"I congratulate you on the positive impact your leadership and advocacy skills program has had on the seniors of New York. I would also like to congratulate the seniors for embracing these training courses and whom have now become one of the most organized vocal lobbying groups in New York State."
Congressmember Charles B. Rangel

"You cannot overestimate the value of being able to speak publicly, raise money, run meetings and attract press attention for important causes. The will to make the world better is the necessary foundation for spurring change, but solid organizing skills and political savvy are the tools to actually make things happen."
State Senator Eric Schneiderman

"I know this program provides crucial opportunity for seniors to learn how to better advocate for themselves and their communities. I am so happy that the Institute has proved so enduring."
State Senator Tom Duane

"The information you have gained in these training sessions, along with the wisdom you have gathered over the years, will make your group one of the most informed and potentially productive citizens of N.Y.C."
State Senator Frank Padavan

"IFSA graduates help guarantee that the voices of older New Yorkers are heard and the concerns of older New Yorkers are addressed."
Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields

"At a time when silence benefits those who seek to strip away protections to our most vulnerable, it is more imperative than ever that you continue to raise your voices effectively and teach others to do the same."
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver

"Having such a well trained and motivated group of senior activists has played an important part in winning recent electoral victories and legislative ones on the State and City level. Those of us in elected office will seek your support as we continue the fight to protect rent regulations and build more affordable housing, make prescriptions drugs affordable for all seniors and tackle the myriad of important issues facing our community."
Assemblymember Scott Stringer

Institute Participants:

"Our goals will be met because we have learned the tools to achieve them. When we now speak it is with confidence and knowledge. It will be impossible to silence us, or shut us out, or to act as if we are invisible. We have learned to unite, to speak up, and to act upon. We have learned that inaction dooms us to failure and that perseverance allows us to succeed."
Brigitte Castellano, Valedictorian, Spring 02

"This has been a chance to learn what advocacy is all about, a way to bring relief to those who need it and to oppose and defeat the injustices that are being inflicted on elderly people."
Mark Saegers, Valedictorian, Fall 99

"I expected to learn some new techniques. Instead, you taught me to open my mind, to recognize the potential power this group has to move mountains."
Joan Egan, Valedictorian, Fall '98

"The training and experience will enhance my voluntary skills in my participation and commitment to community and political activities."
Thelma Nesbitt, Salutatorian, Fall 97

"As members of the class we are the swords that cut through social and civic injustices."
Jack Douglas, Salutatorian, Spring 01