Elders Action Network

Elders for Sound Democracy Community Meeting
2025-10-29 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom video conferencing
Wednesday, October 29, 10:00 – 11:30 am PT / 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
Join us on October 29 for another session of our Democracy Speaker series: A Manual for Keeping Democracy Alive, featuring Joyce Vance, just one week after the release of her first book, Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy.
For several years, Vance has captivated readers through her hugely popularCivil Discourse Substack, where she unpacks pressing political issues through a clear legal and historical lens—what she calls “part civics and part law school.” She ends every post with an encouraging reminder: “We’re in this together.”
Her new book continues that mission, offering both inspiration and practical guidance. It’s a call to action for citizen engagement—showing readers how to overcome political burnout, take meaningful action, and make their voices heard to help protect democracy.
Vance brings a wealth of experience to this discussion. She served 25 years as a career federal prosecutor, including as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama during the Obama administration. Today, she is a distinguished Professor of the Practice of Law at the University of Alabama School of Law, a legal analyst for NBC and MSNBC, and cohost of two podcasts — #SistersinLaw and Café’s Insider.
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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 Sound Democracy’s Defend Democracy Team
2025-11-03 10:30 - 12:00
Monday, November 3
10:30 – 12:00 pm PT / 1:30 – 3:00 pm ET
Our meetings take place on the first and third Monday of each month.
Topic: Defend Democracy Now!
Our country is at a pivotal crossroads. Which path will we follow?
Our current government is undermining the institutions of democratic self-government, suppressing our freedom to think/speak/learn/and dissent, and restricting people’s right to vote. ESD’s Defend Democracy team plans actions we can take to push back against these authoritarian threats.
History has shown that, if we want to keep our republic, we can’t wait for someone else to do it for us. We must take vigorous action ourselves.
Please join the discussion. Bring your ideas, your energy and your passion. For more information, email Ken Barnes at kbarnes@kenbarneslaw.com.
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.

Connect & Refresh with the Civic Values & Culture Team
2025-11-04 12:30 - 13:30
Tuesday, November 4
12:30 – 1:30 pm PT / 3:30 – 4:30 pm ET

We invite like-minded elders to join us on November 4 to support each other as we think about how our values guide our individual actions and choices.

A sense of community – and paths to action – can come from exploring and sharing what our lived experience has taught us. Do you have a pivotal life story to share that has highlighted an important value for you?

Come to our next meeting, listen to the personal experiences of others, and tell your own story if you like. Let’s have a conversation that resonates with all of us.
Register below to receive the Zoom link. For more information, email Therese Flaherty at theresef@eldersaction.org.
register

Elders for Sound Democracy - A Conversation for Democracy
2025-11-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-28 10:00 - 11:00
10:00 – 11:00 am PT / 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET
What Can I Do to Make a Difference?
Join with like-minded elders in “A Conversation for Democracy”
As Cory Booker reminded us: “I do not know what John Lewis would have… done [if he were here]. I do know he would have done something….” Many of us are trying to figure out what [and/or what else] we can do to make a difference.
Several of us who have been active in Elders for Sound Democracy want to:

Welcome elders who are exploring ways to support democracy
Share a number of ways in which we are trying to support democracy
Brainstorm together for new ideas and approaches to support democracy

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.

ONE: One Earth, One Humanity, One Future Book Discussion
2025-11-06 10:00 - 11:30
Thursday, November 6
10:00 – 11:30 am PT / 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
Long time EAN member Libby Traubman and co-author Winslow Myers will share the inspiration and wisdom from their newly published book, ONE: One Earth, One Humanity, One Future. About the book:
“Eighty years beyond the first use of a nuclear weapon on civilians and fifty-five years beyond the first Earth Day, the community of nations has not yet fully addressed the dual existential threats of nuclear war and the climate crisis. We cling to the illusion that the most secure are those with the most destructive weapons, even though possessing the fastest missiles or the most warheads does nothing to ensure a livable planet. If large swaths of the earth become too hot for survival, what difference will it make who wins the arms race? We all want to avoid sudden extinction by nuclear war or gradual ecological degradation.”
Based on this planet-wide alignment of interest—a “no” to war and a “yes” to the regeneration of the Earth conceived as a single overarching goal—ONE offers a hopeful way forward.
Join us for this lively discussion.
Suggested donation: $10

