Eisner Prize Site Visit



Trent & Donna

 Many thanks to Eisner Foundation's Trent Stamp, executive director, and Cathy Choi, program officer, for visiting Generations United's world headquarters! We were elated when we were recently named one of five finalists for the inaugural $100,000 Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence. As part of the process, Trent and Cathy came by today to learn more about our work and present us with a check for $5,000.  The winner will be determined in September and the award will be presented at the Grantmakers in Aging conference in October. While we would love to win, we are simply honored to be one of the finalists along with our four terrific friends-Experience Corps, the Intergenerational Center at Temple University, DOROT and Ebenezer Ridges. The Eisner family and foundation staff deserve our deepest gratitude for conceiving of the idea for the prize and for their commitment to inspiring quality intergenerational practices. For more information and to watch the progress of the prize, go to http://www.eisnerfoundation.org/. Best, Donna

Seniors4Kids coming to Colorado!




GU staff prepare mailing to Colorado friends

 

Generations United is bringing Seniors4Kids to Colorado! Building on our success in Kentucky, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we are beginning the outreach and groundwork to bring Seniors4Kids to Colorado in late 2011. If you know anyone 50+ who lives in Colorado and cares about investments in quality early care and education, tell them about Seniors4Kids. Seniors4Kids mobilizes older adults as the advocates for children who can't advocate for themselves. Signing up as a Captain4Kids can be as easy as signing a petition, calling a policy maker, writing a letter to the editor and/or attending events to demonstrate older adults care about the future. To learn more about Seniors4Kids go to http://www.seniors4kids.org/. Sign up for S4K alerts to keep posted on our progress and join a movement that demonstrates we are stronger together.

Thank you and happy summer! Best, Donna

Generations United a Finalist for the Eisner Prize

We received some really great news today from the Eisner Foundation: Generations United—along with four of our esteemed colleague organizations—is a finalist for the inaugural $100,000 Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence.

Joining us as semifinalists are: DOROT, Inc. of New York, New York; Ebenezer Ridges of Burnsville, Minn.; Experience Corps, Washington, DC; Intergenerational Center at Temple University, Philadelphia, Penn. We couldn’t be happier for them, or for the entire intergenerational field.

The Eisner Foundation’s decision to create a prize specifically to recognize efforts that unite multiple generations is a milestone.It means the intergenerational movement has really arrived. It means people have noticed our work. More important, it means that people value what we do and what we are trying to achieve. That’s heady stuff.

Being selected for such a prestigious award is affirmation of the hard work and dedication of Generations United’s talented staff, top-of-the-line volunteers, and a magnificent, active board that leads us with a sure and steady hand. I’m sure all of the finalists could say the same about their own organizations. 

It will be difficult waiting until October 27^th when the 2011 Eisner Prize will finally be announced at the Grantmakers in Aging annual conference. 

But no matter who wins, we will celebrate, because each finalist is an integral part of the whole. Each has contributed mightily to our cause, to society-at-large, and to individuals of every age. That is something to celebrate—and we have the Eisner Foundation to thank for helping place a national spotlight on our collective good works.

Generations United's Response to Samuelson's "Affluent Elderly"

In a recent edition of the Washington Post, Robert J. Samuelson launched yet another broadside against Social Security and Medicare and the supposedly “well-off” elderly population in America [“The affluent elderly, Opinions, May 16”]. Generations United’s Program Committee took exception to Samuelson’s article and wrote a Letter to the Editor rebutting Samuelson’s argument.

While the Post did not publish the letter, we wanted to share the gist of it with you:

Samuelson’s argument is convincing—if you take his statistics on face value. But you shouldn’t.

Let’s begin with how Mr. Samuelson wrongly characterizes these important programs. First, and most unfortunately, he implies that Social Security and Medicare are retirement programs and that only elderly Americans receive “benefits.” Not true. These programs provide critical financial support to individuals with disabilities and their families, children whose parents have died, and families headed by grandparents or other relatives.

In fact, Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. Today, 6.5 million children receive part of their family income from Social Security.

