Activism. We've never needed it more.
Ageism--the last "ism" to be expressed, constantly, cruelly, with no repercussions--is not all we need to fight. Social justice and environmental causes need us just as much. Lots of groups are emerging or re-forming to unite generations in environmental and social justice work, and to battle ageism for all.
Old School is a new and fast-growing clearinghouse of anti-ageism resources curated by Ashton Applewhite, Ryan Backer, and Kyrie Carpenter. Cool, and indispensable.
Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC)
The Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) advocates for policies and programs that improve aging in communities representing a growing majority of millions of older people throughout the country: Native American and Alaska Native Elders; Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian older adults; Black and African American older adults; Hispanic and Latinx older adults; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. The DEC formed in 2010 to promote authentically-voiced policy changes and programs responsive to this demographic shift. Their vision: a world where all older adults can live full and active lives as they age.
SAGE
SAGE's tagline is "Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ Elders." Home of the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, SAGE is the oldest and largest organization of its kind. It's a powerhouse and godsend for LGBTQ elders, whose aging experience is markedly different from that of straight peers. With 30 affiliates across the country, SAGE is able to provide personalized attention to thousands of LGBTQ elders monthly. And thanks to reader Mariangel for bringing my attention to this fantastic guide for avoiding online harassment because of your gender identity or sexual orientation.
This Chair Rocks and Yo, is this age-ist?
Ashton Applewhite wrote This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto against Ageism, and her website and blog, "Yo, is this age-ist?" are a lively place for conversation and activism. I especially like her guide for consciousness-raising groups around aging.
The Pass It On Network
Founded by elders Moira Allan in Paris, France, and Janet Hively in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the Pass It On Network is a global network of elder innovators and activists sharing wisdom and strategy for improving elders' lives and the life of the planet. The website is a good source of connections to activities and resources worldwide.
Gray Panthers
Founded by the inimitable hero Maggie Kuhn in 1970, the intergenerational progressive activist group Gray Panthers has risen again. The mission:
Work for social and economic justice and peace for all people. The vision: Create a humane society that puts the needs of people over profits, responsibility over power, and democracy over institutions. The new National Council of Gray Panther Networks is Facebook-only right now, and is the best place to find out if your location has or needs a Gray Panther chapter, and to learn how to get involved.
National Center on Elder Abuse
Sadly, we all need to be informed about elder abuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse (part of the U.S. Administration on Aging), is a vital source of knowledge and resources about recognizing, preventing, and intervening in elder abuse.
Senior Planet – Aging with Attitude
This New York-based group has a website packed with articles, ideas, and resources.
World Health Organization
In response to a call from its member countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) is leading and working with other stakeholders on a Global Campaign to Combat Ageism that aims to build a world for all ages by changing the way we think, feel and act towards age and ageing. The website is an amazing resource, with, among other things, WHO's list of 10 priorities for a decade of healthy aging. Very heartening!
Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP)
Established in 2011, the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People was born out of the need to strengthen the rights and voice of older people globally. Today, GAROP is a network of over 200 members worldwide, united in our work to strengthen and promote the rights of older persons. Our mission is to support and enhance civil society engagement with Member States and National Human Rights Institutions at national, regional and international levels around a convention on the rights of older persons. You can get involved on an individual level here.
Old School is a new and fast-growing clearinghouse of anti-ageism resources curated by Ashton Applewhite, Ryan Backer, and Kyrie Carpenter. Cool, and indispensable.
Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC)
The Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) advocates for policies and programs that improve aging in communities representing a growing majority of millions of older people throughout the country: Native American and Alaska Native Elders; Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian older adults; Black and African American older adults; Hispanic and Latinx older adults; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. The DEC formed in 2010 to promote authentically-voiced policy changes and programs responsive to this demographic shift. Their vision: a world where all older adults can live full and active lives as they age.
SAGE
SAGE's tagline is "Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ Elders." Home of the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, SAGE is the oldest and largest organization of its kind. It's a powerhouse and godsend for LGBTQ elders, whose aging experience is markedly different from that of straight peers. With 30 affiliates across the country, SAGE is able to provide personalized attention to thousands of LGBTQ elders monthly. And thanks to reader Mariangel for bringing my attention to this fantastic guide for avoiding online harassment because of your gender identity or sexual orientation.
This Chair Rocks and Yo, is this age-ist?
Ashton Applewhite wrote This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto against Ageism, and her website and blog, "Yo, is this age-ist?" are a lively place for conversation and activism. I especially like her guide for consciousness-raising groups around aging.
The Pass It On Network
Founded by elders Moira Allan in Paris, France, and Janet Hively in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the Pass It On Network is a global network of elder innovators and activists sharing wisdom and strategy for improving elders' lives and the life of the planet. The website is a good source of connections to activities and resources worldwide.
Gray Panthers
Founded by the inimitable hero Maggie Kuhn in 1970, the intergenerational progressive activist group Gray Panthers has risen again. The mission:
Work for social and economic justice and peace for all people. The vision: Create a humane society that puts the needs of people over profits, responsibility over power, and democracy over institutions. The new National Council of Gray Panther Networks is Facebook-only right now, and is the best place to find out if your location has or needs a Gray Panther chapter, and to learn how to get involved.
National Center on Elder Abuse
Sadly, we all need to be informed about elder abuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse (part of the U.S. Administration on Aging), is a vital source of knowledge and resources about recognizing, preventing, and intervening in elder abuse.
Senior Planet – Aging with Attitude
This New York-based group has a website packed with articles, ideas, and resources.
World Health Organization
In response to a call from its member countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) is leading and working with other stakeholders on a Global Campaign to Combat Ageism that aims to build a world for all ages by changing the way we think, feel and act towards age and ageing. The website is an amazing resource, with, among other things, WHO's list of 10 priorities for a decade of healthy aging. Very heartening!
Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP)
Established in 2011, the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People was born out of the need to strengthen the rights and voice of older people globally. Today, GAROP is a network of over 200 members worldwide, united in our work to strengthen and promote the rights of older persons. Our mission is to support and enhance civil society engagement with Member States and National Human Rights Institutions at national, regional and international levels around a convention on the rights of older persons. You can get involved on an individual level here.