Why should this matter to everyone every generation?
Employees from any field of work including Dance Teachers are at risk or have been displaced at one time or another simply because of a number (age).
From experience from former co-workers and friends throughout the years here are some signs to look out for that ageism is potentially taking place as well as situations when it may take place:
* Moving from one business establishment to another resulting in:
* Downsizing (only older employees are displaced).
* During trying time (ex: Pandemic). (Not every place of employment qualifies as "financial burden").
* Change in management, ownership, etc.
* Discontinuation of positions (new hires under a “new name”).
* The hiring of younger (or) mostly younger generation.
* Unwillingness to train senior staff member (ex: new technologies).
* Mostly done gradually so it goes “undetected”.
* Forced into “early retirement”.
* Ghosting (unprofessionally, not keeping in contact with staff planning to displace nor returning calls/emails).
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Why should All Ages/Generations care and act NOW?
No one stays “young” (years wise, age 34 and under) forever. Acting now will help protect your future self from the same fate many face each year in any field.
Myrna has had the privilege of working for a corporate company who took great care of their hard-working senior employees. Among them was a 92 year young colleague she worked with who had a long history with the company until an illness ended her life. She continues to be an inspiration to Myrna. Kept up with modern technology with the assistance of caring co-workers and her mind sharp by keeping it active! Always punctual, detailed & organized with her work! One of many of her experiences working among workers over 40 - seniors.
Myrna was very fortunate most of her employments was truly diverse including multiple generations and folks from multiple backgrounds. It was a real life United Nations type of experience. Her work life experience helps her have great appreciation for real diversity and a need to help preserve it! Senior workers take great pride in their responsibilities and serve as mentors for the younger generations which many new generation companies in today's world lack. Myrna's mission is to help end ageism via awareness! This is a much greater issue than ever before!
Placing individuals out of work via ageism not only affects the individuals displaced but also our society, community as well as the economy.
We only have two choices:
1) Do nothing and wait to see what your own future holds.
(or)
2) Act now to help secure your right to keep working after 40+ as well as help others in the USA regardless of age who can and would like to continue to work! We now have a vehicle to help make a positive difference for all!
As far as *ages* goes, Myrna has danced with fabulous dancers in their senior years who has as much energy as a teenager! Age should never be the source of qualifications for employment.
Ageism Acceptance = Participation In Discrimination.
Thank you for your time on this very important matter!
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Instructions on how to help: Please visit the following (US Congress) website (see direct link).
Look for the following: Give Feedback On This Bill. Click on: Contact Your Member. Direct Link: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2062
More info:
1) Ageism is a global challenge: UN Ageism leads to poorer health, social isolation, earlier deaths and cost economies billions: report calls for swift action to implement effective anti-ageism strategies.
Article Link
2) Ageism in the workplace
Signs of Ageism: * Hiring only younger workers * Job Reassignment * Age Remarks
Article Link
