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SeniorNet collaborates with global partners to engage in public awareness and policy advocacy related to aging, lifelong learning and technology to extend the reach of SeniorNet’s mission and programs.
SeniorNet believes that the senior population has been neglected in the promotion and support of computer technologies to empower individuals and groups. In order to close the gap in this Digital Divide, SeniorNet partners with various organizations to provide education and programs that focus on the needs and interests of older adults. Seniors can offer a wealth of perspectives and personal histories as background to important national and global issues. SeniorNet helps give voice to those who can provide a long view of issues. SeniorNet is associated with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations to disseminate information about United Nations initiatives regarding aging and technology issues. See the News from the UN section below.
RESOURCES: Articles and Activities
U.S. Senate Legislation related to Seniors including information on The Older Americans Act NEWS: On September 10, 2008 the Senate Finance Committee passed the Elder Justice Act (S. 1070). Next step would be review by the full Senate. Read the Elder Justice Act. Read about bills related to seniors that have been introduced to the United States Senate. Go to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. Find contact information for your U.S. Representative. Find contact information for your U.S. Senator. Get unbiased biographical information, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and interest group ratings on candidates and elected officials at Project vote Smart. Older Americans Act Information and resources related to the Older Americans Act NEWS FROM THE UNITED NATIONS UN's Intangible Cultural Heritage List Coms into Being with 90 Entries
4 November 2008 – A United Nations-endorsed list of the planet’s intangible cultural heritage, ranging from folk music and shadow puppetry to ox-herding traditions and sand drawings, came into being today as part of efforts to safeguard such elements around the world.
The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
was established today in Istanbul, Turkey, with the inclusion of 90
elements that had previously been proclaimed as masterpieces, the UN
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported in
a news release.
UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura said the List’s inauguration
“is bringing to life” the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible
Cultural Heritage, which was adopted by UNESCO in 2003 and has been ratified by 104 States so far.
“I am confident that with time, this List – designed to give more
visibility to our living heritage – will contribute to raising
awareness of its importance and instil a sense of pride and belonging
to custodian communities,” Mr. Matsuura said.
Both the List and the Convention aim to protect heritage that includes
oral traditions, the performing arts, social practices, craftsmanship
and knowledge of nature.
The List’s inauguration took place at the start of a week-long session
of the intergovernmental committee overseeing the implementation of the
intangible cultural heritage Convention.
The 90 elements were proclaimed as Masterpieces of the Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001, 2003 or 2005, and
another 111 applications for inscriptions on the List have been sent to
the intergovernmental committee for review next year.
The inaugural list covers every region of the world, and includes the
Royal Ballet of Cambodia, ox-herding and oxcart traditions in Costa
Rica, polyphonic singing of the Aka Pygmies of the Central African
Republic (CAR) and Mexico’s indigenous festivity dedicated to the dead. Indonesian shadow puppetry is also included, as are cross-crafting in
Lithuania and Latvia, sand drawings in Vanuatu, initiatory rites in
Senegal and Gambia and textile art in Peru.
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