Thanks for writing to us with your interesting and significant question. There’s no question in our minds that a program like this can turn out very well. To make this happen, here are some short-form thoughts that may help guide you:
* Planning for a program such as this really helps; so careful planning in advance, before you start, will be well worth it.
* Program success almost always depends on relationships – in your case, this would include strong relationships those who will be coordinating the program from the high school end.
* Likewise with the students themselves. Before you begin, you might visit the high school, meet with the students, ask them what they would like to see in a program like this (how should it be run?), and be guided by their reply. You might also consider designating one or more students who could help in program coordination.
* Clear, written, and well-communicated guidelines about program operations should be developed and agreed to in advance, so that everyone is clear up front on what the students can and cannot do.
* Can you think of some other possible benefits for the students, beyond the general satisfaction of service? It’s usually safe to start with pizza. Beyond that, what about something involving music, where for example one group plays for the other, or they all play together, or you bring in an outside performer? Or video game nights. Here’s a chance for you to be creative. In general, you could look for events and activities that are enjoyable, where students and residents can simply enjoy each other’s company as humans. (There’s also the possible of asking the community residents what they might be able to give – for example, tutoring, coaching, or sharing of their special skills. Inter-generational collaborations are also possible. All of this could come later.)
* For new programs like this, it’s often helpful to start small, with a pilot effort. You can then evaluate (again, plan in advance how you’d like to do this), adjust as necessary, and build carefully and gradually.
* But perhaps the most important advice we have is to look for and draw upon the work of others who’ve done this before. You want to learn from them, through reading about their programs, but also through personal contact if at all possible. How did they do it? What issues did they face? What worked well, and what worked less well? What were the main things to look out for?
In community work, there’s rarely something completely new under the sun; instead, we borrow from what others have done and adapt it to our own situation. And that’s perfectly okay; actually, it’s to be encouraged. In the long run, we get better.
Where can you find such models? We’re not in a place to do the research for you, but in your situation we might start with those involved in senior issues in your own town or city (e.g., the Council on Aging, Senior Corps, senior organizations, etc.). Ask around, ask for leads, and accompany this with a simple Google search. You could also contact national groups such as AARP. And is there an association of independent communities such as yours?
We hope some of these thoughts may be helpful to you. Thanks again for being in touch, and all best wishes for success as your work goes forward,