Samuelson also claims that the median net worth (assets minus debts) of 65-plus households is twice the amount for households aged 45 to 54. What he fails to note, however, is that much of our elderly’s net worth is tied up in their homes. Homes which are difficult to sell even in the best of times, often because of the updates and maintenance required. You can’t modernize homes with a limited income. Nor can you eat roof shingles or drywall. It takes liquid assets to buy groceries.

But Samuelson’s most egregious misstep is that he advances his argument by pitting old against young. Such a tactic weakens the social fabric. A nation is like a family: we should and must work together for the common good.

We were disappointed in not getting our letter published. At the same time, we were heartened that the Post did choose to publish an opinion submitted by John Rother, Executive Vice President of AARP and a member of the Generations United Board of Directors. We encourage you to read Rother’s thoughtful letter, which appeared in the Post’s May 19th edition.

Happy Mother’s Day from Generations United!

Photo is Courtesy of: SOS Children's Villages

On Friday, May 6, 2011, President Obama released his Presidential Proclamation for Mother’s Day, highlighting the tremendous sacrifices and challenges women face in raising their families each day. The President also recognized the impact our mothers and the women who care for us have in shaping our lives and our country’s future; many amazing women must juggle not only family and work, but also the care of an elderly parent and the needs of our neighborhoods and communities. As the President stated, “[w]hether an adoptive mom or grandmother, mother or partner, the women who raise us show us that no hurdle is too high, and no dream is beyond our reach.” 

Generations United celebrates these remarkable women whose love, compassion, and dedication enrich our families and communities each day. Although Mother’s Day has just passed, there are still many opportunities to honor the wonderful women and men whose love and support has made a difference in your life. We encourage you to take time to do so today and every day. Here a few ideas to help you start: 

Create a customized video to tell your mother or loved one just how much you appreciate them.

Nominate your “Other Mother” for the award he or she deserves. An “Other Mother” is man or woman who "mothered" you when your own biological parent could not. These unsung heroes are sometimes grandparents, sometimes uncles, aunts, family friends, neighbors, teachers or even distant acquaintances who took it upon themselves to help you when you most needed support.  The grand prize winner will receive a well-deserved weekend getaway. Nominations will be accepted until May 22.

It's Older Americans Month!

Image courtesy OlderAmericansMonth.org

Older Americans Month is an occasion to show appreciation and support for older adults as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities.  
 

This year's theme—Older Americans: Connecting the Community—pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities, and highlights how technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier, and more engaged lives.

 

The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) is sponsoring the Connecting Generations Video Challenge in celebration of Older Americans Month 2011. The Challenge will bring together multiple generations to create 90 second videos featuring the roles seniors play in connecting us all. The AoA will post contest entries online, where participants can view and comment on all the videos. A panel of judges will select the top 10 entries, and the general public will then vote for the winner from the finalists. Entry Deadline Extended to May 9, 2011! For more information on the challenge, visit their website here.

This week President Obama signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring May 2011 as Older Americans Month. We hope you join us in acknowledging the contributions of older Americans during this month and throughout the year!

Generations United's Response to The President’s Deficit-Reduction Speech

As the President made clear in his speech yesterday, “we are all connected…some things we can only do together.” Generations United applauds the President for recognizing that fiscal policy affects all generations and for advocating for a balanced deficit reduction plan focused on shared sacrifice. As the President stated, programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid not only protect aging seniors, poor children, and those with disabilities, but they provide each of us with “some basic measure of security…in hard times or bad luck, [in the event of] a crippling illness, or a layoff [which] may strike any one of us.”

Generations United supports the President’s pledge to invest in and protect our nation’s most vulnerable citizens by strengthening Social Security. Social Security provides vital support for children, in addition to older adults, covering 98 percent of all children in the event of the death or disability of a caregiver.

We also support the President’s effort to reform the tax code to promote balanced economic growth and provide adequate revenues to address the needs of our citizens and to preserve Medicare and Medicaid for future generations. Proposals which would change Medicaid to a block grant would leave states with inadequate funding and ultimately shift the burden of medical costs onto the backs of seniors and poor families.

Generations United strongly opposes proposals which deny low-income individuals, young and old, access to programs vital to their economic security while giving tax breaks to the wealthy, protecting corporate tax subsidies, and shifting the burden to the middle class.

We urge our members and supporters to reject extreme proposals which would weaken these critical federal protections, prolong our economic recession, and endanger the welfare of the young, old, and disabled.

Generations United Statement on FY2012 Budget Proposal

Yesterday, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) introduced his budget proposal for FY2012. Though Generations United supports the need to reduce the country’s deficit based on a principle of shared sacrifice, we strongly oppose Congressman Ryan’s proposal.

If enacted, it would have the effect in the long term of harming millions of our nation’s children, older adults, and other vulnerable groups. This plan would have devastating effects on our education and health systems, shift financial burdens to states, eliminate crucial safety net programs that help struggling families, and further weaken our economy.

The White House aptly summarized the effects of this proposal in a statement released yesterday. “It cuts taxes for millionaires and special interests while placing a greater burden on seniors who depend on Medicare or live in nursing homes, families struggling with a child who has serious disabilities, workers who have lost their health care coverage and students and their families who rely on Pell grants.”

Generations United opposes these harmful cuts and urges Congress to balance the budget in a responsible way that doesn't do so on the backs of our nation's most vulnerable groups.

Social Security Rally on Capitol Hill

This afternoon more than 300 supporters of Social Security turned out at an event on Capitol Hill to stand in support of this important intergenerational program. Among them, 14 year old Michael Owens gave his testimony about the impact Social Security has had in his life.

Michael and his Grandma Pat

Michael's grandparents raised him since the day he was born. When he was four, they became his legal guardians. Unfortunately, before he could be legally adopted by both of them, his grandpa passed away in 2006. But in 2008 his grandma carried through with the adoption and ever since then he’s been fortunate to receive Social Security. Even at the age of 14, Michael knows how important Social Security is for his family. “Social Security means a lot of things to me, especially since my grandpa died. It helps my grandma and me with the basic things, but also means I can do things that other children get to do, like participating in sports. My grandma takes very good care of me, but we could not survive without Social Security. “

Later in the event, five U.S. Senators announced their support for protecting Social Security for today’s recipients and future beneficiaries. For two of the Senators protecting Social Security is not just political, it’s personal.

Senator Tom Harkin

Growing up Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and his four siblings were raised by his father, Patrick, a coal miner and his mother, Frances. After years of working as a coal miner, Patrick Harkin was disabled by black lung disease and was unable to work. In 1950, Senator Harkin’s mother passed away. He was just ten years old. In 1951 Patrick Harkin qualified for Social Security and was able to raise his family with the benefits. “It if hadn’t have been for Social Security, I don’t know what would have happened to my family.  How would we have stayed together? It's the only income we had. It kept us together and in school.” remarked Senator Harkin. “I lived it and saw what it did for my family. The promise of Social Security is one that we must keep and one which we will continue to insist on for future generations.”



Sen. Al Franken with his wife Franni

Senator Al Franken (D-MN) also shared his personal stake in Social Security. At just 17-months-old, his wife, Franni, lost her father—a decorated veteran of WWII—in a car accident that left her mother widowed with five kids at the age of 29. “Sometimes they didn’t have enough food on the table; sometimes they’d turn off the heat,” Franken said. “They made it because of Pell Grants, scholarships, and Social Security survivor benefits. And my mother-in-law and every one of those five kids became a productive member of society.” Senator Franken discussed how the government has a duty to provide for those in need through Social Security. “It is important that we preserve Social Security and give our children and grandchildren the same fighting chance we all had growing up.”

All over the country, Social Security is making a difference in people’s lives. Social Security is more than a retirement program. It provides essential protections for people spanning all ages, from infants to retirees. In the upcoming weeks as the Senate votes on the Sanders/Reid Social Security Protection Amendment, Generations United urges Members of Congress to support this intergenerational program and protect the promise of Social Security for all generations.

