Connecting the Generations: A
practical Guide gor Developing Intergenerational Programs
This manual is based on the
seven core “how to” workshops presented each year at the Generations Together Training
Institute. A fictional intergenerational scenario is used throughout the manual
to illustrate how an intergenerational program is developed and implemented.
Each chapter refers to the scenario as intergenerational program components are
described.
Chapter 1, Getting Started introduces
intergenerational programs by presenting the rationale, definition, and types
of programs. It concludes with Matt Kaplan’s Intergenerational Program Engagement Continuum, that explores the range
of possible intergenerational experiences according to the level of contact
between children, youth, and older adults.
In Chapter 2, Planning an Intergenerational Program,
the reader witnesses the work of an intergenerational program Advisory Committee
as they plan the program. A Program Logic Model is developed, goals and
objectives are identified and refined, and a Goal Analysis is conducted to assist in determining the meaning of
the abstract goals.
Program Evaluation is
the focus of Chapter 3. Using the Program Logic Model developed in Chapter 2,
the reader is introduced to the components of program evaluation including the
types of evaluations, sources of data, data collection methods, and ways to
analyze the findings. It concludes with the development of an evaluation plan
for the fictional intergenerational program.
Chapter 4 focuses on the
process of Recruiting Program
Participants. After examining the motivations and barriers of program
participation, the chapter presents recruitment tools, how to use them, and
where to recruit. The chapter concludes with the development of a recruiting
plan.
In Chapter 5 Training Youth, we discuss the
rationale for training young participants of an intergenerational program. A
typical training agenda is presented and each of its components are described,
including ice breakers, myths and stereotypes, normal aging, program–specific
exercises, and problem solving.
Chapter 6, Training Older Adults, presents
information on how to conduct an orientation and training for older
participants of an intergenerational program. It describes the components of a
typical training agenda, how to plan a training, developmental characteristics
of children and youth, teaching methods and training techniques, tips for
working and communicating with children and youth, problem solving, and
program–specific exercises.
Program Implementation is the
topic of Chapter 7. Information on maintaining the program, and celebrating the
program’s success is presented.
Finally, The Appendices include an annotated
intergenerational bibliography, all of the planning tools used throughout the
previous chapters, and a timeline for the overall program. These tools may be
used in planning and implementing your own program.