United Generations Ontario has embarked on a 2 year, $365,000 initiative called “Building Towards Best Practices in Intergenerational Programming” to meet an expressed demand for tools and resources that community-based programmers can use to develop safe, high quality intergenerational experiences.
“We are very pleased and excited to provide this opportunity to showcase and validate the outstanding work being done throughout this province and country through intergenerational programming. The belief that we can be a caring and responsible society continues to be a driving force behind UGO’s commitment to our cause and mission” says Russel DeCou, President of United Generations Ontario.
The existing body of knowledge about intergenerational programming is almost entirely sourced from the United Kingdom and the United States. This project will create a practical, Canadian resource. The demand for this resource was identified in the course of a UGO project funded by the National Crime Prevention Centre’s Crime Prevention Partnership Program.
Deliverables of this initiative include:
- Development of a Best Practices in Intergenerational Programming Toolkit
- A series of regional workshops for practitioners
- Testing the toolbox through six pilot projects, one in each region of Ontario
- Recognition of best-in-class implementations of the toolbox
- Symposium on Best Practices in Intergenerational Programming in fall 2006.
Funding for this initiative is provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation.
The initiative will be managed by the Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) as part of its arrangement to provide Secretariat Services to UGO.
Development of a Best Practices in Intergenerational Programming Toolkit
The toolkit is intended to be a resource for those new to intergenerational programming. It will identify and explain the critical factors for successful IG programs, and provide a range of resources to meet those criteria.
Extensive research of existing literature was carried out in 2004-2005 to identify characteristics of successful programs and a list of potential criteria was created.
In the spring 2005, an expert network of experienced IG programmers was assembled to review the list for successful intergenerational programming. Through email communication and a meeting in June, the following criteria were selected:
- The program is a partnership between stakeholders representing each of the generations involved
- There are clear and realistic goals that address the needs of all stakeholders involved
- Roles and responsibilities are clearly define
- Planning of the program is collaborative
- Each generation derives benefits from the experience .
- The specific needs, abilities and preferences of each generation are considered and addressed during the planning and delivery stages of the program
- The overall program is planned, and can include both structured and unstructured sessions and activities.
- The intergenerational program consists of multiple interactions between the generations over a period of time
- The program allows flexibility to accommodate various levels of participation.
- Age specific orientation is provided for participants as well as ongoing skills development for staff.
- Genuine commitment to the IG program is demonstrated at all levels
- The program is evaluated cyclically
Regional Workshops for Practitioners
These workshops were held from March – May 2006 to introduce the tool kit to practitioners and solicit programs which will use it for the pilot testing phase during 2006. If you are interested in piloting the tool kit, contact us.