Elders Action Network

Elders for Sound Democracy
2023-07-19 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom video conferencing
The July ESD community meeting will take an in-depth look at the radical right’s campaign to destroy representative democracy and eliminate basic human rights including reproductive freedom, freedom from wanton gun violence and the right of free expression. We present solutions – specifically actions that the EAN community can take to empower young voters and others who have been the targets of vote suppression.
ESD’s Community meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month for 90 minutes, beginning at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET.
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.

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations
2023-07-20 10:30 - 13:30
Part I: Thursday, July 20
Part II: Thursday, July 27
10:30 am – 1:30 pm PT / 1:30 – 4:30 pm ET
Join Kern Beare in an engaging exploration of difficult conversations. Learn about the neuroscience behind human interactions and how you can apply this knowledge to reduce reactivity and build empathy. Great for the merely curious or for those looking to work with the Building Bridges program.
Expect to:

Gain a greater understanding of the dynamics that turn conversations into conflicts.
Discover how one critical shift in thinking can turn a negative interaction into a creative and constructive engagement.
Understand how our personal story can be a tool to both build bridges and burn them.
Learn to access more easily and deeply your inborn capacity for connection and compassion.
Learn about the four principles that can turn a dialogue into a powerful tool for personal and collective transformation.

What people have to say about taking this workshop:
“Can we rebuild trust today? Difficult Conversations shows that it’s possible.” –David Bornstein, New York Times Columnist
“Kern is a steady, compassionate guide and an expert facilitator. We’re already planning to have him come back, due to critical acclaim in the community.” –Janessa Gans Wilder, Founder and CEO, Euphrates Institute
“The recent experience and interaction with Kern Beare and his workshop was instructive, inspiring and timely!” –Mike Dahl, Mayor Emeritus, Redding, California
Registration is for BOTH sessions—this is a two-part workshop.
register

FixMyFunds Investor’s Working Group
2023-08-02 11:00 - 12:30
FixMyFunds Investor’s Working Group
Wednesday, August 2
11:00 am – 12:30 pm PT / 2:00 – 3:30 pm ET
Many of you have expressed your discomfort with having your investments funding fossil fuel companies, and you have wanted to move your money. Listening to your needs, our Fix My Funds Investor Working Group decided to move forward with researching a “Never Vanguard/Move Your Money” campaign for our EAN folks.
Here is what Michael Mulligan, an EAN member, wrote: My purpose for working toward a “Never Vanguard” (Move Your Money) campaign is two-fold. First, I want my invested retirement money to reflect my values, which Vanguard, by continuing to invest in fossil fuels, does not. Secondly, I hope that by many of us divesting, we can send a message to the financial industry and alter their positions and business practices.
This is not a done deal! We still intend to pressure Vanguard, and other investment companies, with petitions, letters, and conversations with our asset/financial managers as we determine the best tactics for this campaign. And, we’ll have to careful consider how to divest, and where to re-invest – but we’re doing this together, to help ensure a thriving future for those we love.
register

Elders for Social Justice Monthly Meeting
2023-08-17 09:00 - 10:30
Third Thursday of each month
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET
Join the ESJ Building Bridges Project on August 17 in a structured conversation on “Democracy, Extremism and Outliers”. Our team of facilitators is learning to engage people of widely differing views in conversation. By promoting conversation instead of insurrection we support democracy instead of autocracy.

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.

Promote the Youth Vote Orientation Session
2023-08-22 13:00 - 14:00
Tuesday, August 22
1:00 – 2:00 pm PT / 4:00 – 5:00 pm ET
Looking for meaningful and effective ways to help elect local and national leaders who care about the environment and democracy?
You can volunteer now with EAN to help The Civics Center, a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, to “make voter registration part of every American high school”.
Click here more information
register

FixMyFunds Investor Working Group
2023-08-23 11:00 - 12:30
FixMyFunds Investor Working Group
Wednesday, August 23
11:00 am – 12:30 pm PT / 2:00 – 3:30 pm ET
Our monthly group is an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas about how we can use our retirement savings to align with our values – of a thriving and just world, both as individuals and collectively to maximize our impact. Join us to learn more, meet others with shared concerns, and become part of this EAN team as we plan future webinars and campaigns with our global network.

register

Promote the Youth Vote Orientation Session
2023-08-29 16:00 - 17:00
Tuesday, August 29
4:00 – 5:00 pm PT / 7:00 – 8:00 pm ET
Looking for meaningful and effective ways to help elect local and national leaders who care about the environment and democracy?
You can volunteer now with EAN to help The Civics Center, a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, to “make voter registration part of every American high school”.
Click here more information
register

