AGE to age bringing generations together
The Northland Foundation is working to actively engage older adults and young people as agents of change to meet community needs. As part of its involvement with Community Experience Partnership (CEP), the Foundation has launched AGE to age: bringing generations together, a grassroots organizing effort aimed at influencing attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions to help communities view both older adults and young people as valued members and contributors in a way that respects the unique circumstances, culture, and traditions of each community.
Since 1986, productive aging and child/youth development have been core funding priorities for the Northland Foundation. The Community Experience Partnership assessment study revealed a significant need to expand intergenerational connections and volunteer opportunities for all ages. The study showed that many communities in this rural region, especially some of the Indian reservations, are geographically isolated and lack opportunities to support community connectedness. Most communities also lack a central hub to link older adults with civic engagement opportunities.
Through AGE to age, communities are developing programs that bring youth, adults, and elders together to build relationships and address individualized community needs. In particular, the initiative seeks to ensure that all children and youth, including those at-risk, achieve their potential and remain connected to their communities for their own benefit and for the continued well-being of the communities.
The Foundation is working with 10 diverse rural sites, including three Indian reservations, to develop locally driven civic engagement program plans that meet their unique needs. AGE to age reaches 15 communities, 10 school districts, three Indian Reservations, and five counties. The total population in these rural communities ranges from 404 to 11,201 and is predominately White, with the exception of the Indian reservations. All 10 sites have a higher-than-state-average poverty rate for adults ages 65 and older and children under the age of 18.