For more information on how Social Security benefits all generations, check out our publications:
Social Security: What's at Stake for Children, Youth, and Grandfamilies
The Benefits of Social Security for Children
The Benefits of Social Security for Grandfamilies

Our Friends in Japan

When a disaster hits, our thoughts and hearts go to those we know who may be touched directly. At Generations United, our thoughts went to our friends and colleagues who have join us over the years at our international conference. In 2005 we hosted a terrific delegation from Japan at our international conference who shared remarkable stories about their intergenerational work in various regions of the country. They impressed us with traditional dress at our awards dinner and their spirit. The next year I was invited, along with several other USA and international collaborators, by Drs Atsuko Kusano and Matt Kaplan to Japan to speak at the first conference held by the newly formed Japan Intergenerational Unity Network. We still have the beautiful paper lantern that has the JIUN and Generations United logos painted on the side that Dr. Mitsumune Tago gave us hanging in our lobby.

After thinking about them for days, today I heard back from Dr. Atsuko Kusano and then received word about our former staff member, Sachiko “Sachi” Taira, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Not to deny the situation is still unfolding, but grateful they, their families and many of the others we have met are okay.
While news has included coverage of older adults being cast aside during the terror that unfolded, there are also stories about those who helped others in need. As the days go on what we know from other horrific events is that younger will look to older for reassurance that recovery is possible. The longer perspectives that can help bring calm. Sachi’s words of wisdom reminded me of that.

“I am confident we Japanese are strong. Everybody has a SAMURAI spirit. I always think Japanese body is smaller than the other people. But our heart is very strong and big so that we can bear with anything. We can't tell how long it will take, but I am confident we can recover.”

Know that all of us at Generations United are rooting for you. We believe as the generations pull together, you will recover too.

Awards Season Isn’t Over Yet

Hollywood’s award season officially ended this past weekend with the Oscars. But at Generations United, we’re just getting started. This month, Generations United seeks nominations/submissions for outstanding individuals and organizations that make significant contributions towards rethinking and revitalizing intergenerational connections. Categories include: grandfamilies award, innovation award, leadership for outstanding support of intergenerational programs, outstanding older adult volunteer, outstanding youth volunteer, shared site award, and the Brabazon Award for Research Evaluation.

The Generations United 16th International Conference will take place this summer and one of my favorite events is the Awards Banquet. During the bi-annual gala we celebrate the unsung heroes and heroines who, through their hard work and dedication, make Generations United’s mission come to fruition in their communities. One recent recipient that stands out in my mind is Carrie Ryan. She received the Generations United Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award of 2009.

While in high school, Carrie founded Bridging the Generations, an organization that connects high schools and retirement communities through service-learning projects. She then enrolled in an independent study course called “Images of Aging in Literature” which led her to further pursue her passion for intergenerational programs by connection her high school with a senior facility, Monte Vista Grove Homes, and creating a computer lab. During the summer of 2008, Carrie worked at the computer lab to help the older adult residents become computer literate using lesson plans that she created herself. Throughout the summer, 52 Monte Vista Grove residents used the computer lab with 30 of them attending regularly.

Using her outstanding work as a model, Carrie’s high school alma mater went on to create a senior seminar course with the same name, “Images of Aging in Literature.” Following in her footsteps, other students went on to develop their own service-learning projects to help them further understand aging issues. Carrie now studies at Sewanee University, heading the Senior Citizen’s Outreach Club. She has expanded the club’s outreach to three local retirement communities and recruited many of her fellow college students to participate in visits to these older adult homes. Carrie now acts as an ambassador for intergenerational issues by speaking to audiences about the importance of connecting the generations.

Carrie Ryan is just one example of the amazing work being done by youth, older adults, and everyone in between to connect the generations. If you know someone, or are that person, who does great intergenerational work we hope you’ll consider nominating them.

For guidelines and the application form, visit here. Send submissions to the attention of Anne Tria Wise by email at awise@gu.org or mail at 1331 H Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005 by March 31, 2011. Generations United will notify recipients by May 15, 2011.

Obama's 2012 Budget Contains Deep Cuts But Offers Boosts To Other Programs

This week Generations United's Policy Team issued a policy alert in response to President Obama's 2012 Budget. We express disappointment that the president's budget contains cuts to valuable programs such as a $2.53 billion reduction for home-heating to poor families and cuts to community services block grants.

However, there is also much to applaud, including a proposed $1.3 billion increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, a suggested $866 million increase for Head Start and a suggested $350 million to create an Early Learning Challenge Fund.

The budget also contains provisions to assist older adults, including $10 million for Lifespan Respite, $192 million for National Family Caregiver Support Program, $8 million for Native American Caregiver Support, and $13 million for Aging and Disability Resource Centers.

The president's 2012 budget would allow AmeriCorps, the nation's largest national-service program, to grow to 90,000 members.

The policy alert also addresses the proposed House GOP cuts to the 2011 budget, calling it "damaging to families and children." For example, the nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) stands to lose nearly $1.1 billion in funding. Community health services are also proposed to be cut by $1.3 billion, reducing access in care for families.

We urge you to contact your member of Congress to voice your opinion on these detrimental cuts. You can read more analysis in the full policy alert here.

Rich Robinson is Press Secretary for Generations United. You can reach him directly at rrobinson@gu.org

Generations United Supports the Obama Administration Social Security Principles

The White House put forward six principles for Social Security reform, none of which suggest benefit cuts of any kind. In fact, the Administration doesn’t appear to embrace any recommendations for Social Security reform from the Deficit Commission. The Commission had called for a higher retirement age and a scaling back of benefits.

Here are the six principles:

1. Any reform should strengthen Social Security for future generations and restore long-term solvency.
2. The Administration will oppose any measures that privatize or weaken the Social Security system.
3. While all measures to strengthen solvency should be on the table, the Administration will not accept an approach that slashes benefits for future generations.
4. No current beneficiaries should see their basic benefits reduced.
5. Reform should strengthen retirement security for the most vulnerable, including low-income seniors.
6. Reform should maintain robust disability and survivors’ benefits.

We encourage the White House to hold firm and protect Social Security for all generations.

We Welcome Two New Board Members

We're happy to announce the election of Sandra Nathan and Marla Viorst to Generations United's Board of Directors. The pair were introduced at our recent winter board meeting.

Sandra is Senior Vice President, Economic Security at the National Council on Aging. She leads NCOA's efforts to improve work force opportunities for Older Americans. She has a rich resume in human services, with two decades of leadership experience in government and social services. Most recently she served as President and CEO of the Richmond's Children's Foundation, following top positions with Santa Clara County, CA, the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services and AARP. Dr. Nathan earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology at the University of San Diego, her Master's degree in Public Administration at National University in San Diego and a Doctorate of Philosophy at International Apostolic University in Dayton, OH.

Marla Viorst is Senior Vice President at Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates. She has more than ten years of experience working on a range of public affairs issues, such as trade and immigration, food safety and healthcare. Her knowledge and strategic council has led to the creation and execution of successful programs in a number of disciplines, including message development and dissemination, ally development, reputation management, and regulatory and legislative affairs. She earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Indiana University and a Master's degree in English Literature from Northwestern University.

"Sandra and Marla bring a wealth of knowledge to Generations United's mission," said Board Chair William L. Minnix, President and CEO of LeadingAge. "Both are deeply committed to improving conditions for vulnerable populations such as our oldest and youngest."

Rich Robinson is Press Secretary for Generations United. You can reach him directly at rrobinson@gu.org

Obama's Appeal For Cooperation Could Yield Positive Congressional Results

In his State of the Union address this week, President Obama issued a strong appeal to lawmakers to move into a new era of cooperation. Echoing this sentiment, members of Congress sat side by side with colleagues from opposing parties, rather than their tradition of party divide on either aisle. In the same spirit, Congress and the president should join together to promote and preserve policies that serve children, youth and older adults mutually, because we're stronger together.


Obama addressed the fiscal challenges ahead and announced a 5-year freeze on domestic spending. But, he made clear his commitment to preserving protections to those who need it most my making sure we "are not doing on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens."


