Elders Action Network

Taking Action to Confront Authoritarianism
2023-11-09 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom video conferencing
Second and Fourth Thursday of the month
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET

We’ll continue exploring what actions that we, as elders, can take to push back against extremist attacks. We’re focusing on right-wing efforts to undermine public education, including restricting curricula, punishing discussion of targeted topics, and eliminating programs (like DEI) that make a school environment safe and welcoming for all students.
We’ll continue sharing what we’ve learned so far through our research on how these issues are playing out in our own local school districts, including the actions of extremist protesters like Moms4Liberty, or of right-wing school board members.

register

Youth Voter Project
2023-11-14 15:00 - 16:30
Tuesday, November 14
3:00 – 4:30 pm PT / 6:00 – 7:30 pm ET
In August and September, over 50 EAN members from across the country came together in a pilot project to support student-run high school voter registration drives as EAN partnered with The Civics Center (TCC) in their efforts to “make voter registration a part of every American High School experience”. This is important because:

Over 76% of registered young adults vote,
But fewer than half are registered.
So increasing young voter registration can decide elections.

The members or our TCC-EAN Youth Voter Project each volunteered 5-10 hours, after attending a one-hour on-line training session, and doing their own local research. They were able to support voter registration drives in over 180 high schools in 6 states.
Learn more about our TCC-EAN Youth Voter Project on Tuesday, November 14. REGISTER below to receive the Zoom link. Or, email Therese Flaherty at theresef@eldersaction.org.
register

Elders for Sound Democracy Town Hall with Bill McKibben
2023-11-15 10:00 - 11:30
A Conversation with Bill McKibben
What’s Democracy Got to Do With Climate Action?
Join us at our next Town Hall meeting in conversation with Bill McKibben, one the most respected and influential environmental activists and familiar to many of us. His first book about climate change, The End of Nature, was published in 1989; nineteen books followed, with twelve focused on the environment. His latest book is The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: A Graying American Looks Back at His Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened. He is a frequent contributor to numerous publications ranging from The New Yorker to Rolling Stone.
Bill is the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He received the Gandhi Peace Prize, the Right Livelihood Award and many other distinguished awards.
McKibben was instrumental in founding 350.org, which organized protests on every continent and spearheaded international divestment out of fossil fuels. In September 2021, he launched Third Act and is is mobilizing climate change activists, who are “experienced Americans” over sixty to protect the climate and strengthen democracy.
We will ask Bill to address:

the essential connection between climate action and working for a strong democracy, and
priority actions we can take to protect our democracy, empower voters, and effect legislation and policies to save
our planet.

register
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the link to join the meeting. You will receive a resend of this confirmation email from Zoom on Wednesday morning as a reminder and so that you have your unique link handy.

Let’s Talk About It: “The New Age of Aging”
2023-11-15 13:00 - 14:00
Let’s Talk About It: “The New Age of Aging”
Wednesday, November 15
1:00 pm PT / 4:00 pm ET
Age Wave, one of the nation’s foremost thought leaders on the implications of aging just released a landmark study on aging. What is old? What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? Join us in a robust conversation about this recent survey as we unpack what it means to be a modern elder.
register

Elders for Social Justice Monthly Meeting
2023-11-16 09:00 - 10:30
Third Thursday of each month
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET
Work For Justice, But Pause to express Gratitude
We are aware that atrocious, inhumane events are happening both at home and abroad. Because of this, it is crucial to recognize that our efforts are leading to the change we seek and express gratitude for the goodness that pervades our community.
Join us in sharing and witnessing our meaningful work this year.

At Elders for Social Justice (ESJ) we create an inclusive education and advocacy environment for social and environmental justice. We work with other EAN groups, external organizations, elder activists, youth and visionary leaders as we act on behalf of Earth and all life. We gather to focus on current social justice issues so we can take informed collective and local actions.
Register for the ESJ monthly meeting here. Once you’ve registered for the series, you’ll receive your unique link for joining all the meetings, and a reminder the day before each meeting.

