Jimmy Carter accomplished so much in his lifetime as did his wife Rosalynn. He was the first president I voted for after working to help lower the voting age from 21 to 18. Dear to my heart are the many roles he played following his presidency including helping to found The Elders. He was key in what they worked to accomplish. 

To honor him Thursday, January 9th has been designated a federal holiday. We will be closed. I encourage you to watch or participate in some of the reflections and events in his honor. For those who live in the DC area, there will be opportunities over the course of Jan. 7-9 to participate in rituals that seldom occur.

His remarks during his inaugural address in 1977 included this quote that resonates even more today: "In this outward and physical ceremony, we attest once again to the inner and spiritual strength of our nation. As my high school teacher, Miss Julia Coleman, used to say: 'We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.'”

Times are certainly changing, but we remain steadfast in upholding the values and principles that form the foundation of our work at Generations United. We look forward to working with you to continue to build a better world for younger and older people.

Global Conference Updates - Now Accepting Award Nominations!

Know a person, program, or organization doing outstanding work? Nominate them for a Generations United Award! We're celebrating outstanding leadership and innovation at the 23rd Global Intergenerational Conference. Submit your nomination today! Nominations are due by March 7, 2025, at 11:45 P.M. ET.

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.

Thank you to The Eisner Foundation

Generations United is honored that The Eisner Foundation is serving as the premiere sponsor of the 23rd Global Intergenerational Conference! We are so grateful to The Eisner Foundation for being a leader in supporting intergenerational programs, policies, and learnings that enrich our communities and lives. Learn more about The Eisner Foundation here.

Newly Released Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network Toolkit for K-12 School Professionals and Kinship Service Providers

This toolkit contains five actions for K-12 school professionals and kinship service providers to better support students and caregivers in kinship/grandfamilies. The five actions each include specific steps and embedded tools to help children and their caregivers thrive in K-12 settings, and the toolkit is a companion piece to our 2024 State of Grandfamilies and Kinship Care report, "Pathways to Success: K-12 Education Support for Kinship and Grandfamilies." The new toolkit and report can be accessed here.

Generations United Featured in New Nashville PBS Documentary on Kinship/Grandfamilies

Generations United's Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network Director Ana Beltran is featured in Nashville PBS' documentary "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren," which aired last month. Watch the full documentary and hear directly from family members who share their experiences and wisdom - both of which are vital to creating meaningful supports for kinship/grandfamilies.

Intergenerational Shared Sites and Generations United Featured in EdSurge

Check out the article "Intergenerational Care Benefits Children and Seniors. Why Is It Still So Rare?" published late last month in EdSurge and features Generations United Executive Director Donna Butts. Read the full article here.

This primer, created by Network Subject Matter Expert Steven Olender, offers service providers in public, private, nonprofit, and community-based organizations basic information about federal programs that can be used to finance kinship services and programs. Information for each funding source includes which federal agency administers the source, services the source can finance, and basic eligibility facts. Many of the funding sources also include examples of programs that have accessed that source for their kinship services. We’re looking for more examples! Please email info@gksnetwork.org with any that you’d like to share. Access the toolkit.

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!

Waves Ahead

Waves Ahead is a non-profit organization in Puerto Rico that provides advocacy and free services for the LGBT+ community, with a particular focus on older adults. It was founded in 2017 by Wilfred Labiosa, Ph.D., a Clinical Social Worker, to create safe spaces and provide resources for members of the LGBT+ community who face rampant homophobia, racism, and ageism as well as a growing number of homicides. Waves Ahead has five LGBT+ Community Centers, located in the capital of San Juan and in the north, south, west, and east of the island, that offer culturally competent services and a range of programs that promote well-being and empowerment. Waves Ahead programs and services intentionally foster ongoing cross-age interaction and connection. In addition to formal programming, many participants engage in informal activities, such as going to the beach together, visiting each other’s homes, and engaging in community service. Read more about Waves Ahead here.

New Universal Design in Intergenerational Programming Toolkit from Aging Dynamics

Aging Dynamics recently released its Universal Design in Intergenerational Programming Toolkit. This comprehensive guide, created in collaboration with Achieving Access, LLC and LinkAGES Connects is designed to help facilitators and organizations ensure their intergenerational programs are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all participants.

This toolkit is ideal for program designers, facilitators, and organizations seeking to enhance their intergenerational programming by integrating Universal Design principles. Whether you’re working with older adults, youth, or a mix of generations, this guide will help you create environments that promote engagement and connection for all.

Download the toolkit today to learn how to enhance accessibility in your programs.