A is for Activism: Make a Difference at Any Age
A Granny's Guide to the Resistance
It’s been one helluva January—at least since about —oh, I guess it would be—the 20th. I’m sitting here today mourning the loss of 67 bright souls in an accident that left countless more traumatized.
After the mourning—or as part of it—comes a fresh round of anger. Yes, I want to blame someone.
Part of the blame lies at the doorstep of the guy who fired the head of the Transportation Security Administration, as well as every member of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, the guy who put a hiring freeze on federal employees, including the ATC, preventing the ATC from continuing to fill a backlog created by the pandemic, and the guy who threw every government department into chaos as employees worry about their jobs, their families, their futures. The same guy who then—speaking as President of the United States—blamed everybody from Biden and Obama to DEI hires for the tragedy and presented no clear plan for preventing other accidents like this from occurring in the future.
But if you’re reading this, then I’m preaching to the choir.
If, like me, you feel helpless, frustrated, and marginalized in this fight, but you need a healthy outlet for those emotions, let me tell you a couple of things.
The boring definition of social activism is this: the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. But this brief phrase can’t capture the drama and awesomeness of true social activism.
If you are a Granny (or a Granddad), you remember a plethora of social movements and how they inspired significant changes in attitudes and, finally, actual changes in policies and behaviors. Watching a movement get rolling is a mind-bending experience.
Consider a clock pendulum—not the little fake ones on electric clocks but the ponderous pendulums on stately grandfather clocks. They swing slowly, from tick to tock, completing the arc and then repeating it. Constantly in motion, like our pendulum, social change will swing first one way and then the other. We watched the Me-Too movement and applauded it but then, in some cases, watched it swing a bit too far, resulting in a kind of paranoia and a rash of overreaction.
My point being that social movements are powerful things and can result in positive changes that benefit everyone, but they can also catch fire and burn innocent bystanders.
The trick is to guide these movements toward the light, steer them away from reactionaryism and violence without damping enthusiasm, and keep the goal clear. Who better to do any of this than Grannies?
Let’s face it, we have skills--very particular sets of skills, skills acquired over very long careers, skills that make us a nightmare for people like them. (What can I say? I watch a lot of movies.)
Even better, we are almost always misunderestimated, as our old friend W used to say. So take your shawls, your knitting baskets, and your sad granny/granddad eyes to town, ladies and gents. Be sweet and kindly, warm and loving. Bring cookies and butterscotch candies. And just when they let their guards down, shove some red-hot facts right up their asses.
You don’t have to join marches and organized protests to be an activist. I broke my kneecap a couple of years ago, which ended my days of dodging cops in alleyways and scaling fences to escape teargas. I could still do a sit-in as long as someone is available to take my place for bathroom breaks and to help me up afterward.
Happily, it’s possible to be an activist with a lot less effort.
Here are a dozen ways older Americans can be political activists. All of these are topics for future posts, but take a peek and get your motor running.
Voting: The most fundamental way to participate in democracy. Encouraging voter registration and turnout among peers can also be a form of activism. Support grassroots movements in your community and, if you can, be available to haul voters to the polls.
Advocacy for Policy Change: Write letters, make phone calls, and meet with elected officials to advocate for issues that matter to you, such as healthcare, social security, or elder rights.
Virtual activism is a thing now. You can participate in email canvassing, marketing campaigns, online advocacy, etc. No matter how old you are, how much you don’t want to march in the cold, how little enthusiasm you have for confrontations with hostile forces, or how hard it may be just to leave the house, you can participate and make a difference. From creating blogs to running social media campaigns and digital platforms, you can connect with like-minded individuals and mobilize support for various causes.
Join or Support Advocacy Groups: Many organizations, like AARP or the National Council on Aging, focus on issues affecting older Americans. Getting involved with or supporting these groups can amplify your impact. Donate when you can, but if money is tight, just joining and using the resources these organizations provide can be helpful.
Organize or Participate in Protests/Rallies: Attending or organizing peaceful demonstrations on issues such as climate change, racial equality, or elder care can be a powerful way to show solidarity and create change.
