Download the Guide.
Generations United, working with a national advisory group developed the framework for this guide and requested the following seven chapters from noted professionals from various disciplines with practical knowledge on intergenerational shared sites. We think the final product not only coalesces the collective expertise of this interdisciplinary group, but also highlights some of the rich experiences and insights from programs around the country. The following provides a brief overview of each chapter:
Chapter 1 Visioning and Assessment:
- The Relationship between Vision, Mission and Goals
- Key Components to Include in an Assessment Process
- Primary Assessment Tools and Approaches
- Legal and Accreditation Requirements
- Program Components to Include in Your Model
- Valuable Visioning and Assessment Resources
Chapter 2 Funding and Partners:
- The Guiding Principles of Fundraising
- Characteristics of Today’s Donor
- The Importance of Revenue Diversity
- Maximizing a Board, Fundraising or Campaign Committee
- Identifying Potential Funding Sources
- Undertaking a Capital Campaign
- Receiving Donated Property
- Maximizing Available Resources, including a List of Potential Federal Funding Sources and Government Reimbursement Programs
Chapter 3 Facility Design and Building:
- Overview of the Six Phases of the Building Project Process: Feasibility Studies and Needs Assessments; Programming; Design; Construction; Occupancy; and Post Occupancy
- The Place of Regulations
- Finding an Architect
- Selecting a Contractor
- Universal Principles and Common Design Concerns
Chapter 4 Staff Development, Training and Retention:
- Rationale for Professional Development and Cross Training
- Processes and Procedures Required to Ensure Reciprocity Between Staff Working with Children, Youth and Seniors
- Techniques for Cross-Training and Professional Development
- Retention Tools Required to Empower, Educate, Respect and Appreciate Staff
- Ways to Foster Staff/Board Buy-In
- Benefits of an Intergenerational Coordinator
Chapter 5 Marketing:
- Approaches for Marketing an Intergenerational Shared Site
- Overview of the Five Steps in the Marketing Process: Setting Goals; Positioning the Organization; Conducting a Marketing Audit; Developing a Marketing Plan; and Developing a Promotional Campaign
- Internal and External Promotion Strategies
- Marketing Resources
Chapter 6 Curriculum Development and Intergenerational Activities:
- Overview of the Relationship between Vision, Philosophy, Goals and Curriculum
- Key Points to Consider when Developing Curriculum
- How to Plan the Curriculum
- Ways to Maximize Informal Curriculum
- Analysis of Three Case Studies
Chapter 7 Evaluation:
- Key Evaluative Questions
- Three Types of Evaluations: Formative, Program Monitoring/Process and Impact
- Practical Evaluation Considerations
- Promising Practices, including a Discussion of Multiple Methods, Multiple Perspectives, Multiple Points of Evaluation and Multiple Resources
- Sample Tools, including Observations, Interviews, Surveys, Administrative Data and Environmental Assessments
- Step-by-Step Checklist