Our Mission
The Center for Intergenerational Research and Practice (CIRP) advances research, education, and community-engaged practice that promote individual, family, organizational, and community well-being through intergenerational relationships. CIRP builds and disseminates evidence-supported strategies that connect youth and adults of non-adjacent generations to address social needs, strengthen communities, and enhance health across the life course.
Grounded in The Ohio State University’s land-grant mission, CIRP creates and shares knowledge to improve the well-being of local, state, national, and global communities through meaningful intergenerational engagement.
Values
CIRP’s work is guided by the following core values:
- Research-informed practice and practice-informed research
We believe strong intergenerational programs emerge when research and practice continuously inform one another. - Strengths-based and anti-oppressive approaches
We value the assets of individuals and communities and actively resist ageism and other forms of oppression. - Intergenerational relationships as a strategy for change
We view intergenerational engagement as a powerful response to social, health, and community challenges. - Lifecourse health and well-being
We believe intergenerational relationships support health, wellness, and purpose across all stages of life. - Context matters
We recognize that intergenerational relationships are shaped by cultural, organizational, social, and policy environments. - Ecological perspective
Intergenerational connections both influence and are influenced by families, organizations, neighborhoods, systems, and society. - Interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration
We value collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and professions to advance innovation and impact. - Diverse intergenerational contexts
We recognize the importance of both familial and non-familial intergenerational relationships in homes, schools, service settings, workplaces, and communities.