Don’t be afraid of power!
A community builder from the US has urged aged care groups to advocate more effectively on behalf of their clients.
Aged care groups need to overcome their fear of power if they are to achieve meaningful change for the sector, according to David Hunt.
The community builder from the USA told the Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) National Conference in Hobart that a fear of power often gets in the way of effective community action.
“We have a frightening reaction to that thing called power,” Mr Hunt said. “But why are we so scared of this thing?
“In the US we talk about power, even in schools, as if it is a bad thing. We teach our kids: ‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’.
“But all power is, is the ability to act and to get others to act on your terms…We have to overcome our fear of this thing called power.”
Mr Hunt encouraged service providers to act as advocates for their clients.
He said they could motivate their communities with postcard campaigns, while mobilising their boards to act on their behalf.
“Some of the most powerful community organisers I have come across in the US are direct service organisations,” he said.
“They are able to do it because they have all the people coming to them.”
To make a meaningful impact on decision makers, Mr Hunt said aged care groups need to develop a groundswell of support.
And to do that, he said they must frame their issues in a way that includes the needs and aspirations of ordinary older people.
“Whatever you’re fighting for has to be something that really impacts people’s lives,” he said.
“They need to see how it will help them, their children or their grandchildren. You must give them an opportunity to develop their own skills and talents and to take control over their own lives.”
Mr Hunt also told delegates that they should start thinking about ways to attract ageing baby boomers to volunteer roles within their organisations.
“As we have heard,” he said, “the baby boomers living on the coast are going to have more time, more money and more education and that presents a great opportunity.”
“Find out what it is that makes them want to volunteer.”