register

Resist Through Writing
2025-11-12 10:00 - 11:30
Wednesday, November 12
10:00 – 11:30 am PT / 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
Letters to the Editors are not new, but they are still an effective way to use your voice and have an influence.
Resist Through Writing is a means for anyone to inform, engage and persuade a targeted audience in a meaningful way. We will discuss why, who and how and we’ll give you tools to help get you started.
Suggested donation: $10

register

Future Design Group
2025-11-12 16:00 - 17:00
Wednesday, November 12
Second Wednesday of each month
4:00 – 5:00 pm PT / 7:00 – 8:00 pm ET
At this meeting, the team will share updates on workshops and projects as well as marketing opportunities and ways you can get involved in spreading the word about Future Design in your area.
Register below to receive the Zoom link. For more information, email Teri Whitehair at teriw@eldersaction.org.
register

Elders for Sound Democracy’s Defend Democracy Team
2025-11-17 10:30 - 12:00
Monday, November 17
10:30 – 12:00 pm PT / 1:30 – 3:00 pm ET
Our meetings take place on the first and third Monday of each month.
Topic: Defend Democracy Now!
Our country is at a pivotal crossroads. Which path will we follow?
Our current government is undermining the institutions of democratic self-government, suppressing our freedom to think/speak/learn/and dissent, and restricting people’s right to vote. ESD’s Defend Democracy team plans actions we can take to push back against these authoritarian threats.
History has shown that, if we want to keep our republic, we can’t wait for someone else to do it for us. We must take vigorous action ourselves.
Please join the discussion. Bring your ideas, your energy and your passion. For more information, email Ken Barnes at kbarnes@kenbarneslaw.com.
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 Sound Democracy Community Meeting
2025-11-19 10:00 - 11:30
Wednesday, November 19, 10:00 – 11:30 am PT / 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
One of ESD’s key goals is to build a strong network of state and regional chapters that (a) support local get-out-the-vote efforts among minority and young voters, and (b) promote effective, democratic governance and legislation at the state and local levels.
At this community meeting, we’ll outline our strategy for expanding this network and hear from three of our state chapters about their inspiring on-the-ground actions and progress.
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 Sound Democracy’s Defend Democracy Team
2025-12-01 10:30 - 12:00
Monday, December 1
10:30 – 12:00 pm PT / 1:30 – 3:00 pm ET
Our meetings take place on the first and third Monday of each month.
Topic: Defend Democracy Now!
Our country is at a pivotal crossroads. Which path will we follow?
Our current government is undermining the institutions of democratic self-government, suppressing our freedom to think/speak/learn/and dissent, and restricting people’s right to vote. ESD’s Defend Democracy team plans actions we can take to push back against these authoritarian threats.
History has shown that, if we want to keep our republic, we can’t wait for someone else to do it for us. We must take vigorous action ourselves.
Please join the discussion. Bring your ideas, your energy and your passion. For more information, email Ken Barnes at kbarnes@kenbarneslaw.com.
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.

The Climate Crossroads: Why Haven’t We Changed — and How We Do Now
2025-12-02 08:00 - 09:30
Tuesday, December 2
8:00 – 9:30 am PT / 11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET
A live event from The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations Podcast
We know the science— still we haven’t changed. Why? Join three of the leading voices on Climate for lively dialogue about breaking the deadlock.
Bill McKibben, Dr. Rupert Read, and Brian McLaren, in a live conversation moderated by Dr. John Izzo, confronting the hard truth of where we stand and explore what it will take to move from paralysis to action.
Hosted by Elders Action Network, Elders Climate Action, and The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations Podcast, this 90-minute event blends wisdom and urgency, moral clarity and practical hope. Webinar attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
👉 Register now and be part of the generation that turns awareness into action.
register

Connect & Refresh with the Civic Values & Culture Team
2025-12-02 12:30 - 13:30
Tuesday, December 2
12:30 – 1:30 pm PT / 3:30 – 4:30 pm ET

Join our Civic Values & Culture Team as we pause from our activism and release our serious concerns during this challenging year. Once again, we will come together to enjoy our virtual and restorative community. We will reaffirm the values that guide our collaboration.