Celebrating the Holidays with Intention
2023-11-17 10:00 - 11:00
Friday, November 17
10:00–11:00 am PT / 1:00–2:00 pm ET
We know that the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to January 1, creates more waste and environmental damage than all the rest of the year. Why? Because we tend to celebrate by over consuming. We are encouraged to think more is better; more gifts, more food, and more “stuff”. Plastic is a serious problem but avoidable. From Black Friday forward, we are encouraged to shop til we drop. This season let’s make the holidays full of meaning, fun, thoughtful gift giving and careful food selection, considering the impact of our choices on the environment. It’s the perfect time to recreate, renew, and reuse. Bring your ideas to share and let’s prepare for the best holidays ever.
Hosted by the Elders for Regenerative Living team
register
After registering for the meeting using the REGISTER button above, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing a unique link to join the meeting.

The Empowered Elder
2023-11-20 09:00 - 10:00
The Empowered Elder
Monday, November 20
9:00 am PT / 12:00 pm ET

In this hour long webinar we will explore the question “How do we consciously step into our roles as elders?” You will join with others to explore ways we can all be in the world as elders in service to life. During this webinar you will also learn about what it means to be an Empowered Elder and an upcoming EAN workshop.
register

Taking Action to Confront Authoritarianism
2023-12-14 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-01-11 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-02-08 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-03-14 09:00 - 10:30
Second Thursday of the month
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET

We’ll continue exploring what actions that we, as elders, can take to push back against extremist attacks. We’re focusing on right-wing efforts to undermine public education, including restricting curricula, punishing discussion of targeted topics, and eliminating programs (like DEI) that make a school environment safe and welcoming for all students.
We’ll continue sharing what we’ve learned so far through our research on how these issues are playing out in our own local school districts, including the actions of extremist protesters like Moms4Liberty, or of right-wing school board members.

register

Elders for Sound Democracy
2023-12-20 10:00 - 11:30
At our final Community meeting for 2023 we will have an online celebration of our getting-out-the-vote and confronting political corruption accomplishments for the year. We will acknowledge the wisdom we have gained from our past meetings on the importance of legislation for gun safety; fair, uncorrupted local and state elections; and the climate-democracy connection. We will also summarize our initial plans for the 2024 election cycle. All this, and we’ll be having some online fun, too.

register
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the link to join the meeting. You will receive a resend of this confirmation email from Zoom on Wednesday morning as a reminder and so that you have your unique link handy.

Welcome to EAN Webinar
2024-01-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-02-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-01 10:00 - 11:00
10:00 – 11:00 am PT / 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET
Join us for a one hour gathering for new members of Elders Action Network (EAN) to learn about the work we do and how you might participate in the network.
This will be an in depth introduction to the different areas of our Elder Action Groups and an opportunity to meet other Elders and EAN leaders, ask questions and determine how you might like to get involved.
We offer this gathering on the first Friday of each month, so you can join us for a future date if you can’t make the current month’s meeting.

How to join the meeting
register
After registering for the meeting using the REGISTER button above, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We will be using Zoom video conferencing technology, which is straightforward to join by computer. Simply click on the link that was provided to you in the registration confirmation email from Zoom.

Elders for Sound Democracy
2024-01-17 10:00 - 11:30
At our first community meeting in the new year, we will be planning and laying out strategy for the coming year.

register
After registering, you will receive an email from Zoom (no-reply@zoom.us) with a unique link to join the event. Please check your email inbox.

Elders for Social Justice Monthly Meeting
2024-01-18 09:00 - 10:30
Third Thursday of each month
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET

At Elders for Social Justice (ESJ) we create an inclusive education and advocacy environment for social and environmental justice. We work with other EAN groups, external organizations, elder activists, youth and visionary leaders as we act on behalf of Earth and all life. We gather to focus on current social justice issues so we can take informed collective and local actions.
REGISTER

Let’s Talk About It: “The New Age of Aging”
2024-01-18 13:00 - 14:00
Thursday, January 18
1:00 pm PT / 4:00 pm ET

Age Wave, one of the nation’s foremost thought leaders on the implications of aging just released a landmark study on aging. What is old? What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? Join us in a robust conversation about this recent survey as we unpack what it means to be a modern elder.
register

Building Community: Having Real Conversations
2024-01-24 10:00 - 11:00
Building Community: Having Real Conversations
Wednesday, January 24
10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET
Good questions build good conversations, and good conversations build community. As elders we want to have real conversations with others, but how do we do that when everything feels so polarized? Join us for a glimpse into why conversations get derailed and then experience for yourself what a difference a Living Room Conversation can make!
register