Running for Office: We have a wealth of experience and wisdom to offer. Running for local or state office is one way to influence policy directly. And, in my state, many incumbents run unopposed, which offers voters little choice but to accept the status quo.
Social Media Engagement: With the rise of online platforms, anyone who can use a smartphone or computer can use social media to voice opinions, share important news, and connect with other activists. Yes, even on Facebook and Instagram. I’d avoid X, but Bluesky is a viable option.
Writing Opinion Pieces: Pick an issue and write op-eds, blogs, or letters to the editor to influence public opinion and push for political change.
Engaging in Community Service: Volunteering for causes that align with your values can help advance political and social goals. This can include helping at food banks and shelters or organizing/participating in local campaigns.
Educating and Mentoring: Mentor younger generations about the importance of civic engagement and activism. Your experiences and insights can shape future leaders. Back in the day, a joke in the teacher's lounge was about how teachers would be the first up against the wall when the revolution came. Not so funny now. It seems a number of voters in the last presidential election didn’t understand how tariffs work or that the ACA and Obamacare are one and the same. You can help with that from the comfort of your own living room while you sip an herbal tea and pet the cat. Know your facts and clarify misinformation wherever you see it.
Supporting or Creating Political Action Committees (PACs): Form or contribute to PACs that support candidates or causes you care about. Again, this requires money not all of us have. Do what you can. Just spreading the word and encouraging others is valuable.
Mobilizing Through Senior Networks: Are you part of a senior center, a retirement community, or a few social clubs? These networks can be powerful organizing tools. By bringing people together in these spaces, you can raise awareness, host discussions, and even organize local actions like petition drives or letter-writing campaigns. You can also collaborate with other age groups to create multigenerational coalitions for political causes.
12. Art is activism. The creation of art is revolutionary all by itself. Writing, painting, memes, songs, and any number of avenues exist for creative minds to bring issues to the forefront. Share it and see what happens. You never know when someone will find inspiration from your words, your images, and your creations.
So, what’s standing in your way?
Physical limitations? Yep—life takes a toll on the body and—as my kids love to point out—on the mind. But there are plenty of ways to be useful.
Learn the basics of word processing on a computer if you don’t already feel capable. Check your local school or library for courses or find a friend who is willing to help. Many speech-to-text applications exist that require little to no typing at all.
Accessibility is the law. If you have vision or hearing problems, be aware that all public officials are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. This means TTY services, sign language interpreters, or other assistive technologies. All public buildings are required to be accessible to people with wheelchairs or walkers. All documents must be able to be read using a screen reader.
Team up with younger activists who can help you when you need it. Kids are so smart! Find a youngling who can show you the ropes and do some of the –literally—heavy lifting. Kids and older people have been teaming up to cause trouble for centuries. Let’s continue the tradition and steer a new generation of activists toward the light while we’re at it.
Time constraints? Sure. Life goes on. The grandkids drop by. The garden club meets. And I can only speak for myself, but it seems like the days fly by a little faster with a lot less accomplished.
We’re going to talk about ways to organize, which includes finding time to participate and ways to make a difference efficiently. Stay tuned.
Don’t feel like you have anything to offer? Think again. Every one of us has a mission. Start where you are and do what you can do.
We are going to talk a lot about taking care of yourself as you embark on this journey. The first rule is to honor your limitations but never let them limit you.
Need inspiration? Consider these people and their causes.
1. Dorothy Height: The Godmother of the Civil Rights Movement
Dorothy Height was a prominent activist who worked tirelessly for civil rights, women’s rights, and social justice well into her senior years. She became a key figure in the National Council of Negro Women and played a vital role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington. Her advocacy didn’t stop as she aged; she continued to speak out, mentor young activists, and push for systemic change. Height’s story demonstrates the enduring power of a lifelong commitment to activism.
2. Jane Goodall: Champion for the Environment
Known for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees, Dr. Jane Goodall has also become an international voice for environmental activism. Even in her later years, she travels the world promoting conservation efforts and urging people to care for the planet. Her Roots & Shoots program engages young people globally, showing how intergenerational collaboration can amplify activism.
