Leadership Academy 2013-14 LeadingAge New York Feb. 2014 | Page 17
Susan E. Keating
Resident Services Director
The Osborn
Intergenerational Learning
1
How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?
This Action Learning Project is a partnering of The Osborn with our local school district to develop a variety of Intergenerational
Programs to benefit both students and our residents alike. It supports The Osborn’s mission in many ways including meeting our
customers’ needs and contributing to the broader community by being a good community citizen. This program will serve as a bridge
between The Osborn and the overall local community of Rye. We will begin on a small scale, offering a few programs. Our goal is to
expand programing to students throughout the school system and residents across the full continuum of care at The Osborn. A key
focus will be to extinguish stereotypes and gain a better understanding of each generation. While this is still being developed some of the
ideas on the table include resident volunteers in classrooms, mentoring program, a combined theatrical performance, lectures, career day
and more.
2
How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?
The relationship with the school district is a new and exciting one. It has been a pleasure to meet with other professionals in a separate
field toward a common goal. As the program develops I am optimistic we will continue to strengthen these relationships.
3
What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged with the
action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge)?
The common challenges and interests within each of our organizations has been a surprisingly positive discovery which has helped to
mold conversations and planning. I am looking forward to the continued development of the program with a primary goal of ensuring
both parties are actively involved in all aspects. This will enhance its successful implementation.
4
How do you hope your project might unfold in the months and years ahead and what impact do you
hope it will have on the field at large?
We are developing this project in phases. The plan is to implement slowly with possibly two specific programs or activities in 2014.
The team will stay in communication with the understanding that this is a new venture and tweaking will be necessary as we learn for
successes or failures. In the coming years I believe the sky is the limit! I hope the program will flourish with great variety offering exposure
and insight to all who participate. Students involved will not only develop a better understanding of the varying challenges but also the
many strengths and contributions seniors can offer; providing an introduction to the possibilities of careers in aging services. For our
residents, I hope they will be exposed to the younger generation and benefit from their insights; to understand their current world and its
challenges. They will feel the benefit of offering their insights and create an active role so many desire.
5
How has the action learning process in the context of the Leadership Academy experience
contributed to your growth as a leader?
The Leadership Academy curriculum, fellows and coaches have been very beneficial in the initial phase of this project and I am confident
will continue to prove as such going forward. I have learned a great deal about myself and my leadership style allowing me to be in tune
to strengths and challenges as this process moves forward. A new venture can be accompanied by hesitation and doubt. The Leadership
Academy reinforces the confidence you need to push forward and be resilient. It has reminded me to embrace the variety a team of
unique individuals bring to the table.
IGNITE Leadership Academy Action Learning Project 2013-14
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