“Democracy is not for sale, we’re not too old to go to jail.” — Democracy Spring chant
Even though it was her birthday, Sue Sorensen wanted to get arrested.
And she did. At 75, it was her first arrest.
She was in good company. The mass arrests at the eight-day Democracy Spring demonstrations in Washington, D.C. earlier this month, where Sorensen was protesting, were the largest since the Vietnam War era. Also arrested were Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Harvard law professor Lawrence Lessig and actress Rosario Dawson.
Capitol Police made more than 1,240 arrests, according to USA Today. Many of those were seniors.
Not Too Old to Go to Jail
Sorensen is part of a group of activist elders who organized Elders Standing for Democracy Spring — part of the Democracy Spring demonstrations. The goal of their sit-in: drive money from politics and expand voting rights. Their means: Block the steps to the Capitol and get arrested to draw attention to the causes.
Sorensen weighed what it would mean to spend part of her birthday under arrest. “What more valuable thing could I do on my birthday then take a stand for my children and grandchildren?” she eventually decided. “It was very symbolic for me to be there and celebrate it in that way.”
“The whole focus behind this is to get big money out of our election process and eliminate voter discrimination,” Sorensen told Senior Planet.
“Back in the ’60s and ’70s when protests were going on, we had small children,” she said. “That was not something I could have possibly done at the time. It took some getting my courage up.”
The charges against the protestors were crowding, obstructing or incommoding. Along with the other arrested protestors, Sorensen got a wrist band with the number of her arresting officer, a citation and a $50 fine. She had to surrender her IDs and was put in a holding pen while officers checked for outstanding warrants.
“It turned out this was a very good first experience,” Sorensen said.
A Positive Message
Sorensen worked alongside other activist elders to mobilize elders for the demonstrations. They sent email blasts and held weekly conference calls. They also had T-shirts printed that read, “Elders Standing for Future Generations.”
Sorensen, a co-founders with her husband John of Conscious Elders Network, flew to D.C. from Truckee, California. Other seniors came from Texas and Colorado, carrying hand-made posters decorated with photos of their grandchildren and slogans like, “I’m an elder speaking for the future.”
One of the organizers who worked alongside Sorensen was Lynne Iser of Elder Activists.org. Iser, 66, estimates that as many as half of the 5,000 or so Democracy Spring participants were seniors. She reached prospective protestors via her website and eblasts — but mainly on Facebook.
Iser has been a full-time activist for the last five years or so. “My experience with elders is they don’t want to be angry,” she said. “My response to that is to put forward a positive message of what we want. We want a thriving word, we want a just world, we want money out of politics.”
“Nothing is sadder than hearing my brother say, ‘There’s too much money in politics, but what can we do about it? You’ll never influence Congress because the lobbyists have already gotten to them.’ I want to bring back citizenship as something really sacred. It’s a responsibility to be a citizen,” she said.
An Intergenerational Effort
At the D. C. protests, which ended April 18, Iser saw a lot of respect and appreciation between the older people and their younger counterparts. “Our march route was a little shorter than the march route on other days,” she said. “They carried folding chairs for us. The Capitol Police moved some of those folding chairs so we had folding chairs in the holding areas” after being arrested.
“The Capitol Police gave us water. When I said, ‘How kind of you,’ they told me, ‘You paid for them.’”
Among those Iser helped mobilize were Ximena Urrutia-Rojas, 70, and her husband, Ricardo Rojas, 71, of Llano, Texas, who were there carrying pictures of their grandchildren.
“It’s not democracy if a few guys buy elections,” Rojas said. “It’s not democracy if only 30 percent of the people are voting. That’s not democracy. We’ve got to do something to change that.”
They’re already planning their next actions. “We are in touch with the elders and with Lynne. No matter what demonstration, no matter where, we will be there,” Rojas said.
“I don’t know if it will change within our lifespan, but we have to change it for our kids,” he said.
Photo: Democracy Spring
[Updated 4/5/16 to correct an error: John Sorensen did not accompany his wife Sue to April’s democracy Spring protests in DC.]
COMMENTS
8 responses to “Senior Activists Were at the Center of Recent Demonstrations”
I care!
whocares
great article.
Thank you for sharing
Thanks for sharing.
Great article
I would LOVE to join in on Senior activism, however, I refuse to have anything to do with Facebook. Is there another avenue of communication available?
I love seeing the members of Conscious Elders Network following through on their commitment. It’s inspiring!
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
12 events,
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
29
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Internet of Things: Entertainment
This lecture will explore the many ways we interact with IoT on a day-to-day basis and take a look at how it’s revolutionizing entire industries.
13 events,
30
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Krakow, Poland
Discover Live: Krakow, Poland
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Krakow, Poland!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
31
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
8 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
P2P Payment Services
P2P Payment Services
In this lecture, you’ll learn about some of today’s most popular P2P payment services, including PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
0 events,
4
15 events,
5
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
13 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Seville, Spain
Discover Live: Seville, Spain
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Seville, Spain!
管理個人隱私簡介
管理個人隱私簡介
一起來學習互聯網隱私維護的小貼士吧!
14 events,
7
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
8 events,
8
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
9
0 events,
10
12 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
12
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
In this lecture you’ll learn about popular smartphones on the market and some of their pros and cons.
12 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Shopping
Online Shopping
This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com.
點對點付款
點對點付款
如果您還不太了解點對點付款,快來聽聽這堂講座!
14 events,
14
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
8 events,
15
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
This presentation will introduce you to apps that help you learn different languages, explore the arts and art history, and even show you how to play instruments.
Tai Chi – CANCELED
Tai Chi – CANCELED
Today's session has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please join us next week.
0 events,
16
0 events,
17
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Telemedicine
Telemedicine
This lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with your doctor in real-time.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
19
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
13 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
In this introductory lecture, we'll go over what you need to start your first meeting, as well as some hosting tips to make it a success.
A.I. 人工智能簡介
A.I. 人工智能簡介
快來和 ChatGPT 聊天,了解 A.I.!
15 events,
21
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
10 events,
22
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Podcasts
Podcasts
In this lecture, you'll learn more about these audio programs available on the internet: why people listen to them, where you can find them, and what the most popular ones are.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
23
0 events,
24
13 events,
25
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Health Resources
Online Health Resources
Learn how to evaluate health-related information online.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
26
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
12 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Tunis, Tunisia
Discover Live: Tunis, Tunisia
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Tunis, Tunisia!
關於 Zoom 的一切
關於 Zoom 的一切
了解如何使用 Zoom 與家人朋友聊天以及參與 Senior Planet 線上學習!
15 events,
28
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
9 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Travel Sites
Online Travel Sites
Learn the basics of using online travel sites to find the best fares and rates for just about any destination.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
30
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Krakow, Poland
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Money Matters
Morning Stretch
P2P Payment Services
Tai Chi
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Affordable Home Internet
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Seville, Spain
管理個人隱私簡介
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
Online Shopping
點對點付款
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
eBay & PayPal
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
Tai Chi – CANCELED
Morning Stretch
Telemedicine
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
All Things Zoom
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
A.I. 人工智能簡介
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
eBay & PayPal
Morning Stretch
Podcasts
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Online Health Resources
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
MyChart
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Tunis, Tunisia
關於 Zoom 的一切
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Morning Stretch
Online Travel Sites
Tai Chi
Recent Articles
Recent Comments