TAKE ACTION NOW to INVEST in Aging Services
WHAT WE KNOW
Aging services are critical to the people who rely on them. We need a robust aging services network now more than ever.
WHAT’S AT RISK?
Funding for case management and friendly visiting administered by the California Department of Aging has been flat for over a dozen years. Right now, California legislators are debating where to invest a significant state surplus. We want them to fund these two key programs that have been long neglected, and that are urgently needed in our communities.
Older adults and the people who care about them must make our voices heard to invest in these programs so they can serve the increasing numbers of people who are destabilized and isolated as a result of the pandemic.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Join our #IRelyOn campaign!
TWO WAYS YOU CAN TAKE ACTION
Participating is easy and you can do it in just a few minutes:
- Send us a quote with a reason for why these aging services are important to you and we’ll post it on our social media page. Send us a picture of yourself too, to include in our post.
OR
- Click here to download and print out our sign. Write in the aging service that you rely on. Use the “cheat sheet” on the back for ideas, or use it as a guide to make your own sign. Take a photo of yourself holding your sign. Post the photo on social media using the #IRelyOn hashtag. Tag your Senator or Representative (click here for a list of state Assemblymembers, and click here for a list of state Senators).
NEED HELP WITH TAKING ACTION?
We’re happy to help! We’ll join your staff meeting, community gathering, etc. to lead an #IRelyOn activity. Click here to contact us.
THANKS for your continued action. We look forward to seeing your posts as we continue the fight to protect and build these aging services.
Write a Letter of Support
The leaders of key budget committees need to hear from you. Click here for a sample letter of support to use as a guide, and follow the instructions. Note that letters received in April or early May will have the most impact.
Messages to Tweet and Post
- Many older Californians are economically insecure but don’t qualify for Medi-Cal. Let’s ensure that they will have access to Case Management should they need it. #IRelyOn @drarambulaAD31
- Isolation is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Friendly visitors are the cure. California, invest in visiting programs for older people. #IRelyOn @NancySkinnerCA
- Older American Act case management and visiting programs rely on federal funding that has been flat for a decade! California, step up and fund these services. #IRelyOn @PhilTing
- #IRelyOn knowing that I can get help coordinating care when I need it. But funding is less now than in 2010! Completely inadequate to meet growing needs! @sensusaneggman
TOOLKIT
- #IRelyOn Selfie Sign with cheat sheet on the back
- Want to launch your own campaign or customize your selfie sign? Use this .doc sign and add your organization’s logo
- Our Key Messages and Talking Points about the requested investment in Case Management and Visiting
Tips and Ideas
- Tag one or more of the members of the California Assembly and/or Senate Budget Committee when you post your picture (click here for a list of state Assemblymembers, and click here for a list of state Senators).
- Print multiple copies of the sign with the instructions on the back and bring it to your local café, library, senior center, etc.
What the Community is Saying
Click here to see what community members said at SSC’s December 2021 Forum.