Alzheimer University

The Alzheimer University is a series of workshops for national Alzheimer associations, with the aim of giving participants the tools to identify an association's aims, provide information, raise money and awareness, and more.

 

The Alzheimer University is a series of workshops for national Alzheimer association staff and volunteers to help them strengthen their associations.

The aim of the Alzheimer University is to give participants the tools to identify their association’s aims, provide information, raise money and awareness, effectively govern their association and influence public policy. 

‘How to set up an effective Alzheimer association’
Alzheimer University for emerging associations

This 3-day event kicks off the Membership Development Programme each year for a number of new and developing associations. Selected representatives meet to learn and discuss the best ways to establish their association. The event typically takes place in London, near to the ADI office, providing a great opportunity for the team to meet the attendees and socialise over dinner on one of the evenings.

Sessions include Introduction to ADI; Governance and the role of the Board; Ensuring effectiveness of your association; Raising profile and awareness; Working with volunteers; Public policy and campaigning, involving people living with dementia; Providing information; Working with the media; Social media; Setting up support groups; World Alzheimer’s Month and Fundraising. The meeting often includes presentations from existing members of ADI who are more established and able to share their experiences and advice.

Topical Alzheimer Universities

Various other Alzheimer University programmes also take place each year for member associations of various sizes and stages of development. These programmes deal with more advanced organisational issues and have a particular focus on one area, for example fundraising, advocacy or public policy.

Regional Alzheimer Universities

Every two years, ADI usually organises Alzheimer Universities in conjunction with regional member meetings. These sessions address the issues that our members have raised regionally and aim to provide help and guidance in dealing with some of these concerns.

Participants are asked to set objectives at the end of the programme and the associations are followed up on their progress after six and twelve months.

ADI financially supports invited participants to attend the Alzheimer University programmes and provides ongoing support after the course.

Testimonials

It made me realise that there is nothing more motivating than having clearly stated direction and measurable goals. – Nilanjana Maulik, India

Personally, in cases where I already had some form of knowledge-base and experience, the content and the way it was delivered served not only as a refresher, but also as a ‘thought provoker’ that broadened my perspective. Still in line with ‘thought provocation’ the content and its delivery was very effective in eliciting ‘real life based’ responses that greatly enriched discussions and sharing, as well as what I think can be aptly referred to as the cross-cultural learning experience. – Dr Paul Kiwanuka-Mukiibi, Uganda 

It was heartening that the tips and advice that we gave were taken on board, with a real commitment to implement change. – Andrew Oldham, Alzheimer University trainer, UK