Integrity & Authenticity
Deep Listening with Openness, Curiosity, and Presence
Appreciation of Differences

Register below to receive the Zoom link. For more information, email Therese Flaherty at theresef@eldersaction.org.
register

Elders for Sound Democracy’s Defend Democracy Team
2025-12-15 10:30 - 12:00
Monday, December 15
10:30 – 12:00 pm PT / 1:30 – 3:00 pm ET
Our meetings take place on the first and third Monday of each month.
Topic: Defend Democracy Now!
Our country is at a pivotal crossroads. Which path will we follow?
Our current government is undermining the institutions of democratic self-government, suppressing our freedom to think/speak/learn/and dissent, and restricting people’s right to vote. ESD’s Defend Democracy team plans actions we can take to push back against these authoritarian threats.
History has shown that, if we want to keep our republic, we can’t wait for someone else to do it for us. We must take vigorous action ourselves.
Please join the discussion. Bring your ideas, your energy and your passion. For more information, email Ken Barnes at kbarnes@kenbarneslaw.com.
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 Sound Democracy Community Meeting
2025-12-17 10:00 - 11:30
Wednesday, December 17, 10:00 – 11:30 am PT / 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
Let’s close out 2025 together! Join ESD’s year-end community meeting as we celebrate our progress and gear up for 2026—a crucial election year focused on turning out voters and bringing more young voices into our democracy.
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 Sound Democracy’s Defend Democracy Team
2026-01-05 10:30 - 12:00
Monday, January 5
10:30 – 12:00 pm PT / 1:30 – 3:00 pm ET
Our meetings take place on the first and third Monday of each month.
Topic: Defend Democracy Now!
Our country is at a pivotal crossroads. Which path will we follow?
Our current government is undermining the institutions of democratic self-government, suppressing our freedom to think/speak/learn/and dissent, and restricting people’s right to vote. ESD’s Defend Democracy team plans actions we can take to push back against these authoritarian threats.
History has shown that, if we want to keep our republic, we can’t wait for someone else to do it for us. We must take vigorous action ourselves.
Please join the discussion. Bring your ideas, your energy and your passion. For more information, email Ken Barnes at kbarnes@kenbarneslaw.com.
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 - 2026
2026-01-12 12:30 - 14:00
Monday, January 12
12:30 – 2:00 pm PT / 3:30 – 5:00 ET pm
Join Vicki Shapiro (Chair of the Advisory Board of The Civics Center), Diane Sue (ESD Washington State Team), Mary Perry (ESD CA State Team), and Therese Flaherty (ESD Youth Voting Action Team), as they share what we have all accomplished in 2025, what we have learned, and what we are planning as we gear up for 2026.
Come and get ready to join many other elders in making a difference in youth voting!
Contact: theresef@eldersaction.org
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.

The Truth Mandala
2026-01-13 10:00 - 12:00
Co-Sponsored by Sage-ing International and Elders Action Network

Tuesday, January 13
10:00 am – 12:00 pm PT / 1:00 – 3:00 pm ET
Join us for “The Truth Mandala” presented by our friends at Sage-ing International. The Truth Mandala ritual offers a sacred, compassionate space to honor the pain we feel as we witness the many crises unfolding in our world. As we absorb the news, talk with friends, or hear the worries of younger generations, we encounter deep emotions – despair, anger, fear, emptiness, and more. Created by Joanna Macy, the Truth Mandala invites spiritual intimacy in hard times by allowing us to speak what’s on our hearts and receive acknowledgement from the community.
The program will include silence, journaling, and sharing. Please arrive 5–10 minutes early so we can begin promptly.
REGISTER HERE

Connect & Refresh with the Civic Values & Culture Team
2026-01-13 12:30 - 14:00
Tuesday, January 13
12:30 – 2:00 pm PT / 3:30 – 5:00 pm ET

