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LINKages is proud to be part of the community building process and to help foster the power of relationships.
LINK (Linking Intergenerational Needs and Knowledge) Overview
Over the years, LINKages has developed a reputation as an expert in the delivery of intergenerational programs (IGPs) and we see the opportunity to advance our vision and impact more youth and seniors. LINKages has been approached by a number of senior and youth serving organizations to facilitate training and support the organization as they begin to develop their own IGPs. There has been a wide range of requests from Girl Guides to Mount Royal College Student residents.
Linking Intergenerational Needs and Knowledge (LINK) will increase the capacity of organizations and individuals to respond to the needs of the community, mobilize civic participation, bring together agencies to create opportunities for respectful dialogue, develop new partnerships, and become a leader in the community for intergenerational programs. LINKages aims to raise awareness about the value of connecting generations and develop the internal capacity of community members and organizations with a “Train the Trainer” focus.
Developing a training module will strengthen LINKages’ organizational capacity and enable us to transfer our knowledge and expertise to other community agencies.
Collaborations
There is a growing interest in exploring a range of ideas about new intergenerational programs (IGPs) and practices that can be offered throughout Calgary and Alberta.
Here are a few of our current community initiatives:
- Silver Surfers - recipient of the United Way Together We Can! award
- Digital Story Telling
- Rural Training
- Calgary Public Library
- Dr. Fanning Centre
Our LINK project is all about the community we live in. LINKages will provide, coordinate, and instigate a range of intergenerational opportunities and help to increase the sense of community for young and old. We believe in the participation of volunteers in our planning, delivery and the governance of our program and will direct new investment dollars toward supporting partnerships and collaboration. Currently we have a number of community projects well underway: Digital Story Telling, Silver Surfers, and the Genesis Project. These are examples of the programs and projects under our LINK umbrella that encourages and facilitates cooperation and coordination with allied service agencies.
LINKages is positioned to become a leader in intergenerational programs. Over the last few years we have developed best practices and expertise to provide training workshops in Calgary and throughout rural Alberta. Linking Intergenerational Needs and Knowledge (LINK) will enhance our organizational capacity and develop new partnerships in the future.
Silver Surfers
Members of Bowness Seniors and High School meet Friday afternoons using computers as a tool of engagement. The interpersonal connections that developed following the Silver Surfers program has changed how youth and seniors relate to each other.
The LINKages' Silver Surfers Program has received the Together We Can! award from United Way. Here is a video, commentated by Darrel Janz, about the program and the award. Girl Guides learning how to best interact with seniors |