We applaud the president's challenge to find a bipartisan solution to strengthen Social Security, without putting at risk current retirees or people with disabilities and without slashing benefits for future generations. His call should not overlook the critical role Social Security also plays in the lives of 6.5 million children today that receive part of their family income from it.


Reiterating his commitment to education, the president noted in order to achieve innovation to produce jobs in America, then we must win the race to educate our children. We support early investments to provide every child with an opportunity to succeed.


The president's call for a review of government regulations presents an opportunity to reduce barriers and streamline efficiency. Not only will this facilitate better communication and partnerships between government agencies, it will create opportunities for the government to work together to identify ways in which communities can deliver critical services to all generations.


Finally, President Obama's openness to improvements in the Affordable Care Ace is laudable, as is his unwillingness to return to practices that allowed insurance companies to deny coverage to someone of any age because if a pre-existing condition. He affirmed making prescription drugs cheaper for senior citizens and giving uninsured students a chance to stay on their parents'coverage have been crucial facets of an important protection to families.

The president rightly declared "the future is ours to win." The path to that victory is paved with cooperation and intergenerational solutions to our nation's challenges. We urge Congress and the president to keep working together -- because we are stronger, together.

Rich Robinson is press secretary for Generations United. You can reach him directly at rrobinson@gu.org

Communicate Your Intergenerational Mission

By Anne Tria Wise

You need volunteers. You want people to give. You would like greater participation in your programs and services. To attract and engage participants, volunteers, donors and community supporters, intergenerational programs must effectively communicate their missions.

On January 20, Generations United hosted a Learning Network Webinar that featured presentations by Civic Ventures and Generations Incorporated. Using Civic Ventures encore career campaign as a case study, Michelle Hynes showed the Learning Network how to convey impact and value with personality, passion and commitment. She also walked the group through a strategic choice on the campaign's website, to shift away from organization-centric content to more dynamic and interactive engagement with their key audiences.

Mary Gunn and CT Ransdell showed participants how Generations Incorporated uses social media including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogging and e-alerts to communicate their mission. Their organization recently raised almost $10,000 as part of a Facebook campaign in partnership with the Rodman Ride for Kids. CT gave helpful suggestions on how to make Facebook donation requests fresh and interesting for readers. Asked how many times a day he updates their Twitter feed, CT noted that he tweets for the organization five times a day following standard nonprofit technology best practice recommendations. Using an application like SocialOomph also helps him manage his time effectively by setting up tweets in advance.

Download a copy of the presentation (PDF, 1.5MB). Help Generations United continue the conversation in the comments section below. What does your intergenerational program do to communicate your mission? Do you use any interesting tools that could help other intergenerational programs? If you use social media, connect with us on Blogger, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Anne Tria Wise is the Intergenerational Engagement Manager at Generations United. You can reach her directly at awise@gu.org

Remembering Sargent Shriver

We pause to reflect on the loss of Sargent Shriver, the first director of the Peace Corps, service advocate, and leader of the war on poverty, who passed away at the age of 95. During his career in public service he confronted a range of conflicts that pitted Americans against each other. Though for many in politics it was commonplace to fall in line with this frame of mind, Shriver focused on the betterment of all generations.

During John F. Kennedy’s presidency, Shriver served as the first Director of the Peace Corps—a roll which carried over into President Johnson’s term. In the Johnson Administration he created the Office of Economic Opportunity and served as its first Director. In this position, he created an initiative to tackle the War on Poverty in order to eliminate the economic and social roots of the conflict over civil rights in America. Like the Peace Corps, the programs of the War on Poverty - including Head Start, Job Corps, VISTA, Community Action Program, Legal Services to the Poor, and one of the longest running intergenerational programs in the country, Foster Grandparents - continue to serve Americans today.

President Obama remarked, “Over the course of his long and distinguished career, Sarge came to embody the idea of public service.” Sargent Shriver was an inspiring figure whose life reaffirms the role that government can play in producing positive, creative change for people of all generations. Shriver’s legacy should serve as a reminder to all of us that in order to combat political tension we must transform the roots of the conflict. As we continue to address our nation’s challenges, we should reflect on Sargent Shriver’s legacy and remember that together, through acts of service and sacrifice in our communities, we can improve the lives of all generations.

