Date of Award

6-3-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Pavel Shlossberg

Second Advisor

Dr. Kristina Morehouse

Abstract

The Gilbert Historical Society is expanding their vision and programming to encapsulate a Communities for All Ages (CFAA) approach. CFAA is an intergenerational approach where people of different generations purposefully work together to address the needs of a community. Gilbert is seeking to encourage social capital and civic engagement within the town. High levels of social capital, resulting in increased civic engagement, have proven to have a positive effect on many aspects of a community (Debertin, 1996, Forward, 2000, Grillo, Teixeira & Wilson, 2010, Henkin, Brown & Leiderman, 2012, Liberato, Brimblecombe, Ritchie, Ferguson & Coveney, 2011, Putnam, 1995, Robins, 2008). A qualitative study was completed with representatives from six of the twenty-three pilot CFAA programs interviewed, seeking to find best practices to encourage civic engagement and foster diversity. Four key outreach themes were uncovered: organizational partnerships, strong leadership core, social media, and person-to-person communication. The study also revealed program examples for fostering generational and ethnic diversity, along with successful programs and lessons learned. The key outreach themes and examples provided through the study will aid Gilbert in implementing their model with a higher level of knowledge and insight, resulting in a quicker growth of Gilbert’s program and less hurdles along the way.

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