We’re a pretty friendly group at OATS, but please don’t make the mistake of defining us as technology trainers. The staff will look pained and pointedly correct you:
Advocacy and social change are at the heart of everything we do at OATS. Senior Planet Supporters have testified at public hearings, held press conferences on the steps of City Hall, hosted a lobby day at the State Capitol, and volunteered on phone banks to get others involved. We’ve held “hack aging” and social impact design events where seniors can shape future policies about aging. Senior Planet Supporters have met with mayors, commissioners, corporate executives, and the heads of philanthropic foundations—all to make the case for investing in effective programs that are shaping our lives in the longevity era.
Advocacy is such a large part of our mission at OATS that it comprises one of our five impact areas (the other four are social engagement, financial security, health, and creativity). These are the categories where we want to make lasting change. Here are a few examples of ways Senior Planet Supporters have made a difference in recent years:
OATS has embraced the civic energy of our Supporters, developing “Activate!”, a popular ten-week leadership training program for older activists that teaches policy research skills alongside practical techniques for connecting with public officials online and shaping dialogue in digital forums. After graduation, our new leaders become actively involved in spreading positive and inspirational messages about aging through publications, press events, and public speaking.