Image courtesy SargentShriver.org

No On Health Care Repeal

From the Generations United Policy Team:

On Wednesday, Congress is scheduled to vote on repealing the Affordable Care Act (bill number H.R. 2), the health care reform legislation that passed last March. We would urge lawmakers not to vote in support of the repeal. Last spring's health reform legislation was in response to the struggle many Americans have in finding access to quality affordable health care. The health reform legislation grants access to children, young adults and older people below the Medicare-eligible age of 65 by:

• Preventing insurance companies from denying children coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Providing relief for four million seniors that have a gap in prescription drug coverage
• Allowing young people to remain on their parent's insurance until age 26
• Investing $5 billion to provide needed financial help for employment-based plans which will continue to supply valuable coverage to people who retire between the ages of 55 and 65, as well as their spouses and dependents

In 2009 -- prior to the passage of health reform legislation -- 1.5 million Americans lost health coverage. The health care act is slated to increase the number of insured by 32 million and the newly insured span all generations. Families suffer when one of their members -- and any age-- can't access quality health care. And without the Affordable Care Act, medical crises will continue to push families into bankruptcy.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, H.R. 2 would increase the federal budget deficit by $145 billion from 2012 to 2019, and $230 billion from 2012 to 2021. It is imperative that lawmakers not pass H.R. 2 as it will be devastating to children, young adults and older people.

When Tragedy Can Bring Us Together

Trying to make sense of a traumatic event is never easy. If anything can be gained from the tragic shooting in Arizona, we can hope it is the understanding that now more than ever, we need to join together as a nation and stop polarizing our communities.

The "Congress on Your Corner" event held by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was intergenerational, attracting older constituents seeking to be heard on issues important to them, and by at least one youth who wanted to behold Democracy in action close up. The fact the killer's bullets were indiscriminate makes the incident no less horrific.

In times of tragedy people can be comforted by generations joining together and listening to each other. The young people can find answers to life's thorny questions when they discover the wisdom of their elders. And older people can find hope in a cynical world when they see virtue in the eyes of the young.

We need to acknowledge we are all citizens, one people in a nation comprised of many different ideas and goals. We must continually remind ourselves that hate can only divide us; that we are interdependent, and together we must face the challenges ahead. It's a family, not a fight.

Rich Robinson is Press Secretary for Generations United. You can reach him at rrobinson@gu.org

On Tap For the 112th Congress

From the Generations United Policy Team:

During the 111th Congress, we saw the passage of sweeping reforms in health care and consumer protections, which defend Americans from hidden fees, abusive terms and deceptive practices when obtaining credit cards and mortgages. However, the incoming congress will have a full slate of new issues to consider, which range from deficit reduction to education reform. Here are some issues that we anticipate the 112th Congress to address:

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Reauthorization. Education Secretary Aren Duncan express optimism that ESEA will be reauthorized this spring in a bipartisan fashion in his Washington Post Op-ed.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Repeal. The new Republican majority has signaled they will attempt to repeal ACA.

Deficit Reduction Negotiations. The co-chairmen of the President's fiscal Commission have requested the White House and congress begin negotiations to develop a plan for deficit reduction which could negatively impact Social Security.

Older Americans Act Reauthorization. The OAA's reauthorization is vitally important to older adults as it accounts for food, employment and training programs for seniors.

Passage of an Omnibus Spending Bill. The 111th Congress adjourned in December without passing an omnibus spending bill, leaving the task for the incoming congress to tackle. Among the items to be funded in the bill: ACA implementation, Lifetime Respite Care, and the National Caregiver Support Program.

What You Can Do Now: In 2011, we face many challenges in funding critical services for all generations. Now is the time to create and implement policies that help generations help each other, thereby strengthening our economy. Help us grow the voice of intergenerational investments to make sure congress doesn't pit generations against each other. Sign up 5 friends to follow Generations United Policy Alerts to stay up to date on the latest policy news from Washington, DC. It's not a fight, it's a family.