WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 24, 2018 – Generations United is pleased to announce that nominations are open for the prestigious 2018 Programs of Distinction. Applicants must be organizations that offer intergenerational programs—programs that serve children, youth and older participants for their mutual benefit. Qualifying applicants will undergo a rigorous review process, which identifies innovative, intentionally-intergenerational, well-executed programs.
“Generations United’s mission is to improve the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational collaboration, public policies and programs for the enduring benefit of all,” said Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United. “One way we do this is by setting the benchmark for excellence. Achieving this recognition is a major accomplishment and says a program employs best practices and effectively engages the young and old, benefiting the total community.”
Eligible intergenerational programs are those that increase cooperation, interaction and exchange between people of different generations, specifically children and youth and older adults, in ways that allowing them to share their talents and resources and support each other in relationships that benefit both the individuals and their community.
Generations United launched the Program of Distinction designation in 2010 to recognize excellence while celebrating the rich diversity among intergenerational programs. An outside panel of experts selects designees based on evidence-based standards for quality programming, such as preparing participants, staff training, partner engagement, and use of evaluation data. Since the inception of the program, 32 intergenerational programs from across the nation have been selected to receive the designation, which is valid for three years.
Learn more about what it means to be a Program of Distinction and see past programs that have received the designation.
About Generations United: For three decades, Generations United’s mission has been to improve the lives of children, youth and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, public policies and programs for the enduring benefit of all. We have been the catalyst for policies and practices stimulating cooperation and collaboration among generations, evoking the vibrancy, energy and sheer productivity that result when people of all ages come together. We believe that we can only be successful in the face of our complex future if generational diversity is regarded as a national asset and fully leveraged. www.gu.org