Taking Action to Confront Authoritarianism
2023-09-07 09:00 - 10:30
Thursday, September 7
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.
When we come together on September 7, 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
2023-09-20 10:00 - 11:30
Florida is the canary in the coal mine. It leads the way in censorship and book-banning, and in dumbing down school curricula so as to prettify some of the blemishes in our nation’s history. Join us at our September community meeting, which will focus on the threat of authoritarianism. Our featured speaker will be Juliana Pare-Blagoev, Professor at Johns Hopkins University and a leader of Save New College of Florida, which is pushing back against Gov. DeSantis’s “hostile takeover” of this well-respected, welcoming liberal arts honors college.
ESD’s Community meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month for 90 minutes, beginning at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET. Join us and help evolve our 2023 plan of action. We need and value your ideas and input for tackling these challenges!
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.

Elders for Social Justice Monthly Meeting
2023-09-21 09:00 - 10:30
Third Thursday of each month
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET
Understanding Book Banning
Join us to hear our invited speaker Dr. Carl Lashley. Dr. Lashley is a retired professor of Educational Leadership. His work centers around special education law, policy, and practice; students’ rights and responsibilities; and leadership and culture. Dr. Lashley resides in Greensboro, NC where he continues his work with schools and districts and pursues his lifelong interests in music and writing.

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.

FixMyFunds Investors Working Group
2023-09-26 10:00 - 11:30
FixMyFunds Investors Working Group
Tuesday, September 26
10:00 – 11:30 am PT / 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
Our monthly working group is an opportunity to learn more about how we can use our retirement savings to align with our values – of a thriving and just world. To maximize our collective impact our we are also researching and planning actions with our partners to limit the financing of fossil fuel development and deforestation.
For more information take a look at our FixMyFunds page, and our Never Vanguard campaign.
At our September 26 meeting we will be reviewing the preliminary results of our FixMyFunds survey. We discuss what we’re learning from this survey and where we might want to go next with learning and action regarding the financing of fossil fuels.
Join Us…to learn more, meet others with shared concerns, and become part of this EAN team.

register

Taking Action to Confront Authoritarianism
2023-09-28 09:00 - 10:30
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

Campaign to Learn & Understand Book Banning (CLUBB) Meeting
2023-09-29 09:00 - 10:30
Friday, September 29
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET
Join us in reading a banned book, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, published in 1970. The Bluest Eye appeared on the American Library Association’s 2022 Top Banned Books list. Morrison’s book appeared on the Top Ten list six times in the last twenty years, appearing on the list in 2006, 2013, 2014, 2020, and 2021. At the first meeting, we will discuss the section, Autumn, and set the dates for the next two meetings. At the last meeting, you will receive an Awareness and Action Resource List.
register

Elders for Sound Democracy Town Hall
2023-10-18 10:00 - 11:30
Join us at our next Town Hall Meeting to hear Featured Speaker David Pepper, a lawyer, writer, political activist, adjunct professor (teaching election and voting rights law), and former Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, who earned his BA from Yale University and his JD from Yale Law School. He is the author of two (2) non fiction books: Saving Democracy – A User’s Manual for Every American (2023), Laboratories of Autocracy – A Wake – Up Call From Behind the Lines (2021) and four (4) novels: A Simple Choice (2022), The Voter File (2020), The Wingman – A Jack Sharpe Political Thriller (2018), The People’s House (2016).
David’s more than insightful understanding of what is happening to our democracy and what we each can do to support and protect it is on display in both his non fiction writing and his novels which have been described as “political thrillers”.
He has redefined the basis for the viewpoints and policies taken by those who stand on either side of the political chasm that currently exists in the United States. He does not see the divide as the Republican vs Democratic point of view, but rather a difference between:

those who know our democracy is fragile, know their viewpoints and policies are not supported by the majority of voters and hence seek to manipulate the voting process

and

those who falsely believe our democracy is solid, know that their viewpoints and policies are supported by the majority and assume that the votes of an educated public will be fairly counted.

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.

A Conversation About Aligning Money and Values
2023-10-23 16:00 - 16:30
Monday, October 23
4:00 – 5:30 pm PT / 7:00 – 8:30 pm ET
Wondering if you should move your money out of fossil fuels but not sure when, where, and how? Join us in a Zoom webinar for meaningful conversation about “investing our values” and learning about specific tools you can use.
Although we are not able to give financial advice, Earth Quaker Action Team will share the sources we’ve learned about, Elders Action Network will share other steps people can take, and together we will make space for participants to wrestle with the emotional and financial dilemma of owning funds that are burning up our grandchildren’s future.
This workshop is jointly sponsored by Elders Action Network and Earth Quaker Action Team.
register

Building Community: Having Real Conversations
2023-11-08 10:00 - 11:00
Building Community: Having Real Conversations
Wednesday, November 8
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

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
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
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
