I MAGES F OR T HE J OURNEY A Kitchen Table, A Hand, An Inukshuk: MAKING A NETWORK BEING A NETWORK TO END ELDER ABUSE & NEGLECT TO END ELDER ABUSE & NEGLECT 04 October 2011

How can we dare Wisdom in the mosaic of our realities? Inès Maria dell’ Eucaristia

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

"ABUSE FREE" PRINCIPLES The right of older people to be free from harm or neglect The right of older people to peace and security in their homes and communities The right of older people to dignity and respect The right of older people to have a say in their lives, in their community, and in their society Older adults' rights to freedom of expression and thought Older adults' rights to have rights respected that others take for granted The right of older people to have basic needs met, such as food, shelter, care and support

WHAT IS MY IMAGE OF OLDER PERSONS?

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS KITCHEN?

WE SIT TOGETHER AT THIS TABLE GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS/ LABOUR VOLUNTARY/RELIGIOUS/CIVIC COMMUNITIES YOU AS LEADERS OLDER PERSONS THEMSELVES SHARING A CONVERSATION DECIDING A WAY FORWARD

WHICH HAND IS MINE?

WHOSE HANDS DO I TOUCH?

A M I A N I NUKSHUK ? A RE W E A N I NUKSHUK ?

MY ROLE OUR ROLE

I’m sittin’ on my stage-head lookin’ out at where Skipper Joe Irwin’s schooner is ridin’ at her moorin’ … thinkin’ about how weak are the things that try to pull people apart – differences in colours, creeds and opinion – weak things like the ripples tuggin’ at the schooner’s chain. And thinkin’ about how strong are the things that hold people together – strong, like Joe’s anchor, and chain, and the good holdin’ ground below I’m sittin’ on my stage-head lookin’ out at where Skipper Joe Irwin’s schooner is ridin’ at her moorin’ … thinkin’ about how weak are the things that try to pull people apart – differences in colours, creeds and opinion – weak things like the ripples tuggin’ at the schooner’s chain. And thinkin’ about how strong are the things that hold people together – strong, like Joe’s anchor, and chain, and the good holdin’ ground below. Ted Russell, The Holdin’ Ground

A RE WE AS NETWORK THE CHAIN, THE ANCHOR, OR THE GOOD HOLDIN ’ GROUND

BEANNACHT ("BLESSING") May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work that you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul. May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.

May you be present in what you do. May you never become lost in bland absences. May the day never burden. May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises. May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected. May your soul calm, console and renew you. John O'Donoghue, Anam Cara