Message from the NISC Chair

“Advocacy Made Easy”

Now you can access the NCOA (National Council on Aging) advocacy website and email our states elected officials right form that site.  The Advocacy page gives you the current issues facing congress that NCOA is working on.  Every email sent let’s our representatives know that these issues are important to us.  This website eliminates the time it takes to research issues and write concise emails, and we all know how limited our time is.  I encourage you to take a look at this site and give it a try!

https://www.capwiz.com/ncoa/home/

Antonia Asher Kerney
NISC Representative for WSASC

YOUR VOICE
Fred Corbett, Senior Lobby

You have a very hard working WSASC board of directors; I hope I can keep up. I am honored by being allowed to serve with them. I will report on legislative issues that matter to us at The Center. You the directors and staff of Washington State Senior Centers have a lot of power and importance. The legislators and people shaping the future for seniors and centers alike want to know what you think and what your patrons think.  We can be an incredible force for good, especially when it comes to a critical legislative issue. When a bill is close to passing, then just a few letters, contacts, or phone calls can make THE difference. This is what is called the “Tipping Point”. We can enhance, educate, and support our Centers by being active and aware of the issues that matter to us and ours. You are the voice of seniors.
When an important opportunity comes to the surface we will support each other, educate one another and enhance the life of seniors by helping them be proactive in their choices and voices.
The WSASC has two seats on the Board of the “Senior Lobby” as a member organization. The non profit that supports the lobby is “Washington State Senior Citizens Foundation” (W.S.S.C.F.). The “Senior Lobby” has accepted me as a board member as their alternate. 

I just attended a W.S.S.C.F. conference held in SeaTac, on a Friday in October titled “Critical Issues for an Aging Society”. We heard from Robert Friedland Ph.D. on how to fund Long Term Care (LTC). Other important information to pass along is a website ; veteranaid.org for wartime veterans or their surviving spouses. 

My intent is to lay the groundwork for easy communication to our legislators on issues that matter to seniors, and Our Centers.  You are the voices to tell the legislature what your seniors and centers need and want. Look for more information on your website www.wsasc.org and feel free to email me with questions or concerns at: mcsaafc@hctc.com.