Silver Legislature activities: From Grumble to Rumble

Download your copy of the Silver Legislature brochure, registration form and schedule: right-click here to download, or left-click to view.

Special pre-conference activities have been taking place since April. Here are those planned for September-November.

These activities are to obtain grassroots suggestions for state issues that are important to Hawaii seniors. Are you worried about Long Term Care? High cost of housing? Transportation? Are there other issues you believe affect you and your family? You are welcome at any of the free sessions.

• Wednesday, September 14, 9:30-11:00 a.m., Lanakila Multipurpose Senior Center, 1640 Lanakila Avenue, Honolulu

• Tuesday, September 27, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Lihue Public Library, 4344 Hardy Street, Lihue, Kauai

• Monday, October 3, 9:30-11:15 a.m. Moanalua Recreation Center, 2900 Moanalua Road, Honolulu

•Thursday, October 6, 9:30-11:00 a.m., Kapolei Hale, 1000 Ulu`ohi`A, Kapolei

• Friday, October 7, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Kilohana Methodist Church, 5829 Mahimahi, Honolulu

• Wednesday, October 12, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., 99 Mahalani St., Wailuku, Maui

•Friday, October 14, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Manoa Recreation Center, 2721 Kaaipi Ave.

• Friday, October 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Global Hope, UH-Hilo Campus Center, University of Hawaii- Hilo Campus Center, Room 301

• Monday, October 24, 11:30 am-1:30 p.m., Harris Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard, Honolulu

• Wednesday, November 16, 9 – 12 noon, State Capitol , Room 016. Attend an Orientation Session. Learn about the roles you will play, the legislative process you will experience, tour the building.


For more information or if your organization would like a Silver Legislation presentation: Call Laura Manis 597-8838 or Carolyn Golojuch 672-9050.

President's Letter: November 2005 - Activism At All Ages

President’s Letter, Larry Geller

A young social activist is full of fervor--ready to leap into the firestorm of protest to settle the injustices left in the world. The young activist is idealistic and believes, against or perhaps in disregard of the evidence, that simply through enough protest, the world can soon be set straight. We desperately need the energy of youth to bring about real change in the world.

In time, a vision develops, embracing more of reality and channeling youthful expression into creative action. Goals become more long term; the activist becomes a facilitator of change. In mid-life, the activist begins to listen as well as talk. We desperately need the creativity of the midyears to make sure change happens in positive ways.

As an elder, the social activist is able to embrace all sides, understand a broader reality, and bring about change through relationship and communication. The fire of youth is not extinguished, it is merely used in different and usually more effective ways. It is integrated with wisdom developed through time and experience. There is no substitute for having experienced the issues yourself, for having had your own feet in the fire. There is great value in mixing passion with compassion. We desperately need the wisdom and guidance of our elders if change is to have lasting value.

At any age, if we live with awareness, we have access to the fire of youth, the creativity of midyears, and the wisdom of eldership. The key is awareness and developing the skills necessary to be an effective advocate. One can be an elder at any age, nor need age quell the fire of youth.

Why be an advocate when it is socially acceptable to stay home and just watch TV? If you have to ask that question, it’s ok, just remember that you also have to answer it yourself.