Intergenerational Bridges is a listening and dialogue initiative between generations, created with the aim of strengthening Third Sector organizations.

The project is funded by the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies through the Fund for the Financing of Initiatives and Projects of National Relevance, pursuant to Article 72 of Legislative Decree No. 117 of 3 July 2017, as amended and supplemented (Call for Proposals 2/2024).

The Objective of Intergenerational Bridges

This nationwide project involves 17 partner organizations operating across 19 Italian regions: Movimento Shalom (lead organization), Amany Nyayo ODV, ACCRI, S. M. Opere Sociali Marelliane, VIDES, Solidaunia, Fondazione Apostolicam Actuositatem ETS, ENGIM, ASCI Don Guanella ODV, OSVIC, MoCi Cosenza, FOCSIV, CVM, IBO, Da. Pa. Du, COPE, and Missione Calcutta.

The project was conceived from the awareness that Third Sector organizations throughout Italy bring together people from different generations, each with distinct values, expectations, and perspectives on life and work.

When intergenerational dialogue is lacking, challenges and tensions can emerge. When dialogue is present, organizations grow stronger.

For this reason, the project aims to create spaces for meeting, listening, and dialogue where innovative methodologies can be identified and tested to foster integration between younger and older generations.

Expected Results of the Intergenerational Bridges Project

The project offers organizations the opportunity to connect with new local stakeholders and build lasting intergenerational networks and relationships.

Across Italy, the project involves:

• 120 Third Sector organizations
• 240 trained adults and young people
• 600 human resources professionals and volunteers from Third Sector organizations
• 1,000 people reached through awareness-raising activities

Local Tutors

Local tutors are professionals who, in each region, develop tailored pathways for participating organizations. Their role is to listen to local needs and support organizations throughout the intergenerational dialogue process.

Each tutor has been trained by Elidea Psicologi Associati and is able to design and facilitate activities and meetings focused on intergenerational issues.

Facilitators

Facilitators bring the theme of intergenerational dialogue into schools, youth groups, senior centers, and informal community groups, creating opportunities for meaningful encounters and active listening.

They have also been trained by Elidea Psicologi Associati, enabling them to plan engaging and inclusive activities for all participants involved.

Missione Calcutta’s Activities within the Project

Missione Calcutta has launched the initiative in the Province of Bergamo, involving seven Third Sector organizations in a process of dialogue and reflection on intergenerational issues within their organizations.

The first phase consisted of individual meetings between the tutor/facilitator and a representative from each organization to present the project and listen to the organization’s specific needs.

On 4 March 2026, the project’s launch event was held at Missione Calcutta’s headquarters. All participating organizations attended, providing an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and begin building relationships.

Subsequently, on 16 and 17 April, a training programme led by Elidea Psicologi Associati took place, giving participating organizations the opportunity to engage with an expert in intergenerational dialogue.

Several highly relevant topics emerged during the training, including the difficulty of engaging young people in organizations and the shortage of young volunteers.

At the end of the sessions, participants identified practical solutions that organizations can implement in their daily activities to encourage intergenerational dialogue and improve overall organizational well-being.