Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
FREE LIBRARY’S CENTRAL SENIOR SERVICES PRESENTS BECOMING A SENIOR ACTIVIST
Program Encourages Seniors to Become Politically Involved
PHILADELPHIA, March 21, 2012 – The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Central Senior Services is offering a series of programs entitled “Becoming a Senior Activist” to help seniors educate themselves on the political scene throughout Philadelphia and the nation.
The four-part series includes guest speakers— from both the left and right—along with librarians from the Government Publications Department. All events take place in room 108 at Parkway Central:
• Running for Public Office in Philadelphia | Thursday, March 22 at 11:00 a.m.
Have you ever wanted to become a political candidate? City Commissioner Al Schmidt provides a practical introduction to the rules, requirements, and special challenges of seeking public office in the City of Brotherly Love. Among the topics that Mr. Schmidt will discuss are how to build a campaign organization, raise money, and comply with established legal requirements.
• Lobbying Public Officials | Wednesday, March 28 at 11:00 a.m.
Many people would like to influence their public officials, but few understand how to do so effectively. Dan Hajdo is a Board Member of Casino Free Philadelphia and often serves as the spokesperson for the group. He is experienced in using the best strategies for reaching legislators and helping them understand specific concerns. Among the subjects that Mr. Hadjo will discuss are how to make the most of a brief meeting with a legislator, and the tools and techniques for writing letters that truly have an impact.
• Attracting Free Media Attention for Your Cause, Program or Institution | Wednesday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m.
The 24-hour news cycle means that the local news media is even more open to your ideas and suggestions than before. However, you won’t succeed unless you understand how journalists work—and what they need. Former Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vice President Shirley Bonnem is one of the region’s most respected public relations experts. She will explain how to develop and pitch story ideas that work.
• What is Your Government Up To? | Wednesday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m.
You don’t have to be a detective to find out what’s happening in Washington or Philadelphia’s City Hall. But you do have to understand the mysterious world of government documents. The experienced and respected staff of our Government Publications Department will explain what you can find out—and what is destined to remain a secret. These librarians understand what you want to know and where to look for the answers.
“Programs like ‘Becoming a Senior Activist’ are just a few of the great ways we engage our older population at the Free Library,” says Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Director. “Central Senior Services is dedicated to providing wonderful, essential resources for seniors, and it’s a vital part of this community.”
Central Senior Services offers expert computer assistance; large print books; special collections targeted to the needs and interests of older adults; a diverse offering of magazines and newspapers; and the most comfortable furniture at Parkway Central Library.
Central Senior Services is generously funded by a grant from the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, a grant from the Joseph Kennard Skilling Trust, and federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
For more information on “Becoming a Senior Activist,” please call 215-686-5331.
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The Free Library of Philadelphia system consists of 49 branches, three regional libraries, the Parkway Central Library, and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. With more than 6 million visits annually, the Free Library is one of the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia.
03/21/2012
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850