1970, when the United Presbyterian church informed 65 year-old Maggie Kuhn that she would have to retire from her executive position, she was suprised and unprepared. But, instead of bemoaning her fate, she proceeded to do what she'd done all her life: changed the rules. She and some older friends who were nearing retirement age organized.
They discovered common bonds with younger people during the turmoil of the Vietnam War. They forged an intergenerational organization they called "The Consultation of Older and Younger Adults for Social Change". Their motto: "Age and Youth in Action". At the suggestion of a television producer, Maggie decided that her group's name should be changed to the "Gray Panthers". Adoption of this name, according to Maggie Kuhn's biography "No Stone Unturned", "gave us a sense of urgency and, after all, we did want to create a stir".
Shortly after the Gray Panthers was formed at a national level, Oak Park native, Lillian Rosinger, heard Maggie Kuhn speak on a television talk show. Lillian was impressed with Maggie's intergenerational philosophy and her involvement with youth protesting the Vietnam war. Early in 1978, after working 25 years as a secretary, Lillian decided to take an early retirement so she could devote more time to social issues.
We must stand up and be counted. But follow not blindly but with the wisdom of our years...Lloyd
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