Advocacy at ASA
Advocacy
Advocacy is central to ASA’s mission. We work to ensure that the voices of professionals in aging are heard in policy discussions at every level. From combatting ageism to advancing equity and access across systems, ASA advocates for policies that support older adults and those who serve them. Through strategic partnerships, public campaigns, and direct engagement with policymakers, we drive change that reflects the realities—and possibilities—of a more age-inclusive future.
ASA has identified 4 key policy priorities we will work on, as a part of our policy agenda, including:
Bridging the Digital Divide
Tackling Ageism
Promoting Health Equity
Fighting Climate Change
In addition to these areas, ASA will support organizations and coalitions championing issues related to aging that align with ASA’s mission and member priorities. For all other important aging policy matters, we will use our extensive year-round educational and thought leadership programming to drive change for our society. ASA will partner on topics such as Long Term Care, Older Americans Act, Elder Justice, Healthcare Coverage, Mental Health Supports, Medicare & Medicaid, Social Security & Retirement, Nutrition, Disease Research & Support, and other critical issues that align with ASA’s mission.
Take Action Now!
Send in Your Video!
Centering People in Policy Making
ASA and the National Academy of Social Insurance are collecting stories about how cuts to Social Security and Medicaid programs could affect people’s lives. We need your voice! We’ve made it easy to record short videos, using your smartphone or laptop. You can record a message, invite the people you serve to participate, or you can share this opportunity with your partners. The Academy and ASA will use these stories as part of coordinated national advocacy strategies.
Here is a sample of the videos we have already received—we encourage you to participate or help spread the word. The Academy and ASA will use these stories as part of coordinated national advocacy strategies.
Learn More About ASA's Advocacy Efforts
ASA Hill Days
ASA’s Hill Days are a key part of our advocacy work, bringing the voices of the aging sector to policymakers in Washington, D.C. By meeting with legislators and their staff, we help ensure that real-world insights and priorities from the field shape national conversations and decisions.
Ageism Awareness Day
Ageism Awareness Day takes place each year on October 9 as a national campaign to call attention to the impact of ageism and spark change towards a more age-inclusive society. ASA, with support from our members and partners, provides tools, resources, and ideas to help individuals and organizations take meaningful action in their communities to #EndAgeism.
LeverAGE Podcast
LeverAGE, a podcast produced by ASA, offers bold conversations about the policy and advocacy issues in aging and helps us all to learn how we can take action around the issues we all care about. You can also subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Explore Toolkits & Resources
ASA’s Toolkits & Resources are designed to support professionals in aging with practical, ready-to-use guides and educational materials.
Advocacy Initiatives with our Partners
Advancing Equity with The John A. Hartford Foundation
The John A. Hartford Foundation is collaborating with ASA to advance equity in aging by supporting ASA RISE and via the development and dissemination of equity-related, partnership-based thought leadership through ASA’s Generations platform. Explore our collection of articles related to our partnership.
Aging with HIV/AIDS: Our Partnership with Gilead
By the end of the decade, 70% of people living with HIV/AIDS will be older than 50. To bring attention to the impact of HIV/AIDS on the older adult population, ASA and Gilead have launched an initiative to help professionals in aging to better support and engage with this demographic. Explore podcast episodes, Generations articles, and webcasts from our On Aging conferences highlighting this important topic.
Sign the Compassion with Pride Pledge
Support LGBTQ+ inclusive aging by taking this the pledge shared by our partners at SAGE, and join us as we advocate for LGBTQ+ elders! The political landscape is shifting, with LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare protections, and aging services under threat in many states. Policies that impact Medicare, Medicaid, non-discrimination laws, and caregiving rights are at risk—meaning we must advocate louder than ever to protect LGBTQ+ elders.