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Advocacy in 2026: Update on Oregon Short Session and How to Engage in an Election Year
Friday, February 20, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PST
Category: Educational Events

Advocacy in 2026: Update on Oregon Short Session and How to Engage in an Election Year

The focus will be: (1) Review of status of current Oregon legislative session; (2) potential impact upon state and local programs affecting older adults, persons with disabilities and families; and (3) ways to effectively advocate in an election year!

Presenters:

Nicole Palmateer Hazelbaker, MBA, MPM, founded Bravio Communications in 2005 to serve a diverse client base in the corporate interests, social services, public agencies, financial, and professional services industries. She is a strategic communications expert with experience in government affairs, public relations, campaign management, and fundraising, spanning local, national, and federal levels. 

Before establishing Bravio Communications, Nicole served in various development and government relations roles with high-profile non-profits, where she achieved national recognition for an at-risk youth mentoring program and revitalized local affiliates of a breast cancer advocacy group. Nicole holds a Master's in Business Administration with an emphasis in Public Relations and Communications, as well as a Master's in Political Management from George Washington University. She is an active community volunteer and has served as an adjunct faculty member teaching at a private, liberal arts college. 

 

Gerald (Jerry) Cohen, JD, MPA, has joined his spouse Ruth as a partner in Evolving Elders, dedicated to addressing the opportunities and transitions of aging. He moved to Oregon in 1996 from Kansas City to establish one of AARP’s first state offices. He served as AARP’s State Director in Oregon for 23 years, working with local, state and national staff, volunteers, members and businesses and community organizations. AARP is the premier organization for people 50+ and their families. He is a certified trainer of the AARP Direct Action Organizing program through the Midwest Academy approach to advocacy. A native of Wisconsin, Jerry holds an undergraduate degree (BA) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a law degree (JD) from Washington University-St. Louis, and a Masters in Public Administration degree (MPA) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he also concentrated in gerontology and health care administration.

Intended Audience: 

This presentation is appropriate for older adults, persons with physical and/or intellectual disabilities and their families/caregivers. It also is helpful for all professionals working with older adults, whether in a long-term care or health care setting or a community center. It is also appropriate for educators, researchers, and students in the field of gerontology, sociology, social work, public health, and health sciences. Finally, professionals working at the city, county, or state level of government and community developer. For all attending they can gain from understanding potential impact of legislative actions and how to engage as advocates in an election year."

 Registration Fee

  • OGA members: Free!
  • Non-members: $15
  • Non-member students/seniors and registrants with limited financial means: $5

Why do we ask for a fee?

OGA is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. Events and donations are our main sources of income to fund our educational and networking programs.

Reduced or complementary event registration is one of the great benefits for OGA members! If you like our educational programs - we strive to offer at least one event per month - becoming a member will pay off quickly! To learn more about OGA membership, please visit our Membership page.

No one will be turned away! If you cannot afford $5 at this moment, please contact us at [email protected] - thanks to the generous donations of OGA members and friends throughout the year, we can cover a small number of registrations for each event.

Please note that we offer CEUs only for our annual conference in October, not for our regular events. However, we are happy to issue a Certificate of Attendance upon request for those who attend this webinar for its entire length. To request one, please send us an email after the event.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE to receive the Zoom link. Should you encounter any difficulties registering online, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].