Promote the Youth Vote – Kick-off for 2024
2024-01-30 15:00 - 16:00
Tuesday, January 30
3:00 – 4:00 pm PT / 6:00 – 7:00 pm ET
The Civics Center/EAN High School Voter Registration Kickoff – 2024
If you are looking for meaningful ways to help elect leaders who will protect the environment and promote democracy, consider attending:
The Civics Center (TCC)/EAN Promote the Youth Vote Project kick-off for 2024.
In under 10 hours a month working from home, an Elder can help The Civics Center: Then

“Make voter registration part of every American High School Experience”
Help support student-run voter registration drives in high schools

(We know that 76% of young registered voters actually vote in presidential election years – while fewer than half of those young people are registered!)
Vicki Shapiro, Chair of The Civics Center Advisory Board, will join us to explain opportunities to make a difference in 2024.
Regsiter below to receive the Zoom link. Email event host Therese Flaherty at theresef@eldersaction.org with any questions.
register

Driving Local Action - How to make positive change in your community
2024-01-31 10:00 - 11:00
Wednesday, January 31
10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET

Join Dr. Lynsey Farrell, the co-founder and Executive Director of the Grandmother Collective and friend to Elders Action Network who will introduce the “Tea for Change Handbook”. The handbook is a tool guide for individuals looking to make a positive local impact on their communities. In this 60 minute session participants will discover how to use the handbook to help grandmothers and elder activists focus on identifying personal attributes, understanding local resources, and harnessing the wisdom of elders.
register

Difficult Conversations: The Art and Science of Working Together
2024-02-08 10:00 - 13:00
Part I: Thursday, February 8
Part II: Thursday, February 15
1:30 – 4:30 pm PT / 4:30 – 7:30 pm ET
In every organization, every family, every community, and every country, a viable future depends on people trusting each other and working well together. That’s why this moment in our country is so critical. Our viable future is at risk. Which means that now more than ever, we need people with the skills to heal our divide — people who know how to build bridges and strengthen relationships so that a new era of trust and collaboration can begin.
The Building Bridges project is sponsoring a free two-part workshop by Kern Beare, originator of the Difficult Conversations Project. During this fascinating and interactive workshop:

You’ll learn why difficult conversations can trigger our fight/flight survival drive, and how that shuts down our brain’s ability to listen, be present, and take in new information.
You’ll learn why trust is essential when navigating a difficult conversation, and how you can quickly establish trust even with someone you don’t know well.
You’ll learn how your personal story can get in the way of clear communication, and how to look “beyond” your story to access your innate capacity for connection, creativity and collaboration.
You’ll learn how even in a highly polarized situation, you can find common ground when you learn to listen to the “story behind the story.”

Registration is for BOTH sessions—this is a two-part workshop.
register

Elders for Social Justice Monthly Meeting
2024-02-15 09:00 - 10:30
Third Thursday of each month
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET
Join us in celebration of Black History Month
Throughout history African American artists — poets, writers, visual artists, and dancers — have changed the arts, their crafts and America.
At Elders for Social Justice (ESJ) we create an inclusive education and advocacy environment for social and environmental justice. We work with other EAN groups, external organizations, elder activists, youth and visionary leaders as we act on behalf of Earth and all life. We gather to focus on current social justice issues so we can take informed collective and local actions.
REGISTER

Elders for Sound Democracy
2024-02-21 10:00 - 11:30
In 2022, Ashley All served as the communication director and spokesperson for the Kansas coalition that secured a historic landslide victory for reproductive rights. Ashley is a national leader in values-based messaging. Her work in Kansas helped inform and change the way activists communicate about abortion rights in post-Roe America. She continues to work to defend reproductive rights for all Americans.
From the front-line experiences of successful ballot initiatives, Ashley will share with us the messages, messengers and the processes used to customize the campaigns to each locale. She will also suggest how we elders can engage with ballot initiatives in the many states where those are likely during 2024: Florida, Arizona and Nevada
ESD leaders will review opportunities for elders to help Get Out the Vote this year.

register
After registering, you will receive an email from Zoom (no-reply@zoom.us) with a unique link to join the event. Please check your email inbox.

