The elder justice movement is in the midst of the Year of Elder Abuse Prevention (YEAP) and is gearing up for the 8th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15th. WEAAD was established in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). The days leading up to June 15th include opportunities for members of the elder justice movement to come together on local, national and global levels to hold awareness-raising and educational events. This blog features resources and a roundup of upcoming local WEAAD events of which we are aware. Please let us know how you’ll spend the day and what event you’ll be attending and/or hosting.

The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) highlights ways to connect with organizations and communities by sharing plans, learning about events planned by other organizations and featuring resources and tools. In addition, Ageless Alliance recently featured a blog post entitled 10 Simple Ways to Make a Difference on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day that includes activities that can be done beyond WEAAD.

World Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City

On June 14, 2013, the Administration for Community Living, Human Resources and Skill Development Canada, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and other international partners are coming together to hold an event. Speakers include Kathy Greenlee, Administrator of the Administration for Community Living and Assistant Secretary, Administration on Aging and representatives from Canada, other international governments and the UN. Part two of the day’s event includes an NGO perspective and a reception at the US Mission to the UN. Speakers include representatives from AARP, HelpAge International. A recording of this event will be posted online.

World Day Events in New York City

Council of Senior Centers and Services of New York City, Inc (CSCS): Press Conference

On June 12, 2013 at 10:00am, CSCS is holding a press conference on the steps of New York City Hall. The purpose is to highlight the hidden crisis of elder abuse and advocate for a full $800,000 restoration of elder abuse funding through the New York City Department for the Aging. For further information and RSVP, contact Bola Aribidesi, Public Policy Associate, at (212) 398-6565 x233, or [email protected].

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale: Together, We will End Elder Abuse event.

The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, home to the Weinberg Center, the nation’s first elder abuse shelter, is dedicating Thursday, June 13, 2013 to increase awareness about elder abuse and promote increased commitment to ending abuse. Centered around the statement “Together, we will end elder abuse,” the day will include: a visit from Administrator of the Administration for Community Living and Assistant Secretary for Aging, Kathy Greenlee, an art exhibit comprised of art created by older adults reacting to the question of “What does elder abuse mean to you?” and a talk by artist Robert Scott. The day will also include informational and promotional displays throughout the Home, with a hub at a central location where community members will be asked to sign a pledge to end elder abuse. Contact Malya Levin at [email protected] for more information.

How are you going to get involved? Please share your using the comment function below and we will add your events to the post.

by Cara Kenien, LMSW, MPA, Social Media Manager, NYCEAC