Ambassadors Program Workbooks
Step-by-step guides to help you start, implement and sustain an aging in place initiative in your own community.
About the workbooks
These workbooks offer guidance on developing aging in place initiatives where you live. They have been co-created and refined with residents who have implemented the NORC Ambassadors Program in their own communities.
The workbooks are organized into four seasons: Connecting, Starting, Doing, and Sustaining.
Each workbook includes:
- Topics to consider, categorized into key stages and steps
- A set of tools and templates for each stage
- An invitation to reflect your own practice
- Case examples from residents who have done it before
Because every community is unique, you are encouraged to move through the guide in whatever way best suits your needs. Start where you like, and use what is most helpful.
The Connecting Season brings people together around shared interests
This workbook helps you build the foundation for your aging in place initiative by connecting with neighbours and local partners, finding shared interests and building a common vision.
You're in the Connecting Season if:
- You don’t have a group or committee formed yet
- Your group is just starting up
- Your group has changed and could use a chance to reconnect, reset or welcome new members
The Starting Season is a busy time for growing your community initiative
This workbook helps you tend to your initiative as it grows by reaching out and listening to neighbours to understand their ideas and needs.
You're in the Starting Season if:
- You have a group and are ready to start planning which activities or services to do first
- You’re looking to gather feedback and ideas from neighbours through surveys, conversations or other forms of community engagement
- You’ve been doing things for a while and want to reassess which activities benefit your community most
The Doing Season is a time when plans come to life
This workbook helps you bring together what you’ve learned about your community’s needs, priorities and resources, and turn them into actions that genuinely support your community.
You're in the Doing Season if:
- You’re ready to work through the logistics of planning and organizing an activity in your community
- You want to reinvigorate participation in existing activities or programs
- Your community’s priorities have grown and you need to expand your support or bring in new offerings
The Sustaining season is a time to reflect and get ready for what's ahead
This workbook helps you reflect on what you’ve accomplished, revisit your goals and think about how your initiative can continue as people, needs and circumstances change.
You're in the Sustaining Season if:
- You’re thinking about how to make your work last for the long term
- Your group is changing as people step back, new people get involved or roles shift
- You’re planning ahead for growth and change in your community
Looking for more ideas and inspiration?
The Idea Bank is a growing library of community-building activities to help bring your aging in place initiative to life. Explore ideas, find what fits your community and make them your own.