National Silver Haired Congress

What is the National Silver Haired Congress?

The National Silver Haired Congress (NSHC) is a grassroots initiative that promotes support of issues involving older adults and intergenerational concerns. It is not a lobbying effort, and policy is not created by a board in a "top down" manner. It has been designed as an educational effort administered by and for older adults. It has been supported by House and Senate Resolutions of the U.S. Congress. To serve, you must be at least 60 years old at the time of filing as a candidate for election.

When and where does the Congress meet?

The NSHC conducted its inaugural session in February of 1997. The NSHC holds an annual session beginning on the third Monday of February each year. The session lasts 6 days. The meeting takes place in Washingon, D.C.

How is the NSHC organized?

The NSHC is organized in a similar fashion to our federal Congress. Members are sworn in at the beginning of their session, with a brief orientation taking place thereafter. Committee assignments are made and announced at that time, and procedural questions will be addressed and rules of order discussed.

Responsibilities Of The Members Of The National Silver Haired Congress (NSHC)

Shall be non-partisan.
Shall represent the best interests of all elder Americans.
Shall express the major concerns of elders.
Shall speak for the NSHC on NSHC-approved issues only. Otherwise, shall identify myself as an NSHC member who is expressing personal views.
Shall use only NSHC-authorized cards and stationery for organization business.
Shall be addressed as "Senior Senator", "Senior Representative", "Senior Congressman" or "Senior Congresswoman."
Shall accept responsibility for preparing or helping to prepare at least one proposal for the Inaugural Session.
Shall accept responsibility for attending and participating in all meetings of the session, except when an extreme emergency arises.
Shall develop working relationships in my congressional district with the Advisory Council or Commission on Aging, and other senior grups and caucuses; and shall attend their meetings whenever possible.
Shall deAugust 8, 2007 and their staffs, particularly with Legislators' District staffs.
Shall develop and maintain a local legislative advocacy program, keeping up a two-way communication with constituents.
Shall activate letter and phone campaigns to support NSHC priority proposals.
Shall promote NSHC fund-raising activities on a local and statewide level.
Shall respond to calls (Alerts) from the Joint Rules Committee (JRC) to write letters, make phone calls, and visit National Legislators and their District offices on behalf of NSHC-priority issues.
Shall develop and carry out local public relations and publicity for goals established by the NSHC.
Shall study the Annual Schedule of Suggested Activities and follow this schedule whenever its items are applicable to local situations.

Kansas Delegation to the National Silver Haired Congress (NSHC)

To be eligible to serve in the NSHC, you must reside in the state of Kansas, be at least 60 years old, and a registered voter. In Kansas, candidates are elected for Silver Senator or Silver Representative from the congressional district in which they reside.

The Kansas Delegation to the National Silver Haired Congress for 2000 are as follows:

Silver Senators

Bea Bacon - Term expires 2004
Donna Kidd - Term expires 2002

Silver Representatives

District 1

District 2
Mary Jane Hamilton - Term expires 2002

District 3
Clarence Arndt - Term expires 2002

District 4
Vern Nikkel - Term expires 2002