Shifting Power for Generational Change: SVP Tucson’s Trailblazing 2Gen Work 

At SVP Tucson, a transformative journey is unfolding. Guided by the principles of the 2Gen approach, as pioneered by ASCEND at the Aspen Institute, the 2Gen framework emphasizes family well-being by purposefully engaging both children and the adults in their lives. Focusing on the entire family, 2Gen fosters a legacy of educational achievement and economic prosperity that can be passed down through generations. We recently sat down with Jennie Grabel, SVP Tucson’s Chief Program Officer, to discuss how SVP Tucson has become a vanguard in this work, pushing the boundaries of philanthropy by engaging families as active partners rather than passive recipients.

A Collaborative Framework Rooted in Community Voice

SVP Tucson established an eight-agency collaboration that places family and caregiver voices at the forefront of decision making. This was made possible through a $90,000 grant from ASCEND, awarded in partnership with Erin Arango-Escalante of All Children Thrive. The grant provided a unique opportunity to build a Family Voices Council in Tucson — a group of eight caregivers who represent a wide range of lived experiences.

The Council was thoughtfully constructed to reflect the community’s diversity. Members were chosen based on various criteria, from caregiving responsibilities to cultural backgrounds, ensuring representation across different challenges families face. The Council meets regularly and recently held its first in-person gathering, which included translation support for Spanish-speaking members and childcare at the meeting site. 

To ensure equity and accessibility, Council members are financially compensated for their time, whether for in-person meetings, digital participation, or travel. This includes stipends to cover expenses and honor their valuable contributions to the initiative. Their primary objective is to identify and communicate the needs of local families, and through their own needs assessment survey, they are bringing critical issues to light.

Building Skills and Shifting Dynamics

More than just a feedback mechanism, the Council is a training ground for civic leadership. Each member receives ongoing support from SVP Tucson’s philanthropic partners and community coaches, who help them develop skills in public speaking and advocacy. “We’re really shifting power dynamics here, we’re going to lead the next iteration by what these caregivers share with us, and what comes out of the work that they’ve been doing, which is really different for us,” Jennie pointed out. In November, at SVP Tucson’s annual 2Gen Retreat, Council members will present their survey findings to the full collaborative, underscoring the organization’s commitment to community-informed action.

A New Vision for Philanthropy

This initiative represents a bold step in the world of philanthropy, where traditional models are challenged, and families have a tangible role in shaping programs. With the Family Voices Council, the goal is for caregivers to have a lasting impact on SVP Tucson’s approach, providing ongoing feedback that helps refine and improve services. “It’s an enormous shift,” Jennie noted, “but it’s because we want to have a broader community impact about the components and the values and the principles of leading with lived experience.”

To give philanthropists an opportunity to contribute to this power-shifting model, SVP Tucson created an Innovation Fund, where they can fund projects that specifically meet the 2Gen criteria and address community-identified gaps.

Advice for SVP Affiliates Embracing the 2Gen Model

When asked how other SVP affiliates interested in adopting a community-centered approach should approach this work, Jennie stressed the importance of intention and patience. She advised, “Pause and learn. Understand why you’re engaging the community and commit to using their insights in a meaningful way. Relationship-building takes time; establish trust and honor the perspectives of caregivers authentically and with intention.”

Jennie’s words underscore the responsibility SVP affiliates have to foster trust and provide genuine opportunities for input and leadership. SVP Tucson’s model serves as a blueprint for affiliates worldwide, demonstrating how inclusive, intentional collaboration can lead to meaningful, lasting change.