Program Overview
Organize This! Legal and Financial Must-Haves is an educational program designed to help adults prepare for caregiving, incapacity, and end-of-life decisions by improving organization of legal and financial documents. Additionally, administrative and legal planning can feel overwhelming, especially when paired with sensitive topics like aging, illness, and death. This program helps participants overcome barriers, build knowledge and confidence, and take meaningful action. The program is adaptable, scalable, and designed for local community impact.
Program Goals
Participants Will:
- Understand foundational legal and financial concepts related to caregiving and end-of-life.
- Identify key documents and information needed by fiduciaries.
- Develop systems to organize important records.
- Discuss strategies for managing digital assets.
- Increase confidence in discussing plans with fiduciaries and family members.
- Take actionable steps toward preparedness.
Target Audience:
- Adults age 40+.
- Family caregivers.
- Adults with children or dependents.
Program Structure
The program is delivered over four 90-minute sessions, spaced quarterly to support learning and action. Office hours and peer support groups are encouraged to help to promote participant action.
Sessions and Key Topics:
- January: Fiduciaries, roles, required documents.
- April: Digital asset management.
- July: Credit, financial protections, fiduciary roles.
- October: Communication, consequences of disorganization.
Why This Model Works:
- Encourages gradual progress.
- Allows time for real-life application.
- Supports reflection on sensitive decisions.
- Improves retention and engagement.
Key Program Features:
- Guest legal professionals (e.g., elder law attorney).
- Participant binders with curated, credible resources.
- Customizable materials adaptable to local/state context.
- Focus on education, not legal advice.
Facilitator Training
Facilitators guide participants through the program while creating a supportive and educational environment. They may be either professionals or volunteers. Training ensures that facilitators have the knowledge needed to facilitate the program.
Expectations
Facilitator Responsibilities:
- Deliver four educational sessions.
- Facilitate discussion on sensitive topics.
- Provide encouragement and accountability.
- Manage communication with participants (email, phone, text).
- Offer or coordinate registration, office hours, and peer support groups.
- Support data collection (surveys, feedback).
Facilitation Approach:
Successful facilitators:
- Normalize discomfort around planning conversations.
- Emphasize practical, manageable steps.
- Encourage participant reflection and discussion.
- Reinforce that legal professionals should be consulted for specific advice.
Important Boundaries:
Facilitators should NOT:
- Interpret legal documents for participants.
Instead, facilitators should:
- Provide general education.
- Provide advice within their scope of practice (e.g., gerontology, family resource management).
- Encourage participants to contact qualified professionals when needed.
Registration and Format
Registration:
- Estimated cost: $100-$150
- Opens: August
- Registration Deadline: October 11, 2026
Training Format:
- 6–8 hours of virtual training (over 2 days).
- Training includes:
- Facilitator guide.
- Participant materials.
- Session content.
Implementation Requirements
This program can be delivered in-person or virtually, depending on available resources. Facilitators will need basic materials (binders or digital resources), technology (internet and presentation tools), and meeting space with equipment for in-person sessions. Costs may include registration fees, materials, and staff time or travel.
Staffing Guidelines
- Recommended ratio: 1 facilitator per 10–12 participants
- Minimum cohort: 6–8 participants
- Larger groups require additional facilitators
Why Offer This Program?
This program offers individuals and couples structure and support, allowing them to:
- Prepare for life’s most challenging transitions.
- Reduce family stress and conflict.
- Improve organization and decision-making.
- Take action before a crisis occurs.
Ongoing Support for Facilitators
- Access to multidisciplinary expertise (gerontology, financial management, caregiving).
- “Phone-a-friend” support model for complex questions.
- Opportunities for refresher training (planned).
Upcoming Training Notifications
Complete the form below to be notified when registration opens for Organize This! facilitator training. It is scheduled to be offered October 26 to 29, 2026. Participants will be able to join the training virtually. It will in include two half days, with of goal of mimicking the Organize This! program models that offers participants time for reflection between educational sessions.
