The Intergenerational Movement

Three Phases of the Intergenerational Movement

I. Expelling Myths & Stereotypes – Began around 1960

Media and Hollywood change the way seniors and youth are portrayed.

II. Addressing Community Needs – Began around 1980

Issues that have been successfully addressed intergenerationally:

Education
Youth Development
Family Support
Elder & Child Care
Community Building
Workforce Development
Economic Development
Environmental Issues
Health & Legal Issues
Transmission of Culture & Language

III. Changing Policies and Building Community – Began around 1990

Key Elements:

• Collaboration
• Partnership
• Cooperation
• Focusing on Assets not Needs (Asset Based Community Development)

Examples of System Changes in our Society:

1. Sexual Equality
2. Cultural Equality
3. Physical Ability Equality
4. Generational Equality (Notice that Generational includes all others)