Wake Robin is a member of SSAFE (Senior Stewards Acting for the Environment). We are one of 17 chapters nationwide. The organization empowers seniors to lead climate action in their communities, and advance clean energy, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
What does that connection mean? Wake Robin residents have opportunities to learn ways to become more environmentally sustainable through SSAFE zoom presentations, online meetings, and a multitude of resources on the SSAFE website (SSAFE.org). Wake Robin residents share their outstanding environmental efforts with others by these same means. In June, we had a presentation from the Vice President of Operations and Development at RoseVilla, a Life Plan Community in Portland, Oregon. He described their forward-looking work on resilient campus planning and then provided a helpful question and answer session. He highlighted sustainability efforts and preparations to withstand large-scale environmental emergencies, sharing thought-provoking approaches. RoseVilla was founded in 1960 so Wake Robin certainly benefits from hearing from a community very similar to ours, with many common interests, and 30 years more experience.
The following week, our Dining Director, Kate Hayes, as part of a 5-member zoom panel of SSAFE dining directors, shared information with a wide audience about Wake Robin’s approaches to eating sustainably. Topics included plant-based availability, local vendors, gardens, challenges, what is and isn’t working, and opportunities.
Of note, a follow-up SSAFE working group highlighted the value of adopting many of Wake Robin’s approaches at other campuses. The connection with SSAFE, a non-profit nationwide organization, is in line with Wake Robin’s goal, “We will grow and harness brand distinction as a resident-driven community with a deep appreciation of our environment and a lifestyle that embraces aging.”
