We advocate for the unique needs of our communities.

Who We Are

Founded in 2010, the Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) advocates for policies and programs that improve aging in our communities as racially and ethnically diverse people; American Indians and Alaska Natives; and lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) people.

What We Do

As the Diverse Elders Coalition, we produce original policy analysis and resources, speak with policymakers and advocates to highlight the issues of our communities and share solutions, and work to ensure the needs and perspective of diverse elders are at the forefront of national and local conversations on aging.

Our Member Organizations

  • NAPCA
    (National Asian Pacific Center on Aging)
  • NCBA
    (National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc.)
  • NHCOA
    (National Hispanic Council on Aging)
  • NICOA
    (National Indian Council on Aging)
  • SAGE
    (Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders)
  • SEARAC
    (Southeast Asia Resource Action Center)

From The Blog

Join the Diverse Elders Coalition: We’re Hiring a Policy & Advocacy Coordinator

Featured Post

Join the Diverse Elders Coalition: We’re Hiring a Policy & Advocacy Coordinator

As we continue our critical work to drive meaningful change for older adults in diverse communities, we are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Policy & Advocacy Coordinator.

About the Role
The Policy & Advocacy Coordinator will play an essential role in monitoring and coordinating advocacy opportunities, organizing…

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Recent Posts

Protecting Elders in a Pandemic World

Protecting Elders in a Pandemic World

By Jatika H. Patterson. This article originally appeared on The Atlanta Voice. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, two of the first regulations from the World Health Organization (WHO) were self-quarantining and social distancing. As many of us did our best to…

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Mental Health Services Needed to Treat Emotional Distress During the Pandemic

Mental Health Services Needed to Treat Emotional Distress During the Pandemic

By Dr. Marcy Adelman. This article originally appeared in SF Bay Times. Jan is a 71-year-old lesbian and a diabetic. She lives alone and prides herself on her independence. She is quick to tell you she is a happily retired jack of all trades and now an aspiring…

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Pride for who we are, Pride for where we come from

Pride for who we are, Pride for where we come from

By Jenna McDavid. This article originally appeared on the SEARAC blog: Our Voices. I love that June is both Pride Month and Immigrant Heritage Month, because at SEARAC, it gives us an opportunity to celebrate so many members of the Southeast Asian American communities…

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Resources for Diverse Aging

The Diverse Elders Coalition offers a variety of multimedia resources, including original research and policy reports, fact sheets, webinars, and more, aimed at ensuring that our diverse communities can age successfully with dignity, greater self-sufficiency and in the best possible health.

Featured Resource

Curious about other resources DEC has to offer?

Visit our Resources for Aging page to discover more!