Listen to Ron's Interview with Donna Butts
Generations United: The Power of Young and Old, Together
Episode Description:
We often hear the mantra, “Stronger Together,” but no one understands the power of these words better than Donna Butts. Currently the Executive Director of Generations United, Donna has worked tirelessly to promote the collective well-being of all generations—children, youth and older adults—around the world. How can we achieve this lofty goal at a time when different generations seem to find themselves increasingly competing for limited public funds and resources? In a wide-ranging conversation with Host Ron Roel, Donna offers examples of unique initiatives like the National Center on Grandfamilies, as well as practical approaches to “shared sites,” where children, youth and older adults participate in programs at the same location or campus. And you’ll hear about unique “Programs of Distinction,” and what it takes to be recognized by the Generations United/MetLife Foundation as one of the Best Intergenerational Communities in the nation.
Featured Guest: Donna Butts
Contact: dbutts@gu.org
Donna Butts is Executive Director of Generations United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth and older people through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs. For more than 30 years, Donna has worked to promote the well-being of all generations across the country and around the world. Previously, she held leadership positions at the YWCA, National 4-H Council and Covenant House. Donna has been recognized by The Nonprofit Times as one of the most influential nonprofit executives in the United States and one of the Top 50 Influencers in Aging ty Next Avenue. An internationally sought-after author and advocate, Donna frequently speaks on international connections, grandparents raising grandchildren, and policies effective across our lifespan. She has been interviewed on numerous national radio and TV shows, and her commentary has appeared in The New York Times, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.
For more information about four strategic areas critical to Generation United’s mission—grandfamilies, community building, intergenerational spaces & programs, and multigenerational households—click here:
