At the Intersection of Death and Activism

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The Activist for Activists. Author of Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism and The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. Teacher, Psychologist, Environmental Activist, Animal Lover.

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Last Updated on October 23, 2024

Jenny Arthur death activism In this post, I feature activist Jenny Arthur, who has a passion for helping at a terrible time – the death of a loved one. She has served as a local president of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, a nonprofit that can help ease the difficulties families encounter after the loss of a loved one.

I first met Jenny Arthur in her capacity as a minister providing pastoral care to our congregation. She has a wonderful way of listening that makes me feel as if she absorbs everything I say. It is a gift.

I didn’t know then that Jenny runs Borderland Tees, a business that produces screen-printed t-shirts to support marginalized people in her South Knoxville community. Her business supports those who struggle due to issues such as mental illness and prison records.

I was fascinated to discover that Jenny is a consumer activist as well. She is President of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of East Tennessee, an organization that protects consumer’s rights in funeral decisions. Those who have lost a loved one often don’t realize they have choices, and instead believe a funeral home is their only option. But they do have choices. The national organization’s website has resources to help consumers plan their own funeral, which is such a gift to those left behind. It also includes information on how to arrange a lovely, affordable funeral.

The Funeral Consumers Alliance: A Compassionate Guide for Dealing with Death

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most profound sorrows. In the midst of grieving, having to make decisions about funeral arrangements can feel overwhelming. The Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) is an invaluable nonprofit that provides guidance, resources, and consumer protection for families dealing with this challenging life event.

The FCA is a national organization dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers when planning a funeral. They educate people about funeral industry laws and common practices that can add unnecessary costs. With their assistance, families can make well-informed choices that are emotionally and financially appropriate.

One of the key services FCA provides is its annual pricing surveys of funeral homes nationwide. These surveys allow consumers to compare prices for services like cremation, burials, and body transportation. Having this data empowers families to find respectful services at fair costs during their time of need.

In addition to the pricing information, the FCA’s website and publications cover topics like green burial options, pre-planning funerals, consumer rights when working with funeral homes, and more. Their resources help demystify the process and equip families to ask the right questions.

For those who want additional personalized support, the FCA has volunteer affiliates across the country. These volunteers can discuss options, go over contracts, and serve as an experienced guide to ensure consumers are not taken advantage of when making final arrangements for their loved ones.

No one should have to navigate the complex funeral industry alone while processing profound grief. The Funeral Consumers Alliance acts as a knowledgeable friend, providing clarity and advocating for families during one of life’s most difficult transitions. Their nonprofit’s mission is to protect the dignity of the bereaved through empowerment and education.

Interview

I interviewed Jenny for my book The Happy Activist (formerly What’s on Your Sign?) Here is an excerpt:

Why did you choose your activism cause?

Because death does not impact families very often, most people are unprepared when it does. In the midst of grief, they must navigate the sales tactics of the funeral industry, and many end up purchasing services that they do not want, at great expense. This is a great burden on the people with low income, especially. People take on huge debts and sometimes abandon the bodies of loved ones at the morgue because they cannot afford to claim them. We recently helped a young man save $3000 on his mother’s unexpected funeral just by letting him know it was legal to buy her casket online at much less expense.

How did you decide what method to use for your activism?

We started having Death Cafes in Knoxville to create a space for people to talk about death and dying before it happens. Having these conversations helps people be more prepared when it does. I also started Facebook pages for Death Cafe Knoxville and for Funeral Consumers Alliance of East Tennessee. Using social media is the best way to get the message out for us.

Were there areas where you felt unprepared for your work?

The funeral industry has a big, well-funded lobby, and they are continually advocating for laws that would force people to buy goods and services at higher cost, or to take away our right to a home funeral. As a volunteer, it is difficult to keep up.

What advice do you have for new activists?

Even if you do not have a lot of money or a big group of people, if there is a truth that needs to be told, go ahead and be that voice. Even if you do not see results, it is a sign of hope, and that has spiritual significance.