Join Sherrill Wayland from the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging for an engaging webinar that will explore the ways Villages can be LGBT inclusive and foster belonging for older adults from all backgrounds and orientations. The Village model is based on the principles and practices of belonging, reciprocity, and mutual aid. Villages are intentional communities that offer social connections, help from intergenerational volunteers, and access to expertise to support healthy aging at home. Some village members – and potential members – have struggled over the years to feel a true sense of belonging. This may be true for your LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community members who may fear being out due to discrimination and stigma. When Villages make a commitment to diversity and equity, inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity, it can provide those who identify as LGBT with a real sense of belonging.
Sherrill Wayland is the Director of National Education Initiatives where she directs work of the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging (NRC), SAGE/HRC Foundation Long-term Care Equality Index and leads operations for SAGECare. Sherrill began work with SAGE at the local level in 2008, founding the SAGE Affiliate in St. Louis, MO and served on the diversity committee for STL Village in St. Louis. Prior to joining SAGE at the national level, she successfully led the merger of SAGE in St. Louis with the Missouri Statewide Equality Organization, PROMO Fund. Sherrill earned a Master of Social Work degree from the Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis and has over 25 years of professional experience in the fields of education, disability, and LGBT older adult advocacy.
