Get Started

 

Step 1: Do Your Research

You are already on your way to getting started. The first step is to increase your understanding of the benefits and challenges of intergenerational programs. Hopefully you have scrolled through the information on this website and looked at the examples of different intergenerational programs in Michigan. Be sure to check out some of additional program examples in Generations United’s Program Database. If possible, connect with some intergenerational practitioners in your area or around the state to better understand the range of programmatic options you might consider.

The resources on this page include an abundance of helpful tips on getting your intergenerational programs started. The Intergenerational Program Planner in Connecting Generations In Senior Housing Toolkit will help walk you through the program planning process. While developed with senior housing providers in mind it is adaptable to any type of organization.

Step 2: Assess Your Organizations & Participants

Your next step should be to assess your organization, potential participants, and other key stakeholders. to determine readiness for intergenerational programs and discover the following:

  • Needs: What are major gaps in services or unmet needs of your participants or community that could be met through intergenerational programming? For example, do older adults have a desire to learn new technology? Do younger and older people want to increase their levels of physical activity?

  • Skills: What skills might older and younger people wish to share or learn as a part of the program?

  • Generation Match: What age group or population are they interested in to engaging with?

  • Types of Activities: What kinds of activities do they want to engage in? Are the different generations passionate about any specific activities or community issues?

  • Frequency of Contact: How often do most people want to meet?

Section 2 of Sharing Our Space Toolkit includes a variety of organization and stakeholder assessments you can download and tailor to your audiences.

Getting Started Chapter of Connecting Generations In Senior Housing Toolkit includes a Readiness Survey if you are just getting started, checklist to explore ways to strengthen current initiatives, and a survey to gauge older adult interest.

Step 3: Build Partnerships

In order to create and sustain high-quality intergenerational programs, it is important to form meaningful partnerships with organizations or departments within your organization that serve the other generations. Although partnerships sometimes require a lot of work, they are worth your investment of time and energy.

Find partners that have shared interests and values, or a common need that can be met through collaboration. Look for a teacher with a passion for intergenerational activities, rather than someone who is just fulfilling a course need they have. Building partnerships based on participant interests is another strategy. The following are the primary phases in developing intergenerational partnerships, click here for more information on developing partnerships.

  • Use the community mapping tool to list organizations/institutions in your neighborhood/community that serve or engage younger or older people.

  • Conduct research about each organization to find out how engaging with older adults might fit into its mission, programming, or curriculum.

  • Select two or three organizations that you think would make good partners.

  • Contact one or two of your potential partners to set up an in-person meeting.

  • Meet face to face.

  • Decide if you want to move forward.

  • Formalize the relationship with a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the roles and responsibilities for each partner.

Step 4: Plan & Coordinate Activities

  • When determining a focus for your programming, consider the following questions to see if your idea is a good choice.

    • Is the proposed activity/program idea appropriate for the age, abilities, and/or cultural background of participants?

    • Does the activity/program fit the mission of all partners and is it likely to lead to desired outcomes for all participants?

    • Will the activity/program foster meaningful interaction between participants and build intergenerational understanding?

    • Are there sufficient staff and financial resources to run the activity/program?

    • When is the best time to offer the activity/program? Be sure to consider both age groups when making your decision.

    • Is there adequate space to conduct the activity/program?

    • Is transportation an issue? Is there a community van that can be used? Where will participants meet and how will participants get to the meeting place?

    • Will refreshments be provided? Is it possible to obtain food donations from your community partners or use your housing budget to cover expenses?

    Intergenerational activities don’t all have to be brand new initiatives. If you are already organizing an art, theater, or exercise class for residents, invite younger people to participate and encourage cross-age interaction.

Step 5: Measure Impact & Improve Programs

A program evaluation is the systematic gathering of data in order to measure the impact of your program on participants and better understand its effectiveness. Evaluation is critical to your short-term success and long-term sustainability. It can help you:

  • Improve the functioning of your shared site by identifying challenges that need to be addressed and successes you want to repeat.

  • Demonstrate the value of intergenerational interaction to administrators, partners, and the wider community.

  • Acquire additional funding and meet reporting requirements of funders

  • Market your program and services

  • Enhance sustainability

  • Build capacity to respond to new opportunities and challenges

  • Plan for the future

  • Contribute to the intergenerational field

To learn more about evaluation: