That title caught your attention, didn't it?
That is the name of a campaign started by a colleague of mine in North Carolina. It is her action learning project for LeadingAge Leadership Academy, an executive leadership program within our national association of not-for-profit aging services organizations. This is the same program in which I had an opportunity to participate with in 2008, Jon Schilling completed in 2014, and Cheryl Knupp is currently participating in. The action learning project is an important aspect of the curriculum, designed to influence change and help advance innovative programs and practices, by implementing a specific program or practice within their own organization.
Be Bold, Claim Old was recently highlighted in a LeadingAge webinar and is now an exhibit as part of the Age of Disruption tour. The national tour is a social movement bringing communities a new and highly disruptive understanding of aging. The premise of Be Bold, Claim Old is simple; fight ageism by sparking a new way of thinking about old in a society that inherited a cultural value that youth is the gold standard and anything that does not appear young is less valued. Amy, the campaign creator, is working with residents in her community to take the Be Bold, Claim Old campaign to their broader community.
Now, you are probably wondering why I would write about this topic. I'm preaching to the choir-you are all well aware that age is just a number! Look at the amazing programs, projects, and events you all create, implement, and hold. Just last week we celebrated Earth Week with a whole series of events! And everyone who steps foot on this campus sees the vitality that exists here and it changes their view of aging and what goes on behind the walls of communities like ours.
During our new employee orientation, I have the opportunity to talk to our new staff members about our mission, vision, and core values. We also have a long conversation about society's views of aging, as well as their own views of aging. The typical stereotypes usually come up in the conversation and I, or better yet, a new employee who has already worked a few shifts on Campus, have an opportunity to dispel the myths by lifting up examples of your lives. That is the rewarding work. As they experience it, they pass it on to others.
With this, the cultural shift continues and we each get to play a role in this important work. Keep spreading the message Be Bold, Claim Old!
As I close, join me in celebrating one of our very boldest….Happy 104th birthday, Vicky Moe!
If you would like to learn more about Be Bold, Claim Old or the Age Disruption tour, you can find more information at the following links:
Get involved!
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