Yes, you read that right! And we know that in a society with changing demographics, older people and intergenerational teams are going to be vital to thriving workplaces and communities. And yet we know barriers stand in the way: Myths and stereotypes about older workers, and outright workplace age discrimination.
Janine Vanderburg
So here are a few things we are doing this month, and how you can get involved.
1. National Employ Older Workers Week (September 19-25) social media campaign
We are partnering with The Encore Network on a social media campaign to encourage employment of older workers during next week’s National Employ Older Workers Week, 9/19-25. Join us by going to our campaign folder, where you’ll find a social media calendar, sample posts and memes and a list of hashtags to use throughout the week.
Want to learn more yourself about the value older workers bring? Watch and share our recording of a workshop we did on Becoming an Age-Friendly Workplace.
2. Workshop on communicating the need for changes in workplace age discrimination laws.
We know that workplace age discrimination is a huge barrier to those of us who are older and who want and need to work. That’s why Changing the Narrative is working with a coalition of partners who want to strengthen Colorado’s age discrimination laws. To return to “normal”, Colorado needs everyone who wants to participate in the economy to be able to do so. Changing existing law is always an uphill battle but with your help we can get the word out about the importance of this issue through letter writing to the media, sharing on social media, and getting in touch with your legislators.
REGISTER NOW for our September 28th webinar, where we’ll talk about what you can do. We’ll walk you through writing a letter to the editor and how to reach out to your legislators. At the end, you’ll leave with the tools to take action.
3. Sharing stories.
If you have a story you want to share about workplace age discrimination, please let us know here and someone from our team will be in touch. We know that sharing our stories—and you can do so confidentially if you like—can be a powerful tool for social change.
4. SHOUT OUT THE GOOD GUYS!
Finally, here are some employers who get it! They are actively soliciting people age 50 and over for positions to help children and youth. Check them out, and if any of you see position announcements that are actively recruiting for older workers, send them in our direction. We want to shout out the good actors!
Janine Vanderburg is the Executive Director of Changing the Narrative, a non-profit group promoting older workers.