SWAN - Senior Water Advocacy Network
SWAN is a network of adults aged 50+ who are advocates for Lake Michigan and Milwaukee's rivers. We offer training and workshops for those who want to speak out on behalf of area rivers. The next SWAN workshop is scheduled for Summer 2010.
Photos of 2009 SWAN Institute
Photos of 2008 SWAN institute
Photos of 2007 SWAN institute
Water Institute graduates 35 new advocates
August, 2009
On a sunny Wednesday in August, 35 seniors gathered at the Hefter Center on Milwaukee's east-side to take part in an entire day of water advocacy.
11 area experts in water issues worked with the SWAN members to educate and inform them on what local problems are faced, what's being done about them, and what can they do to help.
Issues ranging from the Great Lake Compact to Preserving Wetlands were presented and then break out groups were formed to personalize the infromation, share feedback, and further investigate the issues.
By the end of the day, a mosaic containing the many facets of water protection was formed and attendees created thier own blueprint for how they plan to impact the movement toward clean, sustainable water sources. The group will return together throughout the coming year to stay informed and to continue advocating for our local, precious resource.
Many thanks to all the presenters, attendees and to our funders: Donors Forum of Wisconsin, Helen Bader Foundation, The Faye MeBeath Foundation, for making the program possible.
Project History
The Water Advocacy Institute for Seniors began August 21, 2007 with a three-day training program attended by 24 participants. Through speakers, tours of water-related facilities and projects, and instruction on becoming water advocates, participants learned the critical water problems and ways to get involved in helping solve these problems. Each water advocate wrote a “plan of action” indicating what he/she intended to do in the months ahead to work actively on specific issues. A Reunion Meeting was held on March 19, 2008, where participants heard a talk concerning the effects of global warming on water.
The second Water Advocacy Institute for Seniors took place on August 12 – 14, 2008 with 21 participants. A Reunion Meeting was held March 23, 2009 for participants from both 2007 and 2008. Sharon Cook, from the Alliance for the Great Lakes talked about the legislative agenda for the Great Lakes at the federal and state levels.
About ten water advocates took part in one or two Earth Lobby Days held in Madison in January of 2008 and 2009. It was significant that on Lobby Day 2008, all the senior water advocates from the Milwaukee area showed up on one of the coldest days of the winter, while many younger people who intended to come did not show up. A couple of advocates have become water quality monitors. About four advocates have joined the educational program of Milwaukee Riverkeeper and have given talks on various water topics to groups of adults and children. One advocate is working with the owner of her apartment building to install water meters for each unit, so renters can see how much water they are using. Most of the advocates have committed to make behavioral and technological changes in their personal lives toward conserving water and energy. Also, the majority of advocates committed themselves to continue learning more about specific water issues and to join organizations that are working on those issues.
