IGNITE Leadership Academy LeadingAge New York 2014-15 2014-15 | Page 32

Kevin Webb
Deputy Director, Technical Services
LeadingAge New York

Technology + Advocacy
= Engaged Members
1

How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

For my Action Learning Project I intend to apply my skills as a technologist to our advocacy and public policy efforts here at LeadingAge
New York. “Advocacy for the right public policy for the right reason” is one of our core values and I see many opportunities to enhance
that effort through technology. Specifically, I’ll be working with our advocacy and policy staff to design and implement features of our
online presence to connect our member organizations with elected officials regarding our advocacy efforts. I chose this project because I
wanted to use my talents in a way that could have the most impact to directly help our member organizations.

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

I’m just getting started with the project, but through my experience with the Leadership Academy, I’ve had numerous lessons about
leadership that I intend to put into practice on the project. One specific lesson is that I can be a leader even with my individual style.

3

What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged with the
action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge)?

In the speed of the connected “always on” world, it’s difficult to get people’s attention, let alone hold it for any length of time. The
challenge for me is going to be a creating a compelling and intuitive user experience. One that enables our members to send a message
that grabs the attention of the politicians who have the capability to make much-needed policy decisions a reality for New York’s seniors.

4

How do you hope your project might unfold in the months and years ahead and what impact do you
hope it will have on the field at large?

Connecting and interfacing with our elected officials can be a daunting and misunderstood task for anyone, but it is especially important
for our members to engage our representatives since so much of the aging and continuing care services in the State are dependent on,
and bound, by legislation and funding.
My hope is that we can create fresh and interesting ways for our members to engage in the conversation with their elected officials.
Another goal is to enhance our advocacy education efforts so that members get relevant and helpful information on how to engage in
advocacy and strengthen our collective voice.

5

How has the action learning process in the