Advocacy 101: How Advocacy Is Opening Up Summer for Everyone

Here in the Pacific Northwest, summer has a way of making things feel a little lighter. The days stretch out, neighborhoods feel vibrant (case in point with the World Cup), and there are more chances to get out and enjoy all the different things that our area offers. For older adults, this season can be a great reminder that staying connected, getting out, seeing people, and trying something new is not just enjoyable, it is part of living well.

Here is the good news—there are more ways to do that than ever before.

Many of the things that make summer activities easier today did not happen by accident. Accessible parks, smoother walking paths, benches placed along trails, and community events designed with a wider range of needs in mind, all reflect years of advocacy. Policies such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helped set the expectation that public spaces should be usable by everyone. Over time, that expectation turned into real and visible improvements.

You can see it in everyday moments: a park with paved paths instead of gravel, an outdoor concert with accessible seating options, a farmers’ market that is easier to navigate, to name a few. You can also see it in newer opportunities as well. For example, there is a program that offers free adaptive bike rentals during the summer, giving older adults and people with mobility challenges the chance to enjoy cycling in a way that works for them. These kinds of programs show how communities are continuing to grow and respond to what people need, and that is something worth celebrating.

At the same time, summer is also a great chance to practice simple, everyday advocacy without it feeling like a big task. It starts with just being out in the community and noticing what does and does not work for you. Maybe you find a park that feels welcoming and easy to navigate. Maybe you attend an event that could use more accessible seating or clearer information. All those observations matter.

Asking a few questions can also go a long way. Questions such as, “Is there a good place to sit and rest?” or “Is parking or transportation easy to access?” are some ways to start noticing things. These are not complicated questions, but they help keep accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities front and center. They help let organizers know what people need, and over time, these questions help shape better experiences for everyone.

Remember that the heart of advocacy is simply sharing your experience, whether that experience went well or could be improved in some way. That might mean making a quick comment to an event organizer, filling out a survey, or telling a local program what you appreciated. Positive feedback helps good ideas spread, and honest feedback helps communities keep getting better.

Transportation is another aspect to all this. Getting to and from activities is just as important as the activity itself. Many communities have expanded accessible transit options over the years, but there can still be gaps. Paying attention to what works and what doesn’t transportation-wise helps keep those advocacy conversations moving forward.

What is especially encouraging is that the things that make spaces better for older adults and people with disabilities tend to make them better for everyone. Comfortable seating, clear pathways, accessible information, and thoughtful design all help create spaces and places where more people feel welcome.

If you are new to this journey of advocacy, summer is a great time to start! Remember that it does not need to feel “serious.” It can be as simple as showing up, trying something new, and paying attention to your experience. Whether it is enjoying a walk, attending a local event, or checking out a new program such as adaptive biking, each activity is a chance to connect with your community and with what is possible.

So, this summer, take advantage of all the things out there. Explore a little. Sit a while. Try something new, or revisit something you used to enjoy. Along the way, remember that your experience matters. Every time you participate, ask a question, or share what works, you are helping shape a community that continues to open up for you and for others, and that is the real momentum behind advocacy. It is definitely something to feel good about!

Joel Domingo is Chair of the Advisory Council’s Advocacy Committee and Dean of the Research Institute and Director of Research and 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.