I have a logo and a name, created with the help of my talented daughter:
© Elaine Frankonis
But I’m one little old lady sitting at her computer. I did write to Jane Fonda about the idea, but haven’t heard back. How does one organize support for elder housing when most elders are not going to band together and go out and protest. And, anyway, the most important support would be from Boomers who are facing the issue in their futures.
There is one site I found that tells how to start a movement. I have contacted them. My earlier blog post is the beginning of a “case statement”. The next piece would have to be the goals of the movement, and I’m open to suggestions. I would think the ultimate goal would be to have one of the President’s Cabinet members take on the challenge. Housing and Urban Development? Health and Human Services? A combination of the two?
How would we begin to work toward the general goal of improved senior housing? Petitions at senior centers that would get sent to the relevant new presidential cabinet members? A website that someone has to design for the movement? (I would host and pay for it.) How does it get publicized?
Or maybe it’s just a pipe dream. Thoughts?
Great idea! I’ve been thinking along the same lines, although not with a focus on housing, just blogging in general. Is there some place that folks can join a list to show interest or share ideas until a Website is available? For openers, word of mouth might attract some of the old elderblogger folks. I saved Ronni’s blogroll, and have been going through the list checking to see who’s still blogging and whose links have expired.
I am trying to figure out if there are any other efforts along this line. Maybe we could collaborate on contacting who is left on Ronni’s old blogroll.
If the Republicans gain control of Congress you can forget any movement whose goal is to be government funded or subsidized. Seniors don’t want free housing, just a place they can afford with whatever income they have. That means somebody has to make up the difference. Here in New York, “affordable” means $1900 for a studio apt. If my income is only $1200 per month…well, do the math.
So, me being me, I did a Google search. There is an organization called National Council on Aging that is doing advocacy work on senior issues at the national level. See: https://www.ncoa.org/page/advocate/ I think this might be a place to start. I have not yet had a chance to look at their policy positions. Maybe someone else can do this and come up with further thoughts?
In Peace,
Dahlia
I will follow up. Thanks.
Love the logo, BTW. You’re of course right, letter writing is not terribly effective, especially if it is the only tactic. It needs to be an organized movement – and as you say – that is difficult especially as there are many physical and energy challenges, the older we get. I love the idea of a celeb spokesperson/champion who can bring this to national attention in ways that others can’t. If we don’t hear from Fonda, there are other celebrities to think about – from Oprah to Margo Thomas. Through my friendship with Barbara Smith, (lives in Albany, is a leading Black feminist, with national connections – and who is now in here late 70’s) I think we can connect with the national feminist leaders in the country.
I brought up NCOA as a model, and potential coalition partner because they appear to have the experience and some wherewithal to organize.
I so agree that social media is a major key to this. Others have used it effectively – for both good and ill – and there is no reason that this can’t become one of those movements that take place online – the bloggers and beyond.
I also think that we should not forget the many concerned allies – i.e. the younger generations, both those who are concerned about their parents and grandparents, who can’t figure out how to financially support their family members, and people who know they soon will be facing the same issues as they get older (i.e. especially the target group of 40, 50 and 60 years old).
Also, as you say, this is a time for planning – with the hopes that Kamala Harris wins. If the unthinkable happens… Well, for now let’s just keep it as “unthinkable.”