
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.
* * *
In 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
ASU 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”
This 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
These 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
LISC 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
At 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
Seniors 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
Spark 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