The San Francisco Chapter of the Older Women's League

The San Francisco Chapter of the Older Women's League (OWL SF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and improving the quality of life of midlife and older women. Founded in 1981, it is part of a national network that originated from the Older Women's League, which was established in 1980 in response to the first White House Conference on Aging. OWL SF operates independently, guided by its mission to address the unique challenges and issues faced by women as they age.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of OWL SF is to focus on critical issues affecting older women, including:

• Financial Security: Emphasizing the importance of Social Security, pensions, and sustainable employment opportunities.

• Quality of Life: Advocating for choices in end-of-life care, diverse living arrangements, and comprehensive caregiving support.

• Healthcare Access: Promoting access to health insurance and supporting efforts towards a single-payer healthcare system.

Activities and Programs

OWL SF engages in various educational and advocacy activities aimed at enhancing the lives of midlife and older women. The organization organizes monthly meetings that cover a range of topics, including:

• Housing and transportation challenges
• Pedestrian safety
• Aging in place strategies
• Mental and physical health
• Nutrition and caregiving
• Climate change impacts
• Racial justice initiatives

Additionally, OWL SF provides educational programming focused on financial planning and is actively involved in preserving and improving Social Security and Medicare.

Organizational Structure

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, OWL SF is comprised of a volunteer-based membership and is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members. The leadership structure includes co-presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer, along with other board members who contribute to the organization’s efforts.

Community Engagement

The organization encourages community participation and aims to foster a strong network among women facing similar challenges. OWL SF publishes a quarterly newsletter that features articles, opinion pieces, and information relevant to its members and the communities it serves. The newsletter also includes alerts for actions regarding important issues affecting older women.

Through its ongoing commitment to advocacy and education, the San Francisco Chapter of the Older Women's League plays a vital role in addressing the needs and concerns of women as they age, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.