Advocacy 101: Where Community and Advocacy Meet

Advocacy and senior centers may seem like separate topics, but they are deeply connected. The programs, services, and opportunities available at senior centers throughout Seattle and King County are made possible, in part, through public policies and investments that support older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.

As we celebrate Senior Center Month and start thinking about the state legislative season in the new year, it is important to recognize not only the vital role senior centers play in our communities, but also the importance of ensuring that policymakers understand their value. Senior centers are trusted community hubs where people access nutritious meals, health and wellness programs, transportation resources, benefits counseling, educational opportunities, and meaningful social connections. For many individuals, these centers provide critical support that helps them remain healthy, engaged, and independent in the communities they call home.

The value of senior centers extends well beyond the individuals who walk through their doors. These centers strengthen families, support caregivers, promote volunteerism, and contribute to healthier and more connected communities. They also serve as important access points for services that address some of the most pressing issues facing older adults and people with disabilities, including housing stability, food security, transportation, health care access, and social isolation. As the population of older adults continues to grow, the demand for these services is increasing, making the work of senior centers more important than ever.

This month also represents an opportunity to highlight the connection between community services and public policy. Many of the programs that help older adults and people with disabilities remain independent are supported through state and federal investments. As Washington prepares for the 2026 legislative session, advocates anticipate significant discussions around Medicaid, long-term services and supports, workforce shortages, housing affordability, caregiver resources, and the implementation of WA Cares. Budget pressures at both the state and federal levels are expected to make protecting existing services a central focus for aging and disability advocates. Decisions made by policymakers can directly affect access to home- and community-based services, transportation assistance, long-term care supports, and other programs that many individuals rely on every day.

This makes advocacy an important part of maintaining strong communities. Elected officials often hear statistics and policy recommendations, but personal experiences help illustrate the real-world impact of their decisions. Senior center participants, caregivers, volunteers, family members, and community supporters are uniquely positioned to explain how programs and services make a difference in everyday life. Sharing examples of your experiences provides valuable insight to decision-makers. Share your stories about how:

• Transportation services support medical appointments
• Wellness programs promote healthy aging
• Benefits assistance helps people maintain financial stability
• Community-based services enable individuals to remain in their homes

These stories help demonstrate that investments in aging and disability services support not only older adults and people with disabilities, but also families, caregivers, and the broader community.

Now is an excellent time to engage with elected officials before the legislative session begins in the new year. Community members can invite local elected leaders to visit a senior center, attend a community meal, tour a facility, participate in a program, or meet directly with participants and caregivers. These visits provide policymakers with the opportunity to see firsthand how public investments support services that promote independence, health, and social connection. Community members can also participate in town halls, legislative roundtables, listening sessions, and community forums where aging and disability issues are discussed. Building relationships with elected officials before major policy decisions are made can help ensure that the voices of older adults and people with disabilities are included in important conversations.

Senior Center Month serves as both a celebration and a call to action. They are among the most effective community resources for promoting independence, inclusion, health, and well-being. At the same time, many of the services that support older adults and people with disabilities face challenges related to funding, workforce capacity, and increasing demand, so as we turn the season from summer to fall, let’s celebrate the important work of senior centers while continuing to advocate for policies that support older adults, people with disabilities, family caregivers, and the communities that depend on them!

Joel Domingo is chair of the Advisory Council’s Advocacy Committee. He is dean of the Research Institute, director of Research, and a professor at City University of Seattle, where he leads the university’s overall scholarship and research objectives. His work focuses on leadership development and civic capacity building for creating social transformation in the public and community nonprofit spheres.