Grandparents, Speak Up!
- Admin
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
Coming Sept. 25: Can the Supreme Court Protect our Democracy? Register Here
Freedom and democracy are at risk. The challenges we face are real. While education and dialogue are important, visible action is essential. We must show that Americans stand for democratic — not autocratic — leadership.
Your voice and actions inspire our pro-democracy community. Take a moment. Share your story or those of others who are working to make a difference. Are you attending peaceful protests? Speaking out at legislators' meetings? Writing letters to the editor? Texting or calling legislators? Joining our zoom meetings?
Click here and share YOUR action activities story!
My First Peaceful Protest
In my sixties, I joined my first protest—something I never imagined doing. But after witnessing a surge in anti-democratic and anti-freedom actions in recent months, I felt compelled to stand up. I had to push past my reservations and fear of the unknown to show up at a local Hands Off protest. The moment I arrived and saw the energy, creativity, and shared purpose of the crowd, I felt empowered. By the time of the next rally, No Kings, came around, I was excited to join. Peaceful protest is a powerful right that we still hold as Americans. It matters.
If I can do it, so can you. Show up! Speak out! Bring a sign! You just might find new a purpose and new friends. Finding Community in a New Place Recently, my husband and I relocated to a new community where we were not only strangers but had significant concerns that we may have made a colossal mistake. While we love our new home and neighborhood, this area has a reputation for being very conservative, even more so than where we lived before. I have not shied from protesting issues where I had opposing views, but I wondered what we would encounter when seeking a local protest event to show our concerns about the MAGA movement.
With trepidation, we set out to attend a rally, hoping for a good turnout but certainly not expecting what we experienced. It was amazing! Not only was there a sizable crowd, but we made new friends and realized that we are not alone in our fears. Our decision to move was validated, and our comfort with our new community increased tremendously. Is there justice, along with snakes and gators, in the Everglades?By: Howard L. Simon
Click Here to Read Howard's excellent editorial
Then click here to send us your opinions.
Peaceful protests raise awareness. Community-led initiatives are powerful. They bring people together, shine a light on urgent issues, and help create real change.
Your voice matters. Speak up! Speak out! Share your perspectives and concerns! We cannot be silent!
Calling all grandparents and great-grandparents! For the Ones You Love, Share What Matters. Their Future Starts With You.
As we fight to preserve our democracy, it is clear that real change starts with everyday people using their voices, sharing their stories, and standing up for what matters. A powerful way to do that is to look across generations. Whether it is speaking up about vaccines or passing down wisdom through lived experiences, your voice can help protect tomorrow, today.
Celebrate Grandparents Month with a Commitment to Protect the Future.
You have protected your family in so many ways. Now it’s time to spread that care even further. Tell us why you believe in protecting their future health. As Grandparents Month and the official date of September 7 approach, we invite grandparents, great-grandparents, and older adults to share their stories. Your voice can inspire others, spark meaningful conversations, and unite generations around the goal of a healthier future. Whether it’s your reasons for encouraging vaccinations or the hopes you have for your grandkids' health, your story matters. You can help someone else make an informed choice.
For Our Grandchildren’s Tomorrow — What’s Your Why? Read below “Why I Speak Out: A Grandmother’s Perspective.” Then share your own story.
A friend recently asked me, “You are retired. Why are you spending so much time on pro-democracy efforts?”
My answer was simple: I am doing this for my grandchildren.
"I believe every grandparent and every friend of a grandparent should think about what kind of world we are leaving for the next generation. Powerful forces are working to dismantle the very foundations that have made this country strong, compassionate, and free. We must speak up for future generations."
Did you know? Diseases once eliminated by vaccines are resurfacing in the U.S. We must take action now to protect future generations.
12 Diseases that Vaccines Have Successfully Eradicated in America.
Vaccine-Eliminated Diseases are Resurfacing in the U.S.Measles: Recent Resurgence · As recently as the year 2000, there were no outbreaks of measles in the U.S. · In 2014, a Disneyland-linked outbreak spread to 14 states, resulting in over 100 cases. · Since 2014, outbreaks have cropped up across multiple states, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. · Since 2020, the reaction to COVID and its vaccines gave rise to an antivax movement often distrusting America’s medical science and public health agencies, such as HHS, CDC, & NIH. · As of April 2025, 9 million American children are in danger of being attacked by measles, of which 9,000 could die. Rubella (German Measles): Risk of Reappearance · Although large outbreaks have not yet recurred, waning vaccination rates and imported cases raise the chances of rubella’s return. · Pregnant women are especially at risk, as infection can cause miscarriage or severe birth defects (congenital rubella syndrome). Polio (Vaccine-Preventable Poliomyelitis): Emerging Concerns · While no wild polio cases have reemerged, recent detections of vaccine-derived poliovirus in U.S. wastewater underscore the threat posed by gaps in immunization. · Lowered oral-polio vaccination rates in some areas could allow poliovirus circulation, if reintroduced.
Looking Ahead: · Continuing public education—especially sharing real‐world stories of disease impact—remains critical to countering antivaccine misinformation. · Strengthening school-entry vaccine mandates and closing loopholes for nonmedical exemptions can help restore community-wide immunity. · Enhanced surveillance (including wastewater monitoring) can provide early warning of poliovirus or other vaccine-preventable pathogens.
Real Stories. Real Heroes. Discover inspiring stories from veterans who have served our country with strength and sacrifice.
Take a moment to revisit our recent Zoom discussions where we explored pressing issues impacting our democracy now and for generations to come. These conversations are meant to inform, inspire, and bring us together to protect what matters most. Watch the replays on our YouTube channel at @FloridiansforDemocracy and stay connected to the movement.
Coming Sept. 25: Can the Supreme Court Protect our Democracy? Register Here
Stay informed about important updates on educational programs, new laws, events affecting our democracy, protests, and more by following the Floridians for Democracy Facebook and Instagram. Your voice matters—join us today to stay connected and engaged!
|
Floridians for Democracy Institute | 18990 S. Tamiami Tr., STE 4-175 | Fort Myers, FL 33908 US |