Promote the Youth Vote – Kick-off for 2024
2024-02-26 13:00 - 14:00
Monday, February 26
1:00 – 2:00 pm PT / 4:00 – 5:00 pm ET
If you are looking for meaningful ways to help elect leaders who will protect the environment and promote democracy, consider attending. Our TCC/EAN Promote the Youth Vote Project helps The Civics Center support student-led high school voter registration drives nationwide.
In under 10 hours a month working from home, an Elder can help The Civics Center:

“Make voter registration part of every American High School Experience”
Help support student-run voter registration drives in high schools

(We know that 76% of young registered voters actually vote in presidential election years – while fewer than half of those young people are registered!)
We will review projects underway and planned for this election year.
Register below to receive the Zoom link. Email event host Therese Flaherty at theresef@eldersaction.org with any questions.
register

Campaign to Learn & Understand Book Banning (CLUBB) Meeting
2024-02-28 10:00 - 11:30
Wednesday, February 28
10:00 – 11:30 am PT / 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
Join us as we discuss Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, a 2019 graphic memoir written and illustrated by Maia Kobade. It recounts Kobabe’s journey from adolescence to adulthood and the author’s exploration of gender identity and sexuality, ultimately identifying as being outside of gender binary. The American Library Association ranked it as the most challenged book in 2021 and in 2022.
In 2020, Gender Queer was one of ten books to receive an Alex Award from the American Library Association for “books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults ages 12 through 18.In the same year, the book was also a finalist for the Stonewall Book Award for non-fiction. These awards led to the book becoming more widely available in school libraries.
register
After registering, you will receive an email from Zoom (no-reply@zoom.us) with a unique link to join the event. Please check your email inbox. You will also receive a reminder email ahead of the event so that you have the Zoom link handy.

Sacred Listening Workshop with Daniel Epstein
2024-03-15 10:00 - 13:00
Friday, March 15
10:00 am – 1:00 pm PT / 1:00 – 4:00 pm ET
Daniel Epstein has interviewed more than 500 people from 28 countries creating the world’s most extensive set of portraits and testimonies on the subject of faith, the meaning of Life, one’s purpose. This unique project led Daniel to understand that even more important and powerful than telling one’s own story is “the act of listening and receiving the story” especially someone perceived to be the “other”. This he calls “Sacred Listening.”
We are honored that on Friday, March 15 at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET, Daniel will bring his three hour Sacred Listening workshop to Elders Action Network. The workshop will conclude with a meaningful sharing of “who do we see as the other?” “when have we felt like the other?” and “what can we do to dismantle our misperceptions of the other?” In these challenging times this is a step we can take to seeing each other’s humanity.

For more information, visit Description of Portraits in Faith.
Please join us.
register

Elders for Sound Democracy
2024-03-20 10:00 - 11:30
The right to vote should be treasured by those who live in democratic nations, yet many people fail to vote. Too often, elections at all levels have been won or lost by a small margin, and citizens need to understand they can make a difference.
Join Elders for Sound Democracy at our Community Meeting on Wednesday, March 20, to learn how you can help. ESD leaders will share our experience, insights, and opportunities within ESD and beyond to Get Out the Vote because turnout is critical in this election year.

register
After registering, you will receive an email from Zoom (no-reply@zoom.us) with a unique link to join the event. Please check your email inbox.

Elders for Social Justice Monthly Meeting
2024-03-21 09:00 - 10:30
Third Thursday of each month
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET
Rev. W. Benjamin Boswell, author of Confronting Whiteness, is the guest speaker at ESJ’s March Community Meeting. He has developed a new conversation about race and racism that helps members of White-dominant churches and institutions identify their own racial history and wrestle with what it means to be White. Confronting Whiteness is an intentional spiritual journey of anti-racism to aid people in identifying and dismantling their Whiteness.
Please join us for this important conversation for our community.
REGISTER

Building Community: Having Real Conversations
2024-03-21 10:00 - 11:00
Thursday, March 21
10:00-11:00 am PT / 1:00-2:00 pm ET
Good questions build good conversations, and good conversations build community. As elders we want to have real conversations with others, but how do we do that when everything feels so polarized? Join us for a glimpse into why conversations get derailed and then experience for yourself what a difference a Living Room Conversation can make!
Please note: This session requires multiple facilitators, so we really appreciate it if you make sure you are available to attend at the time of this session.
Registration deadline is March 18
register
