# Elder Connection Project Global Action Toolkit

Use this model to create a small, safe elder-connection project in your own community.

## 1. Contact Email

Subject: Student service project about elder connection

Hello [Name or Senior Center Team],

My name is [Name], and I am working on a student service project about reducing elderly loneliness through safe intergenerational connection.

We are not asking to visit private homes. We would like to support an existing supervised activity, write cards, help with a small group event, or learn from staff about what kind of student support is useful.

Could we schedule a short call or meeting to ask what would be safe and welcomed?

Thank you,
[Name]
[School or community]

## 2. Safety Rules

1. Work through a trusted organization or school-approved adult.
2. Do not visit private homes alone.
3. Do not collect health, family, address, or financial details.
4. Get consent before photos, names, audio, video, quotes, or stories.
5. Report self-harm, abuse, neglect, or emergencies to the supervising adult or partner staff immediately.
6. Be a respectful companion, not a counselor or social worker.

## 3. Conversation Prompts

- What was your neighborhood like when you were younger?
- What song, food, or place brings back a good memory?
- What advice would you give to students today?
- What activity do you enjoy doing with other people?
- What is something you wish younger people understood about aging?

## 4. Card Template

Dear friend,

I hope this card brings a little brightness to your day. Our student project is learning how small moments of connection can make communities feel warmer.

Wishing you comfort, health, and a peaceful week.

From,
[First name or class name]

## 5. Mini Activity Plan

Activity: 45-minute intergenerational connection session

- 5 min: staff welcome and safety reminder
- 10 min: student performance, craft intro, or warm-up question
- 20 min: paired or small-group conversation
- 5 min: card exchange or shared photo only with consent
- 5 min: thank-you and staff feedback

Track: elders reached, students involved, cards written, staff feedback.

## 6. Reflection Questions

- What did you do?
- Who supervised or partnered with the activity?
- What did you learn about loneliness, aging, and dignity?
- What surprised you?
- What would you change before repeating the activity?
- How did you protect privacy and consent?

## 7. Impact Tracking

Track only simple, non-private data: students reached, actions completed, cards written, organizations contacted, cities/countries represented, seniors impacted, and anonymous consent-approved reflection quotes.