 |
|
Action Center  Tool Kit |
Member Path
|
Help Promote an Intergenerational Voice in Public Policy
What Can I Do To Help?
You agree that sound public policy is based on the understanding that interdependence and reciprocity characterize the relationship between the generations. You understand that policies that are supportive of the long-term welfare of any age groups must build on the common concerns of all generations. You want to get involved to build a world that values all generations.
Become Better Informed
You’ve already begun by learning more about the subject. The Action Center of GU's i-PATH provides a basic understanding about intergenerational public policy and its value to children, youth, older adults, and families.
Engage Your Co-Workers, Neighbors, and Community
Over a brown-bag discussion, dinner with friends, or at a town hall forum, share your thoughts about why incorporating an intergenerational approach to an issue is important to you and the individuals and families you represent. Use real-life examples of people who have benefited and would be impacted by proposed changes. Invite persons with expertise who can provide quality information and be available to respond to questions.
Write a Letter to the Editor, Meet Your Editorial Board, Submit an OpEd
The ToolKit includes sample letters to the editor that can be modified to come from a young person, a retiree, a grandparent raising a grandchild, and others. One of the best times to write is immediately upon seeing an article or letter with which you agree OR disagree. By responding, you provide the readers of the newspaper or magazine with another viewpoint – one that supports OR counters the writer’s opinion or conclusion. Similarly, scheduling a meeting with your local paper’s Editorial Board is a great way to raise awareness about an issue. This is especially true when you arrive with other community leaders who stand together on behalf of a shared vision. Asking recognized leaders within your community to co-author an Opinion Editorial (OpEd) is another excellent approach and enhances the likelihood that the submission will be selected for publication.
Other Media Outreach
Involve someone who knows how to work with the media. This person can put together a “press packet” – a group of materials that educate the media about what you and your group are trying to accomplish. Include data on the numbers of young people and older adults that live in your state and in individual counties. This information can be located at http://www.census.gov. Be sure to include personal stories and the telephone number and email address of a contact person who can answer the reporter’s questions and direct reporters to specific individuals who are willing to talk about their story.
Personal call, letters, and emails to your U.S. Representative and Senators are very important. To find your legislator and their contact information, either click the links above or visit http://capwiz.com/ysa/home/ and enter your zip code. Prepare and sign your letter (be sure to include your home address so they will know you reside in their district) and send it on. The goal is to encourage your Members of Congress to advocate for the stake of children, youth and older adults. Remember to keep your letter to a single page, make your points clearly, include personal examples when you can, and thank the Member for considering your views.
Visit Your Members of Congress
Like a personal email or letter, visiting your Member of Congress is a great way to make your voice heard. You can do this in your home district or state by visiting the Member’s office, attending a town hall forum, or making a special trip to Washington, D.C. Call your Member and ask to schedule a meeting when the Representative or Senator will be in your area. Take one, two or three like-minded people who can discuss the issue, include persons who are or have been personally impacted when you can. Remember that it is okay to visit with the Member’s legislative assistant, as the staff regularly updates the Member on such visits. Leave materials and information behind that offer a clear, concise explanation for your views and what you would like the Member to do to support those views in Congress. Be sure to follow up with a thank you letter, again summarizing your position and sending any additional information that was requested. Finally, stay in touch with the staff person from your meeting – staff is critical to your advocacy success, and building a relationship with them will only help with your future advocacy efforts.
Staying Involved
Thanks for recognizing that people of all ages need adequate income, access to quality health care and social services, educational and employment opportunities, and a safe place to live. Your voice is unique, important, and helps make a difference.
TOP |
