Approach

Communities for All Ages is a life span approach to community building that can used by communities to:

• address critical issues from a multi-generational, cross-sector perspective
• improve the well-being of people at every life stage
• change community norms to reflect a sense of shared fate and collective responsibility for the well-being of all residents

Our approach intentionally breaks out of age specific “silos” that create artificial barriers between generations. Each Communities for All Ages site brings together residents of all ages, local institutions/organizations, policy makers, funders, and media to build on common concerns (e.g. safety, transportation, access to services) and create positive community change. This place-based approach allows each community to define itself and to craft a culturally specific vision and plan for action using key Community for All Ages strategies:

• Developing alliances across diverse organizations and systems
• Engaging community residents of all ages in leadership roles
• Creating places, practices and policies that promote interaction across ages
• Expanding on opportunities and supports to meet needs across the life span