What Does It Mean for a Program to be Truly Youth-Led?

What Does It Mean for a Program to be Truly Youth-Led?

Across the country, a new wave of intergenerational collaboration is transforming how communities approach youth development. Some organizations are riding this momentum with ease, while others are still finding their footing.  Amidst the buzz of books, webinars, and...

These Intergenerational Music Sessions Are Transforming Lives

These Intergenerational Music Sessions Are Transforming Lives

We’re partnering with The Eisner Foundation on a new program called Music Across Generations, which explores and celebrates how music brings generations together to bridge divides, create connection, and strengthen communities.  This Q&A series shines a light on...

These 167 Organizations See Cogeneration as a Solution to Loneliness

These 167 Organizations See Cogeneration as a Solution to Loneliness

Media coverage of social isolation and loneliness is focused almost exclusively on the problem. With barely a whisper about solutions, you’d be forgiven for thinking nobody is working on answers. So when we opened applications for a five-week community of practice to...

8 Nonprofits Working to Age-Integrate National Service

We asked our Generations Serving Together grantees to tell us more about their work

By Sarah McKinney Gibson | Jun 15, 2023

Members of the inaugural class of ASU Lodestar Center’s 2023 “Cogen Service Academy,” (left to right) - Chris Elliott, Jill Bernstein, Marie Sanyang discuss the power of cogenerational service as they identify topics for community issues of mutual interest that will serve as the focus of five paired teams.

Members of the inaugural class of ASU Lodestar Center’s 2023 “Cogen Service Academy,” (left to right) – Chris Elliott, Jill Bernstein, Marie Sanyang discuss the power of cogenerational service as they identify topics for community issues of mutual interest that will serve as the focus of five paired teams.

Our Generations Serving Together grantees are tackling homelessness, mental health, food insecurity, emergency preparedness, social justice and more.

And they’re all using cogeneration — bringing older and younger AmeriCorps members and volunteers together to solve community problems — as a key strategy to meet their goals.

To learn more about their work, and how they’re age-integrating national service, we asked each project leader the same six questions. They had a choice of the seventh and final question. We hope you’ll take a look, for ideas, inspiration and fun.

 

 *  *  *

Members of AmpactIn Georgia, These AmeriCorps Members Are Building Intergenerational Bonds
Executive Director Dr. Shawonna Coleman says engaging tutors of all ages benefits the volunteers and the students and communities they serve

 

 

Members of ASU lodestarASU Lodestar Center Wants Cogenerational Service to Become the Norm
Executive Director Robert Ashcraft says the idea of breaking down generational barriers “had an irresistible gravitational pull”

 

 

Members of BRACEThis FEMA-Sponsored Program Is Strengthening Community Resilience While Building Intergenerational Connection
Bill Marvel is mobilizing an age-diverse group of volunteers to support disaster preparedness and relief efforts in Escambia County, Florida

 

 

Members of Foster GrandparentsThese Foster Grandparents Are Teaming Up With Young People to Reduce Loneliness and Improve Mental Health
Raquel Padia, volunteer specialist at the Fresno (CA) Economic Opportunities Commission, leads the project to create lesson plans aimed at increasing connection and belonging

 

 

Members of LISCLISC Is Developing a New Playbook for Recruiting AmeriCorps Members of All Ages
Program Officer Beth Romeo wants age diversity to be the new norm in the recruitment, selection, and placement of AmeriCorps members

 

 

Santa Barbara Country AmeriCorps Partnership for Veterans and Homeless membersAt This Organization in Santa Barbara County, AmeriCorps Members of All Ages Are Working To Get More People Housed
Why Liane Martindale believes intergenerational collaboration is the key to reducing homelessness

 

 

Members of Seniors in ServiceSeniors in Service Is Bringing AmeriCorps Members of All Ages Together To Tackle Food Insecurity in Tampa Bay
​​Community Engagement Manager Chris Noble says a cogenerational approach works to reduce ageism and loneliness while improving community outcomes

 

 

Members of Spark the ChangeSpark the Change Colorado Brings Generations Together to Fight Food Insecurity and Social Isolation
Director Kelly Streck is loving what happens when older volunteers team up with fifth graders to find solutions