Delegates are being sought for the Kansas Silvered Haired Legislature.

The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is a unicameral (one-chambered) legislature composed of 125 representatives across the state. SHL delegates are 60 years or older and are elected from their county of residence.

SEK Area Agency on Aging is seeking candidates to serve a two-year term representing their county. SEKAAA covers a 9-county area: Allen, Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson.

The legislature provides an educational experience in the political process and provides an opportunity to identify priority concerns of Kansas’ older adults.

The SHL develops bills and resolutions which are presented to the Kansas Legislature and the governor as recommendations for state policy.

SHLs were created by Congress in 1969 when each state was encouraged to create a body of older adults who would identify issues important to older adults 60+ and educate their state legislatures about those issues.

The Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature was created by a 1982 Senate resolution. The website for Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature is www.Kansas-shl.org

“It is important that the voice of older Kansans is heard,” says Kathy Brennon, SEKAAA Executive Director, “there are constant changes that have an impact on individuals 60 and older that can be overlooked. It is important to have this group that is solely focused on issues that impact older Kansans.”

If anyone is interested in being a delegate, they can request an application packet by emailing [email protected] or calling 620-431-2980. Applications must be received by February 3, 2025. If more than one person is interested in a position an election will be held on February 21, 2025. The term is for two years. March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2027.