Appeal to their self-interests to get something done.....

Several years ago when I was the executive director of the senior center in Monroe, Washington, I spoke to the city council appealing for continued approval for some funds we needed. We had set up an in-town shuttle service to help older people who needed help getting around to go to doctor's visits, shopping, and socializing. The city had given us a grant and it was running out. Without this continued funding, we would have to disconntinue the service and many seniors would suffer because of it.

The same day I was to speak to the council, an older man had been driving his car in downtown Monroe, had a medical emergency and plowed into a store. Fortunately, no one was hurt. There was, however, significant damage to the building and to the man's car. I used this incident during my presentation to show why it was a good idea for the senior center to be able to continue offering this service to the seniors in our community. We could help more of them who shouldn't be driving and this would enhance the safety of the whole community.

The city council members weren't quite as impressed as I had hoped they would be. I could tell they were not viewing helping the senior population as a top priority. So I said this.

"As I stand here and look at you all this evening, I see some grey and white hair on some of your heads. How long do you think it will be before you need a service like this? Right now you feel invincible, like you would never have to stop driving, get sick, or need some type of help. Truthfully, though, there are only two possible outcomes. All of us either grow older with all aging requires or we die.

'If you're one of the lucky ones who lives a long life, don't you want a service like this to be here for you? Won't you appreciate it if your city council had the foresight to provide the funding for the program that would help you get around and maintain your independence?"

They looked at each other. They took a vote. They approved the funding for another year.

Maybe we need to do this more with our other elected officials. Instead of them seeing poor people as "other," we need to help them see they are only one disaster away from needing Medicaid, Food Stamps, or a government-funded clinic. Maybe if we appeal to their self-interests, we can help them do the right thing and be all-inclusive.