Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Advocacy plays a critical role in ensuring older adults and caregivers have access to the services and supports they need to remain independent and connected in their communities. This February, aging network partners from across Illinois gathered in Springfield to highlight the importance of aging services and connect with legislators. This spring, those conversations will continue locally through our Advocacy Breakfast Collaboratives, which bring together community leaders, providers, and residents to discuss issues affecting older adults in our region.
I4A Advocacy Day in Springfield
On February 25, aging advocates from across the state gathered in Springfield for the annual legislative day hosted by the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging (I4A). Advocates met with lawmakers at the Illinois State Capitol to share the real-life impact of programs that support older adults and family caregivers.
Throughout the day, participants discussed key issues affecting the aging network, including the need to sustain funding for community-based services that help older adults remain safely in their homes. Conversations focused on programs such as nutrition services, transportation, caregiver support, and scam awareness.
The day also included a livestreamed program that allowed advocates and partners across Illinois to follow along and participate virtually. The event highlighted legislative priorities and reinforced the importance of continued investment in services that help older adults age with dignity.
Advocacy Breakfast Collaboratives: Join in the Grassroots Advocacy!
Building on statewide advocacy efforts, Advocacy Breakfast Collaboratives hosted by local partners, bring these conversations to the community level.
These events provide a space where older adults, caregivers, service providers, community partners, and elected officials can gather to discuss the issues affecting older residents in their districts. The collaboratives emphasize dialogue, giving community members the opportunity to share experiences and highlight the importance of services that support independence and well-being.
Three collaborative opportunities will take place this spring. Please plan to join one or more events:
- York Township Senior Center (Lombard) on April 27 from 9–11 AM
- Aurora Senior Services Associates (Aurora) on May 1 from 10–12 PM
- Virtual session on May 4 from 9–10:30 AM
Each event brings together members of the aging network and local leaders to discuss current policy issues affecting older adults and caregivers. Speakers from partner organizations will share firsthand stories about how programs and services are impacting people in their communities.
The collaboratives also create opportunities for legislators to hear directly from constituents and service providers about the real-world impact of aging services. These conversations help strengthen relationships between policymakers and the communities they serve, while ensuring that the needs of older adults remain visible in policy discussions.
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Strengthening Advocacy Together
Whether meeting with legislators at the State Capitol or gathering locally with community leaders, these advocacy efforts demonstrate the strength of collaboration across Illinois’ aging network. Help us continue to build momentum by attending one or more of the advocacy breakfast collaboratives, calling your legislators, sending an action alert, and sharing these opportunities with your community.
