Think about the community, town, or region in which you live. What enduring values or strengths need to be preserved? What issues are critical to your area’s long-term vitality? Or, think more broadly and consider the strengths and challenges facing our country or world at large.

Values or strengths

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Challenges

Now go back through the two lists. Which two issues are most important to you? Below, brainstorm ways in which you as a “respected elder” could make a difference, large or small, on these issues. For example, you could:

• Write a letter to a local official or newspaper
  
  
• Volunteer at a community agency or school
  
  
• Organize a group of your peers to attend a town meeting
  
  
• Start a small nonprofit organization
  
  
• Run for elected office (!)

Issue #1:

Action idea:

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Information needed:

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People to talk to/partner with:

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Result:

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Issue #2:

Action idea:

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Information needed:

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People to talk to/partner with:

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Result:

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