We are gonna need a lot more older people
A movement of working-class people that does not include lots of seniors is missing the mark by a country mile.
This year, the big conversation about aging was centered on two old men running for President. I get it, but also hope post-election we can think together about how we grow the role of elderly people in our organizing. People over 65 make up the fastest growing age demographic by a good margin, and in many states will become a larger percentage of the electorate each year for many years.
Seniors face all kinds of challenges, living off of less, issues of mobility, the costs of long-term care, and more. They also have a lot to give - experience, time, and wisdom. I believe a movement of working-class people that does not include lots of seniors is missing the mark by a country mile. Here are some thoughts on that in this In These Times piece.
George, the turnout at various "resist" actions across the country (seems to me its typically at least two-thirds older folks) shows how spot-on this post is. Would you be willing to call an on-line discussion session where senior activists and organizers like me could come together and share ideas? I don't have the on-line reach to do it, but you do.