When People Unite in Robust Discussion All of Society Benefits - Carol Costa

When People Unite in Robust Discussion All of Society Benefits - Carol Costa

Hi everyone — it’s been a while. It’s time to talk older adults, participatory government and moving the ball down the field on aging issues.

One of my favorite quotes about governance is from Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, the late Louis Brandeis, when he counseled, “The most important political office is that of a private citizen.” I appreciate this quote more than you know, as this was emphasized to me repeatedly in my formative years by my immigrant grandfather, Domenico, and again by my parents. So yes, for certain, this nation is a marvel and its governance is not a spectator sport.

We are fortunate in Rhode Island, as our elected leaders are truly accessible and willing to engage with the public they serve when called upon. If I apply the brilliance of Justice Brandies, on October 9th, 2024, the SACRI conference will be filled with the most important voices within our state: people along with the politicians who serve our interests at the levers of power. To achieve progress on any issue, the participation of decision makers with those they represent is the way to meet budget, legislative, and policy goals.

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In Rhode Island, the healthcare system is under great stress, as our older adults face a system rife with worker shortages, long wait times, and a dwindling pool of doctors. And progress will not occur without the voices of the people, the Senior Agenda Coalition and its partners to raise awareness and rattle the right cages. The housing situation in the state is in crisis, where new stock is virtually nonexistent, and agencies tasked with building, managing, and easing rental spikes are underfunded, overwhelmed, and stretched to capacity.

A big question which remains is will the monies allocated for new development be proportionally distributed, particularly for our older adults. For older adults each of these issues is compounded by the constant drumbeat of threats to Social Security and Medicare. And to create meaningful change, the voices of those directly impacted must be heard.

On October 9, 2024, the Senior Agenda will provide an opportunity to learn about and discuss critical issues that impact you, and we encourage your participation. The principles of participatory governance apply at every level of a free, fair, and accountable society. So, if you want to voice your concern about a practice, a law, or a policy, you need to start with the facts and have discussions among each other and with the decision-makers. It is vitally important to get in the game, participate, question, and learn.

Be the person willing to weigh who Justice Brandeis encourages us to be, engaged, inquisitive, open to listening, unafraid to speak, and present for our elected officials to hear. Participate and now you have a chance on October 9, 2024. We want all Rhode Islanders to build a “A Bridge to a Secure Future.’ Bring your voices, thoughts, and concerns to this exceptional opportunity.

Carol Anne Costa, Senior Agenda Coalition of RI, Executive Director. She has enjoyed a lengthy career in public service, including working in the Raimondo Administration and, most recently, the RI Office of Attorney General. Carol earned a Bachelor of Arts from Rhode Island College, holds certifications in public housing and education, and is an inductee of the RI Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame and recipient of the Governor John Notte Award for public access programming.