3. Local Heroes: Unsung Advocates in Communities
Beyond well-known figures, countless older women and men across America make significant impacts in their local communities:
Environmental Advocates: Women who lead community recycling programs or campaign to preserve local green spaces.
Healthcare Activists: Seniors advocating for better access to healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
Education Champions: Grandmothers, grandfathers, and retirees mentoring students, supporting literacy programs, or raising funds for school supplies.
For example, in Missouri, one retiree organized a grassroots effort to improve access to public transportation for seniors and disabled residents, leading to meaningful policy changes in her community.
Activism is not confined by age or physical ability. Older people bring determination, wisdom, and a unique perspective that can lead to significant and lasting change. Everyone has the power to contribute in meaningful ways, regardless of where you start or the tools you use.
Remember these social movements? They are the result of collective action—activism from the grassroots of society, and they rocked even ivory towers. While more work remains to be done, the results are undeniable.
The Fight for Marriage Equality (USA)
Activism by LGBTQ+ organizations and allies, including campaigns, pride marches, and legal advocacy, played a crucial role in the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States.
Outcome: In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, granting millions of couples the legal right to marry.
Global Climate Strikes and Environmental Policies
Movements like Fridays for Future, inspired by Greta Thunberg, mobilized millions worldwide to demand government action on climate change.
Outcome: Countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany have accelerated plans to phase out coal, and the European Union adopted more ambitious climate policies. The activism has also increased public awareness and corporate accountability regarding environmental sustainability.
The #MeToo Movement (Global)
The #MeToo movement highlighted the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault, empowering survivors to share their stories and hold perpetrators accountable.
Outcome: It led to significant societal and legal changes, such as stricter workplace harassment policies, the removal of high-profile individuals from positions of power, and the passage of new laws addressing harassment in various countries.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Police Reform (USA)
The BLM movement brought widespread attention to racial inequality and police brutality through protests, advocacy, and policy initiatives.
Outcome: Several cities have implemented police reform measures, including reallocating budgets, mandating body cameras, and establishing civilian oversight boards. Statues representing oppressive figures have been removed, and conversations around racial justice have become more prominent globally.
Indigenous Rights Movements (Canada and Australia)
Indigenous activists have advocated for land rights, environmental protection, and recognition of their cultural heritage. Movements like Idle No More in Canada and the push for Voice to Parliament in Australia have led to policy shifts.
Outcome: Canada has taken steps toward reconciliation, including the establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions. In Australia, the conversation around constitutional recognition and Indigenous representation has gained national prominence.
Activism is a journey. It begins with small steps. In future posts, we’ll talk about ways to continue this journey and ways to stay healthy and emotionally sound along the way.
If you need—or want-- an assignment, consider this.
I’m a list-maker. So your first assignment is to make a list. No, two lists.
List One will contain around 20 causes you find compelling—local, state, regional, national, and global.
Prioritize 1 or 2 causes that worry you the most. Draw a big circle around each one.
I know that’s the hard part, but the focus is a skill that has been lacking in a certain political party (you know the one—it’s blue and says ‘hee-haw.’) No one person can do everything. Pick a couple of things that light you up. If you must, choose a couple more as alternates, but determine to work on your primary 1 or 2 causes the most.
List Two should contain all the ways you can think of contributing to these causes—even activities you don’t feel qualified or capable of doing. Use my list of a dozen ways to be an activist to start. Try to find additional specific ideas that work for your issues. Things like “Call Marjorie, the president of the local library board, and pick her brain about the local book ban situation” or “Show up on Friday at the Food Bank and take at least 20 canned goods to donate.”
Put a check beside 1 or 2 activities you could do today or in the next week. Keep it simple. Choose things you have the means and opportunity to actually do.
Next—and this is important—choose a time to do those 1 or 2 things. There’s no time like the present so do that if you are so moved, but there’s also something to be said for planning.
Put these activities on your calendar.
Collect any information or materials you will need.
Follow through and complete the activities on that day.
Rinse and Repeat.
There you go! Take a deep breath. Have a cup of tea. And get to work.
To see the first post in this series, in which I wax poetic (or not) about life, see below.
