Political Participation

Many older men are active in local,  national or world politics. Some are also members of men's groups.

Why Is It Important to Be Involved in Politics Today?

There has been increasing political turmoil over the past few years, which could affect your future, the future of those around you, and what the United States will look like in coming years.

The survey shown below indicates the country is deeply concerned and somewhat pessimistic about our future. 

For example, 38% of us think the U.S. will no longer be a democracy. 45% believe there will be a total economic collapse. 40% think there will be a civil war.

Is it time for you to become more involved in our politics?

Americans Fear Civil War - October 2025 Survey

World Affairs Roundtable

Some men participate in a group called the World Affairs Roundtable.  This is a monthly group in which members teach each other about global events. Attendees choose subjects to research before meeting and then give five-minute presentations on their chosen subjects, followed by time for questions and discussion with the group. For more information:  moc.liamg@xatnocydutslabolg.

Environment & Climate Change

Senior men are quite concerned about our environmental issues and climate change. The Greenwood men's group is considering a micro-group that would focus on discussing this vital topic.  Are you interested in this? Let us know so that a group can be formed that includes your interests.

National Politics

A substantial proportion of men in the Seattle area tend to identify with the Democratic party or Progressive causes.

If this matches your preference, you may find the Movement Voter Project to be of interest. 

Important elections coming up in these states

This organization funds local organizing and movement-building groups working to shift culture, win power, and shape policy. It operates like a “mutual fund” for political giving. They raise money from donors, then channel it toward the most impactful organizations and power-building work around the country.

Local Politics

Are you concerned about a particular issue or problem in our local community, city, county or state?

If you wish to become more politically active, here are a couple of possible sources for getting started:

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods has a Ways to Participate site that you can check out. It explains how to give public comment, how to enroll in the People's Academy for Community Engagement, or join the Seattle Arts Leadership Team.  Of particular importance is membership in over 70 city boards and commissions. Members influence decisions affecting the city by providing advice and feedback on matters including human services, land use, bicycles, civil rights, and other issues. We think the city would certainly benefit from your advice and experience.

How to Influence State Politics

Do you have a strong interest in a particular bill or issue before the Washington state legislature? But you don't want to spend the time and effort to go down to Olympia to make your voice heard?

There is a solution for that. You can remotely state your position to a legislative committee from the comfort of your own home.

Click here to watch a video on how to do this. In this example, individuals are remotely stating their position to support bills that affect Seattle public schools.

It can be helpful to follow an advocacy group for a cause you are interested in. They can help keep you apprised of the best times and ways to act on measures which interest you.

A bill is a proposed law. You can find a list of bills here.

Other Political Action Sites to Check Out

• Movement Voter Project
• When We All Vote
• Fighting for Our Vote
• Third Act - Washington
• League of Women Voters - Washington State
• League of Women Votes - National
• Swing Left (shows vulnerable districts)
• Common Power
• Environmental Voter Project
• The Civics Center
• The Leaders We Deserve
• Communities Rising
• Democracy Docket
• EverOut Seattle Activism Calendar (lists a wide range of social justice events, rallies, and protests in the Seattle area.)
• Mobilize.us (platform for national movements like "No Kings" or Indivisible to organize local Seattle-based rallies and training sessions.)
• Seattle-Protests.org (tracks upcoming protest locations and times for various causes.)
• Seattle Protest Communications Project (Facebook community bulletin board for sharing information on events, organizing, and volunteering opportunities.)
• The Government We Deserve

Politics - Demography - Economics

If you wish to dig a little deeper and peek behind the headlines, you might check out Demography Unplugged. This is the news and analysis site of Neil Howe, a demographer who wrote "The Fourth Turning Is Here", which predicted our current political, social and economic situation.

This site breaks down demographic, economic, and generational trends and features podcasts, videos, Q&A sessions, and a section called "Trend Watch".

Trend Watch is designed to help investors and business leaders uncover hidden trends and critical developments driving world markets and economies. It’s like peering into the future. Discover the likely winners (and losers) of “big ideas” as renowned demographer Neil Howe – the guy who coined the term “Millennial” – makes sense of the week's economic developments and news events. New episodes weekly.

Back to Top

The mission of of seattleseniormen.com and greenwoodmensgroup.com is to provide a supportive environment where men from diverse backgrounds can foster camaraderie, develop friendships, share wisdom, enrich one another's lives -- and contribute to all Seattle communities, including Greenwood, Ballard, Crown Hill, Fremont, Green Lake, Licton Springs, Loyal Heights, Magnolia, Phinney Ridge, Ravenna, Sunset Hill, Wallingford, Wedgwood, Whittier Heights. Bitter Lake, Broadview, Haller Lake, Queen Anne, and beyond.

See our Disclaimer