Driving Local Change in Western Maryland

Allegany County Training Events

Creating a longevity ecosystem requires community-driven action. More than 75 local  changemakers convened on October 29, 2025 to learn how to leverage the ABCD approach. During this interactive, half-day training community and organizational leaders learned about the tools necessary to identify existing capacities, resources, and relationships, and initiated project planning to activate planning and policy development at the local level. The group will meet again on February 11 to review the findings of the previous training event and answer questions about establishing successful community development projects using the capacities, resources, and relationships discussed.

Resources for Community Action

• The Governor’s Grants Office Resource Library can help navigate federal, state, and private funding opportunities
• LRM Sector-Specific Resources includes information about committees and coalitions, key partner programs, and additional resources to support local community action
• AARP’s Age Friendly Network supports local planning and implementation of changes to make communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults
• AARP’s Annual Community Challenge Grant supports community action toward improved livability provides information and resources on a variety of topics to support advocacy efforts
• The Maryland Association of Counties Guide to Contacting Your Legislator can help you connect with your legislative and congressional district representatives
• The National Council on Aging provides information and resources on a variety of topics to support advocacy efforts.

Event Resources