Intergenerational Programs

In days gone by, intergenerational activities and learning experiences were a fact of life. Many families had two or three generations living in the same area, sometimes under the same roof. Professional and trade careers were learned by apprenticeships. However, times have changed, and some of the richness provided by these experiences would be lost without an emphasis on intergenerational volunteerism and programming.

Directors/Coordinators and programmers are seeking new ways to connect the generations through the sharing of ideas and educational in-service. Opportunities for different generations to be served, provide service to each other, or just for interacting are continuously being created and promoted.

Here are just five examples:
•Adults & Children Together (ACT) is a program that pairs “Grand-Persons” with first graders who may need a little help getting a good start in school and a boost in self-esteem.
•Listen To Me Read is a program that seeks older volunteers to work one hour a week with elementary children who may need extra help with subject areas.
•Read To Me is a program for third graders. The children choose a book, learn it well and share their story with a person in a care facility.
•Some schools have found space for a master craftsperson to be in residence. Potters, bakers, carpenters and others take up residence creating a whole new learning environment.
•When space is available, shared facilities can be a wonderful situation. Having a room available for activities for older people in a school or having the library open to multiple generations provides the opportunity for sharing ideas and experiences.