AdvocacyBe an advocateThe decisions made in Columbia and Washington shape the lives of older adults and the ability of providers to serve them. Your voice helps policymakers understand what those decisions mean for residents, families, and the people who provide care every day. LeadingAge South Carolina is the trusted voice for nonprofit and other mission-driven aging services providers across our state. We advocate for policies that protect dignity, strengthen the workforce, and support access to high-quality care and services. Together, we bring the experience of our members to the conversations that shape the future of aging.     State advocacyWe monitor legislation and regulatory developments, work with the South Carolina General Assembly and state agencies, and help policymakers understand how proposed changes will affect older adults and those who serve them. Our advocacy connects policy discussions with the daily realities of delivering care in communities across South Carolina. We seek practical solutions through direct conversations, member input, and collaboration with public officials and partner organizations. When policies create barriers to care, we bring forward the facts, explain the impact, and advocate for change. Our policy prioritiesProtecting the dignity, rights, and quality of life of older adults, including meaningful choice and connection with family and community. Strengthening recruitment, retention, training, and career pathways for the aging services workforce. Advancing fair, transparent, and consistent regulatory oversight that protects residents and supports quality improvement. Supporting sustainable funding and access to affordable housing, care, and services across the aging services continuum. Promoting workable emergency preparedness and evacuation policies that protect residents and preserve continuity of care. 2026 Advocacy WinsView 2026 Advocacy Wins (PDF) →Member voices guide our workOur members serve older adults in many settings, and their perspectives may differ. We value those differences. Thoughtful discussion, credible information, and opportunities for member input help us develop positions that reflect the needs of older adults and the providers who serve them. Our Policy Principles describe the values that inform our advocacy, including dignity, access, quality, a supported workforce, and responsible public policy. Have an issue affecting your community or an idea for a policy solution? Share it with us. Your experience can help identify a barrier, inform our priorities, and make the case for change. Members interested in contributing to our public policy work are encouraged to contact Kassie South. We want to hear from you. Share a policy concern, an issue affecting your community, or an idea to strengthen aging services in South Carolina. Send us a noteFederal advocacyLeadingAge South Carolina works with our national partner, LeadingAge, to bring South Carolina’s concerns to Congress and federal agencies. This partnership connects the experiences of our members with national advocacy on workforce, funding, housing, regulatory policy, and access to services. LeadingAge offers policy updates, advocacy resources, and action alerts to help you understand the issues and communicate with your members of Congress. Whether you send a message, join a meeting, or invite an elected official to visit your community, your participation helps make the impact of federal policy clear. Make your voice heardYou do not have to be a policy expert to be an effective advocate. You know your residents, your team, and your community. Those experiences matter. Share a challenge. Respond to an action alert. Build a relationship with your legislators. Help them see the care, commitment, and innovation happening in aging services every day. We are here to help you get started and make your voice count. Get in touchFor advocacy questions, to share a policy concern, or to get involved in our public policy work, contact Kassie South, President & CEO of LeadingAge South Carolina. |
