See the schedule and register for Legacy Letters at our website!
What have we learned?
We’re excited to announce that our Extended Legacy Letters Program just turned one! We have expanded and continue to grow our program, offering participants opportunities to strengthen their relationships with individuals from other generations. We do this by meeting once a week for five weeks for games, discussion, and reflective writing with the final goal to create a Legacy Letter.
We use program journaling prompts to help make reflective writing more accessible. Writing activities are done in short intervals and focus on three guiding questions:
- As you think of your life story, what would you like others to know about you?
- What have been the most life changing times that have led to who you are today?
- What words of wisdom or questions would you like to share with other generations?
On the final day of the program, participants read their Legacy Letters aloud. This offers everyone an opportunity to practice vulnerability and public speaking in an intergenerational community.
We hope that Legacy Letters participants increase their levels of engagement and form enduring intergenerational relationships that extend into life beyond the program. We can see that Legacy Letters is meeting its goal to reduce loneliness by strengthening intergenerational relationships through regular program engagement. At least one intergenerational pair of friends from our LGBTQ+ pilot program have continued to regularly meet for tea and conversation. Additionally, we have many younger adult participants who have returned for multiple sessions. One spring 2022 participant shared, “This is the highlight of my week. It is a judgement-free zone. I feel really supported.”
How has the program expanded?
Word is getting out about Legacy Letters! In fall 2022, both the Seattle Gay News and the South Seattle Emerald wrote about the program. We are adding new groups all the time and look forward to piloting a Zoom Legacy Letters in the near future.
Get Involved
- Legacy Letters Monthly Info Sessions: This will be held every 3rd Thursday of the Month (10-11am PT) on Zoom. Interested in Legacy Letters but want to learn more? Attend one of these sessions! Past participants are also welcome to join to connect with other Legacy community members and share their thoughts about the program!
- Legacy Liaison Volunteers: We welcome volunteers to help us spread the word about the program! Contact us at AgePrideCenter@UW.edu.
We’re proud of how far the Legacy Letters program has come, and we’re excited for our 2023 plans. If you’d like to join us, please check out our schedule and register for a program at our website!
