ARGENTUM ADVOCATES
Engage With the Issues Through Grassroots Political Advocacy
By Sara Wildberger
political power than you think. With the help of member voices, Argentum has been able to push meaningful action. Getting involved can look daunting, but it
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doesn’t have to involve hours of effort. The best (and simplest) way to start is by joining Argentum Advocates (
argentum.org/argen- tumadvocates). This free program provides information, guidance, and tools to make it possible for people pressed for time in their daily lives to be heard. Some of the benefits include: • Action Alerts: These require a sign-up, but once that’s done, it’s the most conve- nient way to keep up with the issues that can affect your profession and mission. You’ll receive emails with short, clear news summaries and links to letters to Congress that you can sign and send with a few clicks.
• Instagram @argentumadvocates: This is the social media channel Argentum’s policy team opts for, so they can send you alerts and updates that are short, to the point, and easy to access and act upon.
• Monthly briefing: These popular vid- eo-conference gatherings give you a look inside the issues, direct from the people on Capitol Hill or in the state capital. They’re recorded, too, so you can listen to them when you choose.
SAVE THE DATE: Argentum’s 2022 Public Policy Institute & Fly-In (
argentum.org/ppi) is set for March 7-9 in Washington, D.C. The annual learning and advocacy event is free to Argentum members. It’s a powerful opportunity to work for policies that will advance quality of life for older adults.
f the past year has raised concerns about issues in older adults’ health and safety, you’re not alone. And you have more
THE COMMUNITY VISIT
Many elected officials have never visited or toured a senior living community. They may not realize the kind of care offered or the vibrance of some of the residents— they could be working with a stereotype in mind. You have the chance to show them the reality as well as engage community residents in a meaningful activity.
• Identify who you’d like to host. Check what districts your community is in and the elected officials who represent it. If you’ve joined the free Argentum Advocates program (
argentum.org/argentumadvocates), you can look up your state and federal representatives with a click, as well as finding out what the major issues in senior living are in your area. Here are some choices of officials to invite, depending on where you live and what issues concern your community:
» City or town council member » Mayor » County executive
» State representative or assemblyman
» State senator
» U.S. House of Representatives member
» U.S. Senator
Why invite U.S. Congress members? Because their decisions can influence senior living all around the country, and they are less likely than city officials to have been to a senior living community.
• Think about your purpose. Is it to educate elected officials about senior living and your provider company? Or would you like to express support, opposition,
52 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
or interest in a specific piece of legislation or issue?
• Send an invitation. Argentum has a template invitation letter at
argentum.org/advocacy-toolkit/.
• Gather what you’ll need for an effective visit. Get in touch with Argentum, join Argentum Advocates, and talk with your State Partner. They can give you guidance and help you prepare talking points.
• Let staff and residents know. Explain whether the elected official will be getting a tour, holding a town hall, or participating in another activity, so they’ll know what to expect and when, and can say hello or participate.
• Take pictures. Get out your phones, too, for photos and short videos. Choose the ones that show off your community and residents and share them with the elected official’s staff and the Argentum policy team. They’ll feature them in Argentum Advocates e-newsletters and social media accounts. Your State Partner will be interested as well. Post photos on your community social pages and newsletters, too—and like and share.
• Follow up: A thank you note to the elected official and their staff is very important.
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