Individuals and organizations who have a passion for working for better and more just services for older adults in the District of Columbia are invited to get involved with one or all of these city-wide advocacy groups: the DC Coalition on Long Term Care, the DC Senior Advisory Coalition, and Iona’s Citizens Advocacy Group. Open to activists, health care providers, and concerned consumers, these groups provide you with opportunities to:
- Add your voice to the stories of others who are personally impacted by government policies. We also want to hear from your neighbors and friends who may have stories to share.
- Help write DC regulations and testify before the DC City Council.
- Expand existing and create new services, programs, and policies.
The people with the greatest needs are the ones less able to speak up for themselves.”
— Sally S. White, Iona Executive Director
Iona hosts three advocacy groups:
The DC Coalition on Long Term Care is committed to expanding and improving the quality of the District’s long-term care programs so that low-income residents with chronic care and/or disability needs can age in the community safely and with dignity. The Coalition meets at Iona the second Wednesday of the month from Noon to 2 PM. To get involved, contact coordinator Judy Levy at jlevy@iona.org or (202) 895-9435. Visit its website here.
The DC Senior Advisory Coalition is dedicated to unifying the voices of older adults in Washington, DC to improve their quality of life. Made up of more than 70 member organizations and individual advocates, the Coalition’s focus is on: the DC Office on Aging’s fiscal apportionment, and the provision of meals, transportation, and housing for the most vulnerable, low-income older adults in the city. The group meets the third Thursday of every month at 3 PM at locations throughout the District. To get involved, contact Iona’s Helpline at info@iona.org or call (202) 895-9448. Visit its website here.
Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) is devoted to discussing critical issues affecting older adults living in Wards 2 and 3 and the impact of public policy on the quality of life of older adults. Members include local aging-in-place villages, citizen advocacy initiatives, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, local congregations in Wards 2 and 3 of Washington, DC, and respected activists. The group meets monthly on the second Tuesday, from 3 – 4:30 PM at Iona. Call (202) 895-9442 for more information. View a list of the current members here.