Envisioning a Future That Reflects Our Values
Clearly, the world is moving and changing rapidly and radically. We invite you to visit our sustaining community of like-minded elders. We discuss:

envisioning a future based on our values
choosing actions we want to take based on our values

Register below to receive the Zoom link. For more information, email Therese Flaherty at theresef@eldersaction.org.
register

Resilience and Acceptance in the Face of Collapse
2026-01-14 16:00 - 17:30
A free, nine-session online course starting on Wednesday, January 14 at 4:00 pm PT / 7:00 pm ET.
It focuses on inner resilience, adaptive responses, collective acceptance of the climate crisis and provides a worldview pertaining to a new and different future.
After the course attendees will be able to:

Define collapse.
Articulate their own understanding about the Great Unraveling and at what stage of awareness they are.
More freely navigate their emotional responses to a collapse.
Name and put into practice several tools for inner resilience.
Describe and weigh out the benefits of localization for outer resilience.
Live in greater balance and harmony with all the spirits which create and support life.
Identify the benefits of acceptance most pertinent to them and their life circumstances.
Meetings are 1 ½ hours. Preparation: 2-3 hours a week

REGISTER (Maximum 30 participants) Registration starts December 1, 2025

Message From the Course Developers
“With great sadness and great love, we are convinced that this is a time of unraveling…biodiversity loss, ocean degradation, urban flooding, political strife, climate crisis and migrations, economic and political instability, food shortages, wildfires, soil degradation.
We have two choices: turning away or turning toward. For a long time, we have learned to turn our eyes away and live as we have always lived.
With these moving thoughts from the Developer’s in mind: We believe that closing our eyes has not served us. It’s time to turn towards—wake up and see what is happening in the world and in ourselves, in the ways we relate to the entire Community of Life. Turning toward takes courage, honesty and love.”
This course is not about traditional resilience solutions. Instead, the course leads participants through a process of opening their eyes in awareness and turning towards what-is with ever-deepening acceptance, through wise responses to our predicament.”

Elders for Sound Democracy’s Defend Democracy Team
2026-01-20 10:30 - 12:00
Monday, January 20
10:30 – 12:00 pm PT / 1:30 – 3:00 pm ET
Our meetings take place on the first and third Monday of each month.
Topic: Defend Democracy Now!
Our country is at a pivotal crossroads. Which path will we follow?
Our current government is undermining the institutions of democratic self-government, suppressing our freedom to think/speak/learn/and dissent, and restricting people’s right to vote. ESD’s Defend Democracy team plans actions we can take to push back against these authoritarian threats.
History has shown that, if we want to keep our republic, we can’t wait for someone else to do it for us. We must take vigorous action ourselves.
Please join the discussion. Bring your ideas, your energy and your passion. For more information, email Ken Barnes at kbarnes@kenbarneslaw.com.
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 Sound Democracy Community Meeting
2026-01-21 10:00 - 11:30
Wednesday, January 21, 10:00 – 11:30 am PT / 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
Opportunities for Making a Difference in 2026
Join us on January 21 as we kick off our 2026 programs for the critical work for our democracy.
Together, we’ll explore:

A wide range of meaningful actions we can start taking now to make a real difference
Opportunities to connect with like-minded elders for thoughtful conversations about democracy and how we protect it
Ways to get more involved by joining one of our Action Teams

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.

Democracy Forum Speaker Series Featuring Robert Hubbell
2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:30
Wednesday, February 18, 10:00 – 11:30 am PT / 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
Robert Hubbell, the widely followed Substack author and leading voice for democratic values, will join us for a community conversation as part of our ESD-sponsored Democracy Forum Speaker Series.
Through his daily newsletter, Today’s Edition, Hubbell helps readers cut through the noise of the news cycle, offering thoughtful, daily reflections — always grounded in a sense of hope that serves to sustain activists working on the grassroots level in protecting, strengthening, and restoring our democracy.
Robert B. Hubble is a former attorney who turned to writing after a successful legal career. Known for his clear, insightful take on social and political issues, he has become a trusted and widely respected voice in civic engagement.

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.
