The Call for Sessions for Generations United's 23rd Global Intergenerational Conference is now open. We hope you will consider submitting a proposal for an educational session at the conference. Submissions are due December 2, 2024 and must be completed online. Download the session guidelines and instructions (Word Doc) for more information. 

Registration is also open for the conference, which will be held June 25-27, 2025 in Louisville, KY! Take advantage of the lowest possible rate by registering today.

Generations United's Election Outcome Statement

The election has brought many issues to the forefront that impact all ages. We continue to believe deeply in Generations United’s mission and the critical nature of our work. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a better future for all generations and advocating for diverse, equitable, and connected communities. Read our full election outcome statement here.

Generations United on the Road!

Late last month, Generations United Executive Director Donna Butts had an incredible time connecting with inspiring leaders & innovators at the Leading Age Conference in Nashville, TN. A special congratulations to our board chair extraordinaire, Joseph Cuticelli, on the launch of Restaura! We were thrilled to be at the Restaura booth with Joe, his wife Leslie, and Deb of Restaura, celebrating this exciting new venture. 

Donna also stopped by Fiddlers Annex grandfamilies apartments in Smithville, TN, one of only two sites built using the original LEGACY intergenerational housing funding. She was welcomed back by Myra Walker and Vicki Drum, who greeted her on her first trip 18 years ago. Thank you for welcoming our Executive Director back!

Generations United Featured on All Things Considered

Generations United Executive Director Donna Butts is quoted in an NPR story, "The efforts to connect elders and young people amid a loneliness epidemic." It highlights DOROT, a Generations United Program of Distinction, and emphasizes that intergenerational connections can combat social isolation and loneliness. Listen to the full story here.

Many nonprofits and government agencies incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals into their mission statements. This two-page tip sheet discusses what DEI might look like when partnering with and serving kinship/grandfamilies. Access the resource.

As always, the Network is accepting individual requests for assistance from professionals who work in systems or organizations that serve kinship/grandfamilies. Fill out the request assistance form to receive support from our team. Learn more and sign up to access our resources!

MiGen

MiGen offers an array of programs and services (e.g., food box delivery, computer support, friendly callers, support groups, arts activities) that are intended to make the lives of LGBTQ+ folks ages 45+ in Michigan safer, more connected, more vibrant, and more FUN. Although most of the programs are geared toward people 45+, this past year MiGen created Rainbow Resilience, an intergenerational fashion show that paired young people from the community with older MiGen members. Through a series of conversations and exploration workshops, cross-age learning was enhanced, and cross-age friendships were formed. Read more about MiGen here.

New Poll on Grandparents and their Grandchildren from the National Poll on Healthy Aging

A new poll from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, based at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, shows the importance of grandchildren in grandparents’ lives. In general, grandparents who see their grandkids more often were less likely to say they feel isolated. Overall, 78% of those who see grandchildren under 18 every day or nearly every day said they hardly ever feel isolated, compared with 65% of those who see their grandchildren every few months or less. Explore the full poll findings here.