For the first time in U.S. history, Florida has four different generations living and working side-by-side. The vast migration of seniors, their greater longevity, and the migration and immigration of young families and young adults have positioned Florida as a testing ground for the ways in which these 4-generations interact with one another. The reality is that all four generations are dependent on one another for their economic well-being, general prosperity, and the advancement of the state. The goal of the Institute was to find approaches that will enhance relationships and mutual understanding among the four generations and to pursue initiatives that promote cooperation among Florida citizens.

Speakers for the Institute included:

·         Lance DeHaven-Smith; Professor, Florida State University

·         Donna Butts; Executive Director, Generations United

·         Gordon Price; Director, City Program, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver

·         Members of the Viable Futures Toolkit team

Some 160 delegates representing 39 of Florida 67 counties gathered to learn and plan for Florida's next stage of growth.  Representatives from philanthropic, government, corporate, civic, environmental and a spectrum of family service agencies received vital demographic information and worked toward creating a consensus priority agenda for action. The Viable Futures Toolkit was presented as a model for bringing community partners together to assess current strengths and resources for the purpose of setting priorities and leveraging opportunities to build for the future.  

 In a follow-up session, representatives from eight counties pledged to launch a Viable Futures Florida Network, to be coordinated by Jack Levine, Founder of the 4Generations Institute.  In conjunction with statewide partners that include AARP Florida, Volunteer Florida, Communities for a Lifetime (Florida Department of Elder Affairs), Florida Association of Counties, and the Century Commission, the Viable Futures Florida Network (VFFN) will work to recruit and empower a wide range of voices at the community level to determine local priorities for maximizing resources and create opportunities for conjoined planning for policy initiatives, model programs and new inter-generational, inter-disciplinary projects.

Jack Levine was a featured presenter for the Florida Association of Human Services Directors at the June Florida Counties Convention, focusing on demographic trends and opportunities to utilize the Viable Futures Toolkit for county-wide human services planning.  Karen Hawes, Lee County (Ft. Myers) Director of Human Services was instrumental in advocating for this event.    

In partnership with Just Partners, Inc., and Gordon Walker of JABA (Charlottesville), a three-day "Viable Futures Roadshow" early next year will include stops in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando, Sarasota and Tampa, convening advocates involved in the VFFN for orientation to the Toolkit and conversations about its use in their communities. 

For additional information about the Viable Futures Florida Network contact:  Jack Levine at jack@4gen.org or 850.567.5252.