Tapping the Wisdom of Our Elders

We know that family, friends, and social connectedness are important for wellbeing. It is through relationships and networks that we find our purpose, define our identities, and navigate our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on social isolation and lack of personal connections, but modern life had already made millions of us feel disconnected.

It is not possible for us to return to simpler times, but what if we spent more time engaging and connecting with people across generations to build for a future of resilience, community connectedness, and mutualism? Can we capture the wisdom of our elders in order to address our most pressing needs?

Grandmothers have a unique and crucial role in societal development which is often not recognized, particularly in the western world. Elders and grandmothers are often seen as a barrier rather than an asset to organizations that seek change, yet grandmother-inclusive, intergenerational programs engage grandmothers as change agents and produce better outcomes. The Grandmother Movement seeks to strengthen and draw attention to grandmothers as assets and resources for better human & societal outcomes through advocacy and support of organizations engaged in these models.

We believe believe grandmothers can be integral contributors to:

• Positive Youth Development

• Mental Health and Trauma Support

• Integrated and Holistic Community Development

• Family Support Services

• Parental and Infant Support

• Social Cohesion and Violence

• Intergenerational Programs

• Environmental Activism

• Cultural Transmission and Restoration