Plenary Sessions

Thursday, July 27th, 8:30 am - 10:00 am: David S. Liederman Opening Plenary Session

Celebrating the Grandparent Advantage

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Families in 2024, the David S. Liederman opening plenary session will focus on the “grandparent advantage” described as the ability to recycle human knowledge, understanding, culture, and experience to benefit future generations. Throughout time older adults have been essential in supporting strong, healthy families and growing children. The grandparent advantage illustrates the reciprocity that is intrinsic to intergenerational programs.

With the number of older adults increasing around the globe, we have an incredible opportunity to strengthen communities and families through intergenerational solutions. This session will feature two panels of grandparents and intergenerational experts discussing the key role of grandparents and other older people in the lives of successful younger people. By sharing stories, lessons learned and advice through dialogue, video, and pictures, this interactive panel will illustrate the impact they’ve had, and continue to have, on future generations. Participants will leave this session inspired to continue or expand their important work with intergenerational programs and families to build a world that values all ages.

Welcoming Remarks:

PANEL: What Is/What Can Be - Seeing the World Through the Eyes of Grandfamilies

PANEL: Grandparents and Grandfriends - Pillars in Families and Communities

Our opening session honors the late David Liederman, co-founder and former vice chair of Generations United, former executive director of the Child Welfare League of America, and former chief executive officer for the Council on Accreditation. He and Jack Ossofsky, who was executive director of the National Council on the Aging and co-founder of Generations United, envisioned a society where the generations work together to improve the lives of children, youth, and older adults. Their vision led to the creation of Generations United. Throughout his life, David was a passionate advocate for vulnerable children and families and for the reciprocity between generations that frames intergenerational work. The Generations United Board of Directors created this plenary session as a lasting tribute to David.

Thursday, July 27th, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

Generations United’s Awards Luncheon

More info coming soon!

Friday, July 28th, 11:45 am - 1:15 pm: Closing Luncheon

Connecting Generations Through Music

By bringing together musicians ranging in ages from 14-76 of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, the Eisner Intergenerational Music Programs at Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) not only give community members an opportunity to play and perform, but also the chance to build relationships with people they might not otherwise encounter – strengthening the entire community. Join HOLA Executive Director Tony Brown, The Eisner Foundation CEO Trent Stamp, and musicians Ben Al-Mateen and Louis Fantasia for discussions on how the Eisner Intergenerational Orchestra, Choir and Big Band came to be, their successes thus far, and plans for the future.

 Featuring:

Session Sponsored by: