Napier Initiative Intergenerational Community Engagement Projects/Events

 

In the fifteen years since the establishment of the Napier Initiative, it has become increasingly clear that intergenerational interaction is an integral part of both the Courses and the Fellows programs.  These intergenerational opportunities enrich the lives of students and elders with more and more people recognizing their value.  As additional opportunities have arisen over the past few years, the Napier Initiative Council discussed and then voted, in September of 2025, to establish a third program – Special Projects and Events -- as a way to encourage intergenerational interaction more formally.   

 

The purpose of this branch of the Napier Initiative is to partner with others in intergenerational special events and projects that further the goals of the Napier Initiative and the partners.  Such shared work should enhance the mission of all involved.  

 

The Napier Initiative is not a granting agency for projects initiated by others, but we encourage creative ideas that advance Napier’s commitment to intergenerational engagement and the core values of social justice, peace and care for the earth.

 

Single and Spontaneous Events and Series

 

Many intergenerational activities have arisen spontaneously and will continue to do so.  We encourage mentors, Napier class faculty, students, community learners, and former Fellows to initiate informal interaction.  For example:

• Napier elders and/or students might develop a project organically out of other Napier programs, such as volunteer opportunities in the Castle Café, Thursday Gatherings, Claremont events, student sponsored activities or other opportunities.

• Mentors may wish to invite a former Fellow to speak about their current work and experience. 

• Napier participants in classes or other activities might gather elders and students to discuss a book or article of interest to all.

• Students may wish to engage with elders over shared interests such as concern for the environment, an arts workshop, or work on a common social action project. 

• Several students and elders might gather for lunchtime conversation, participation in a topical discussion, or a game or movie night.

 

As these activities occur, the Napier Initiative leadership would like to know about them and assist where needed.   An e-mail to Mary Elizabeth Moore or Janet Evans would alert the Council to the opportunity and provide for any minor expenses which might be incurred.  

 

Extensive Collaborative Events and Projects

 

Other special projects, events, and activities that engage large numbers of people and partner organizations should be approached in a more formal manner.   For these ideas, it would be appropriate to write out a proposal.

 

Examples of such proposals include ones that:

• build participation and understanding across cultures, identities, and generations

• serve social justice, peace, or care for the Earth

• connect Pilgrim Place with colleges. neighboring communities or community partners

• include a clear vision of its potential impact

 

 

The fillable PDF proposal submission form below is intended to give the Napier Council sufficient information to make an informed decision about Napier involvement.   The Council would decide whether the Council or designated Council volunteers have sufficient time and energy to co-sponsor or collaborate, who would take leadership of the program, and how funding would be arranged.