Nebraska Early Childhood Grandparents Network
The Nebraska Early Childhood Grandparents Network seeks to spread the word with grandparents in local communities and invite them to become a part of the network. According to Jaia Peterson Lent, Deputy Executive Director of Generations United, here are just a few of the ways grandparents can be involved:
- Become knowledgeable of the issues and share what you know
- Attend events
- Write letters to the editor in support of early childhood issues
- Be profiled in our "grandparent book" of supporters
- Be willing to speak to legislators about the issues either face-to-face or by letter
- Recruit other grandparents to join the network
Members of the network are asked to bring their strengths, experience, and wisdom to the table to engage in conversation about what grandparents can do to ensure a strong future for our grandchildren and the state of Nebraska.
The Nebraska Early Childhood Grandparents Network is a loosely knit group of statewide Nebraska grandparents who are concerned for the economic, educational, employment and population future of the state. Nebraska grandparents have a great deal of experience and wisdom offer to our grandchildren, their future and the future of our beloved Nebraska.
In its formative year of 2013, the network is bringing these grandparents together to learn and discuss the future of our state's early childhood education and care, and the impact these have on our future.
The network is also seeking to bring together organizations, groups and other affiliates whose mission and purpose align or overlap in order to broaden the conversation and bring multiple resources to the table. Some of the organizations aligning with the grandparents' network include:
- First Five Nebraska, a policy development organization
- A sister organization, Nebraska Early Childhood Business Roundtable, brings together the business community from across the state to look at the impact of quality early childhood education and care on the future of employment and business development.
- Susan Buffett Foundation and the Buffet Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Generations United which funds the network's efforts and has a national reach for intergenerational work to improve life and opportunities for children and older adults.
Contacts and more information:
Contact Diane Rolfsmeyer at nebraskagrandparents@gu.org
OR:
Jaia Peterson Lent
Deputy Executive Director Generations United
1331 H Street NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
(direct) 202-777-0115 | (main) 202-289-3979
Grandparenting resources from UNL Extension
What's So "Grand" About Grand Parenting? Extension publication G1825
Grandparenting is an opportunity to play, to 'fall in love' again, and to appreciate the magic of a developing mind. Grandparents can share the things they are passionate about with family members; see the world in a new way through younger eyes; and experience music, nature, reading, gardening, theater, or other interests in conjunction with a curious mind.