Community Leadership and Intergenerational Collaboration

As we get older, we tend to excel in leadership and problem-solving abilities. In order for our communities to capitalize on these desired skills and abilities, we need to create opportunities for us to have meaningful opportunities to lead and collaborate with one another. Effective community leadership and intergenerational partnerships increase cooperation and exchange between people of different generations. This is one step towards allowing us to stay involved and connected as we get older. Everyone wants to feel valued. Intergenerational activities are a great way for young and older adults to learn from one another, respect what each has to offer, and at the same time feel good about themselves. A community that intentionally engages people of all ages in civic, educational, social and other activities develops community capacity and can improve outcomes for all community residents, particularly vulnerable children, families and older adults. For example, we can create programs that bring together older people and preschool children in community centers. These intergenerational community programs allow older people to engage and contribute to our communities. This mutually benefits the members of our communities, regardless of age (Frameworks Institute, 2017). 

**In order to maximize your communication and productivity with your audience, please reference the best practices created by The Frameworks Institute on the Characteristics main page. 

Data to inform the discussion around this characteristic.

  • Existence of activities/events that promote intergenerational contact (potential data source: City/Town Parks and Recreation Department; Local Community Center; Area Agency on Aging)

Activities to help contextualize this characteristic.

Success Stories from local communities.

Resources and other ideas for next steps.

  • Workplace policies can support/encourage multi-generational workplaces (Wisdom in the Workforce focuses on five Asian nations, see their “Recommendations” pages 27-33)
  • Generations United

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