In response to the pressing social challenges of our time that include epidemics of health, loneliness and community disconnection, existential environmental crises, and continued inequality and abuse of human rights, the Grandmother Collective invites you to how older women and grandmothers play a leadership role in social change and rebuilding resilience in our families, communities, and societies. As seasoned agents of wisdom and compassion, older women possess unique insights and experiences that can drive transformative action on a global scale. Yet despite their capacity to offer solutions for world problems, older women are often overlooked and constitute an untapped and unrealized resource for change.

Establishing a new field of study focused on grandmother leadership is paramount for several reasons. Firstly, it acknowledges and validates the invaluable contributions of older women, ensuring that their wisdom and expertise is not only recognized but also studied and utilized for the betterment of society. Secondly, it fills a crucial gap in academia and practice by providing a dedicated space for interdisciplinary exploration of grandmother leadership, fostering collaboration among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and philanthropists.

Furthermore, this new field of study offers the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the unique role older women play in addressing complex social issues, offering insights that may not be apparent through traditional approaches alone. By delving into the lived experiences, challenges, and successes of older women as agents of change, we can uncover strategies and best practices that have the potential to significantly impact individual, family, community, and societal levels.

For these reasons, our symposium will ask critical questions such as: 

• Where are older women making contributions today and how are their unique gifts crucial for humanity? 

• How can older women best create change on individual, family, community and societal levels? 

• In an increasingly automated, algorithmic, AI-driven world, are older women the antithesis and the antidote?  

• What can self-realized older women do in different domains and collectively to build a better world?  

• What can we understand about gender equality and inclusion when we incorporate the lens and lived realities of older women and grandmothers in all their diversity? 

• And finally, how can we support a new field of study through research, practice, funding and policy?

• Showcase and Amplify Diverse Voices: Engage in sessions that showcase diverse perspectives and the powerful impact of grandmothers globally.

• Interactive Interdisciplinary Dialogues: Participate in facilitated discussions and breakout sessions to foster connection exploring new avenues for collaboration and insight.

• Evidence of Grandmother Power: Explore ways to demonstrate the transformative influence older women have in their communities.

• Unique Lived Experience: Understand qualitatively why the lived experience of older women is distinct and invaluable.

• Elevating the Work: Join brainstorming sessions to elevate the significance of older women's contributions from 'nice to have' to essential for humanity.

• Combatting Ageism: This work is another way to actively address and challenge ageism, advocating for the rights and recognition of older women.

• Introduce Grandmother Leadership: Explore the concept of grandmother leadership as a potent force for positive social change.

• Facilitate Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue: Foster interactive discussions among participants from diverse backgrounds to envision the role of grandmother leadership in various sectors.

• Highlight Impactful Initiatives: Showcase real-world examples of grandmother-led initiatives making a tangible difference in communities worldwide.

• Inspire Action: Engage participants to recognize the potential of older women’s leadership and consider how they can support and amplify it within their spheres of influence.

Date & Time: 22nd and 23rd May 2024, daily from 11am to 2:30pm Eastern US Time  (GMT-5)

Location: Virtual Symposium

Day 1:

10:30 am - 11:00 am: Affinity Lounges Open

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Opening and Fireside Chat 

12:10 pm - 12:55 pm: Inspiration Roundtables

• Grandmothers as Wisdom Keepers and Knowledge Creators

• Stepping up and Stepping In When Things Fall Apart

• Grandmothers, Resilience and Community Well-Being

1:05 pm - 1:50 pm: Inspiration Roundtables

• Grandmothers with the Next Generation

• On the Frontlines: Activism Led by Love

• Health Equity and Shaping Public Health

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Plenary Reflections and Day 2 Preview

Day 2:

10:30 am - 11:00 am: Affinity Lounges Open

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Opening and Panel Discussion

12:10 pm - 1:00 pm: Defining the Field World Cafe

• Standards of Practice 

• Research and Knowledge Base 

• Leadership and Grassroots Support 

• Funding and Supporting Policy 

1:00 pm - 1:50 pm: Field Framework Discussions

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm: The Future, Committments and Next Steps

We are inviting global leaders - from policy to practice - who work at the intersections of women, older peoples and social change. Participants will represent the nonprofit and philanthropic sector (national and international), academia, advocates, international agencies, and the private sector.

• Meet diverse individuals and organizations that bring different perspectives to this conversation

• Explore intersectional collaborations and new directions

• Support changing the narrative of the impact that can be made by older women across the world