United Uniting Generations
Sarah Kern and I were proud to represent All Seasons at Generations Working Together’s Global Intergenerational Congress in Glasgow, Scotland, this fall. There, we came together with people from around the world to learn, share ideas, and celebrate the power of bringing generations together. To be surrounded by a community that needed no convincing that intergenerational relationships have the power to change lives was incredible.
Sarah and Amanda in Glasgow
Each session offered something relevant to our mission - whether it was designing building spaces, rethinking playgrounds, valuing historical knowledge, or advocating for generations to come together. The diversity of topics was inspiring, showcasing global efforts such as involving grandmothers in classrooms in Kenya to break the cycle of domestic abuse, and facilitating Zoom meetings between teenagers and volunteer elders while rejecting the traditional view of helper and recipient. Other sessions highlighted providing ways for neighbors to know one another to prevent small things from becoming a crisis, creating immersive play spaces that increase the length of interactions, opening co-living communities that combine foster care with low-income senior housing, founding an intergenerational choir, and even passing down traditional skills to build a Viking ship to celebrate the Up Helly Aa Festival in the Shetlands.
Our session addressed the ways in which connection becomes mattering when we really see and value each other and relationships are the core of programming. There were examples of what we do daily in memory care, with modeling behaviors and choosing materials. Parts focused on early childhood development and how relationships with the grandmas and grandpas give children a meaningful reason to stretch their skills. We shared the importance of spontaneous interactions and stories of where they have led, and ways in which children have learned that they can also be the ones who give care. My fifteen-year-old daughter, Isla, wrapped things up, and spoke about the impact being a preschooler at All Seasons had on helping her become the person she is today.
Sarah, Amanda, and Isla
Hearing her speak offered a beautiful, full-circle glimpse into how an intergenerational foundation can shape a child long after they leave our classrooms. The resonance of this conference is deeply felt. Being there provided invaluable chances to reflect, and return with a renewed energy to continue strengthening interactions at All Seasons.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Amy Lemieux and the entire community for stepping in while we were away and helping to make this incredible experience possible.
Isla and Amanda