Meet a Commit to Connect Champion: Jan Amys
In this interview, learn more about @Jan Amys and the work of the Northland Foundation, where Jan serves as a Senior Program Officer. Jan participated in Commit to Connect’s Intergenerational Engagement Community of Practice in 2022 and continues to engage through the Nationwide Network of Champions platform.
Tell us about the work that your organization does. What is the mission of the organization? What population(s) does your organization serve?
The Northland Foundation is a publicly supported foundation serving seven northeast Minnesota counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis, and all or parts of five Native nations: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (District I), and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (District II).
The Northland Foundation supports Northeast Minnesota people and communities working toward a future where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. Through grantmaking, an operating program, business lending and technical assistance, and special initiatives, the Northland Foundation works toward that aim.
Are you involved with a program, service or support related to social engagement? Please describe it. What are the goals of this program/intervention?
Yes, much of Northland Foundation’s work is aimed at improving the wellbeing of children from birth to adulthood and connecting older and younger generations through diverse, community-centered efforts. For example, since 2008, the Northland Foundation’s AGE to age program has worked to bring generations together. AGE to age special projects have been connecting young people with elders and adults to build friendships and benefit rural communities. There are currently 18 AGE to age sites: Aitkin, Barnum, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Chisholm, Cloquet, East Range Communities, Ely Area, Floodwood, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Hibbing, International Falls, Itasca Area-Bigfork, McGregor, Moose Lake, Proctor/Hermantown, North Shore Area, and Two Harbors. Each site develops a vision statement and action plan and receives technical support, funding, and learning opportunities through the Northland Foundation and its partners.
Share one of your top achievements or a success story.
We are very proud of our AGE to age Fellows Program! This program was first piloted in 2012 as the AGE to age College Intern Program. Since then, this experiential learning opportunity has been reimagined as the AGE to age Fellows Program pairing undergraduate students with older adults. The Fellows work with AGE to age in their home communities, focusing on intergenerational projects and programming. This initiative helps both younger and older generations enhance their leadership skills, increase their knowledge of community building, and contribute fresh ideas and energy to the participating sites.
Why is promoting social connectedness important to the community/population you serve? Why and when did you start incorporating social connectedness into your programming?
Since 2008, AGE to age has provided a ready avenue to improve the social engagement, health, and well-being of rural older adults by connecting them with young people in their communities. Together, they have led community service projects, beautified parks and walking trails, shared culture and traditions, created community gardens and farmers markets, and much more.
Any exciting projects/news coming up?
We are excited to share that we have been selected for a Wallace Foundation Grant that will focus on advancing opportunities for adolescents. This work is built on the foundation of older adults helping youth thrive and reach their full potential through these connections. We hosted an AGE to age Summit in October 2023 that brought together youth and older adults. The daylong summit focused on helping participants identify the difference between being intentional and being inclusive when building relationships and provided an opportunity for attendees to participate in separate listening sessions focused on the needs of each age group (youth & older adults).
Do you have tips for others looking to increase the social connection and engagement programming or a key resource you would share?
My biggest tip would be to give people an opportunity to share their voice. One youth said this phrase to me years ago and it has resonated with me ever since: "Not about us without us!" We will not know what each individual needs unless we ask. In order to ask we must first establish that trusting relationship.
Do you have any recommended reading for others interested in this topic?
How can others connect with your work? Do you have a project website?