My personal platform, "Connecting Generations" is a lifelong journey. As a fifth grader, I would walk across the street to a home for Alzheimer’s patients twice a week after school. I would spend time painting the women resident’s nails, dancing for them, and calling Bingo – all while forming beautiful friendships. A couple of years later, my grandpa came to live with my family and me. I heard about my grandpa’s experience in the war, and enjoyed having him spend time with my friends. I remember how he would always give me a few dollars to go to the movie theater and get popcorn and a “pop”; I never had the heart to tell him that the money didn’t quite cover the costs! We both had a sweet tooth and always got in trouble for sneaking pie and ice cream. I will forever remember those fun times I had with my grandpa, while forming a strong bond.

When my grandpa passed away in 2000, I immediately realized the importance of bridging generations through everyday experiences. I wanted to do something in memory of him, so I started a program called “Connecting Generations.” The groundwork for “Connecting Generations” was laid in 2003 when, as a junior in high school, I initiated a free outreach program for children and young adults. Participants learn routines that showcase their individual talents and create a traveling variety show. Class time also includes creating inspirational cards, discussing how to speak respectfully to elders, developing writing skills through letters to pen pals from places we have visited, and encouraging kind and generous behavior. To date, “Connecting Generations” has visited nursing homes/assisted living facilities, and appeared at numerous Christmas socials, Lions Clubs, and senior citizen events. These early initiatives of “Connecting Generations” confirmed for me that combining multiple generations in activities could be effective in more than one type of setting. I knew I was “on to” a worthwhile adventure!

The program I have founded, “Connecting Generations,” is helping our society break the social barriers that exist between generations. When I visit schools and ask the children how often they talk to grandma and grandpa, it’s sad to see how many don’t have a relationship with their grandparents, and they surely don’t realize how valuable that relationship could be. Children need positive role models, and older adults are looking for ways to keep active. With the unprecedented number of new retirees in our country, now more than ever, is the time to connect baby boomers with young people and “connect the generations.”

Since 2003, in order to expand the program, I introduced other annual events, including Intergenerational Week, Grandparents Day and the school Pen Pal Programs. All have been instrumental in program growth and development as communities recognize the need to focus on generational connections and activities. If long-term friendships can be established through activities like these, then there is a bright future for intergenerational-driven communities.

Perhaps the most highly-acclaimed accomplishment of “Connecting Generations” are the three annual “Intergenerational Fairs,” at which local support groups and organizations volunteered time and resources to provide displays, information and activities for people of all generations. Similarly, I coordinated and implemented a successful “Intergenerational Prom” this past April. The turnout for these events far exceeded my expectations.

To expand statewide, I will work with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rotary International, and Children’s Miracle Network to “think” intergenerational. Big Brothers Big Sisters told me they are looking for adults who can offer “long-term relationships” with children. Who better than a dynamic older adult who has wisdom, life experience, and friendship to offer to be the “big” in the relationship? As founder and past president of Rotaract in La Crosse, I have opened doors to Rotary International to look at combining Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs and focus building profound friendships through community service experiences. Lastly, the Children’s Miracle Network is the national platform for the Miss America Organization. As Miss Wisconsin, I will be spending time at the three locations here in Wisconsin and encouraging the organization to get more adults involved in spending time with the children and giving them stories of hope. If you are interested in helping me raise $500 for the Children’s Miracle Network, please visit: www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=5939DF8167C

Anyone can connect generations. I hope that my personal story has inspired you to spend some time with your grandparents, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, and any other special individuals in your life from a different generation. There are some notions in a favorite book of mine that I would recommend everyone read and consider. It’s called “LOVE YOU FOREVER” by Robert Munsch. I just know the message will “hit home” for you, in one way or another!