You have either been a caregiver, You are a caregiver, You will be a caregiver, Or someone will care for you. – Rosalynn Carter
In early September, members of TakeAction Minnesota’s senior caucus – a group of older TakeAction leaders who have been working together on organizing, issues, and politics for a little over a year – went to Willmar, Minnesota to talk to seniors about care and caregiving. You can read an article about the event from the West Central Tribune by clicking here.
The Senior Caucus, inspired in part by Ai-jen Poo’s book “The Age of Dignity,” has decided
to do work around care and caregiving – recognizing that this issue is meaningful, touches everyone in one way or another, and is critically important as our state ages.
The meeting in Willmar was a listening conversation, a chance to hear people’s stories and experiences, and to explore what is working well and what needs to change. It was also an opportunity to build relationships with people who’re just as concerned and passionate about the work of care and caregiving. The team will be going back to Willmar in the middle of November to talk more about how we can begin to improve the experience of care and caregivers in the Willmar area and across Minnesota. We’re excited to see where this work takes us, and will keep you posted.
But for now, there were many powerful stories about care shared at the meeting in Willmar, a few of which we want to share with you.