Intergenerational by definition means that it involves several generations, so are we talking about members of different generations volunteering together?
Yes! But “it is much more complex than putting a 14-year-old in a room with an 80-year-old and telling them to figure it out. A relationship of trust must be developed.” That quote is from Jeanne Campeau, executive director of Le Petit Peuple, in the House of Commons Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities on Promoting and Encouraging Intergenerational Volunteerism.
Did you catch that? Intergenerational Volunteering is something a House of Commons committee is looking into and writing reports about. Why is this something the government is interested in?
Because Intergenerational Volunteering, when done in a way that builds belonging and creates social connections can be a powerful tool in combating the loneliness that many youth and seniors report feeling. This is increasingly important as we realize how detrimental feeling lonely is to our health.
Engaging with different generations may not be a new idea on its own, but many agencies and funding models have set up programs to separate these groups. Think of a weekly youth drop-in or a seniors walking group. Of course people of the same age should get together and share their experiences, but we are also seeing how much can be gained when different age groups share their views and expertise with each other.
Volunteer Canada is currently working with groups across the country, including Volunteer Waterloo Region, to build a Toolkit to help agencies looking to start intergenerational volunteering programs. The goal is to have successful programs and models, and offer different measures and evaluations that agencies can use to determine the impact that these programs are making in the lives of Canadians.
Want to know more?
Ask us about Volunteer Waterloo Region’s Board Games and Mingle program!
Check out Volunteer Canada’s information about Intergenerational Engagement
For a really deep dive read the House of Commons Promoting And Encouraging Intergenerational Volunteerism: Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
This article was written by VWR Volunteer Catherine