Illinois Leaders
Discuss Best Practices and Clearinghouse
Photo L to R: Christine
Bertrand, Little Brothers; Mary Ellen Guest, Working in the Schools,
Cesar Rodriguez, Chavez Serve and Learn, Lt. Gov.; Pat Bearden,
American Family History Institute; Donna Butts, executive director,
Generations United, Washington, D.C.; Ted Gibbs, Office of the Lt.
Gov.; John Hosteny, Corporation for National Service; and Tom Laue,
LifeTimes. Not pictured: Carl Mainhast, Laboure House; Sharon Hyson,
Art for Life; Martha Jantho, Chicago Public Schools; and Jane
Angelis, Intergenerational Initiative |
Sharing best practices and stories is one of the great activities of
an intergenerational leader. The following individuals met on March
15 to discuss best practices, spin their yarns, and tell some fetching stories. Christine
Bertrand described her program, which was founded in France, and
encourages intergenerational support for older adults; Mary Ellen
Guest said that WITS (Working in the Schools) is an
intergenerational program which has recently developed a partnership
with the Experience Corps; Cesar Rodriguez told about his Chavez
Learn and Serve program sponsored by the the Office of the Lt. Gov.; Pat
Bearden told about the importance of gathering family stories and
how all generations benefit, even when they may be dubious at first.
Donna Butts described the many activities of Generations United in
programming, publications, and policy development. John Hosteny told
about the projects and programs of the Corporation for National
Service, Ted Gibbs emphasized the importance of service learning
programs and instilling an ethic of service in the younger
generation. Tom Laue shared an intergenerational story from his
family history; and Carl Mainhast told about the wonderful work of
Laboure House, an intergenerational housing concept that involves
college students. Martha Jantho shared a story about her family
history, one familiar to all of us—finding our families in
years past; Sharon Hyson told about the importance of art in
developing intergenerational programs; and Jane Angelis talked about
the coming Generations Connect discussions set for August and
September. The event was sponsored by the Intergenerational
Initiative and Generations United. |
