups representing all sectors of Missouri’s population, and thousands provided input. The MPA is meant to break down silos and promote cross-sector solutions that connect agencies, departments, industries, and people.
- Person-centered. The MPA was created for Missourians, by Missourians. Many of the recommendations were edited or changed based on comments by advocates, town hall attendees, and aims to prioritize individuals’ needs and preferences and address what matters most to people, their families, and their caregivers.
- Accountability. Missouri plans to be accountable for the recommendations set forth in the MPA, and all levels of government and sectors of society should benefit from and feel connected to it.
- Living document. The MPA is an evolving document and will be updated on a regular basis to ensure relevance.