Our team has compiled the below list of frequently asked questions (FAQs). If your question is not answered here, please reach out to our Program Associate, Jordan Colvin (jordan.colvin@aspeninstitute.org), and we will respond to your message as soon as possible. Thanks for your interest in the Aspen Institute Ascend Network.
Becoming a Network Partner
First, please take the Ascend 2Gen Survey here. This 15-minute survey is designed to capture important information on your 2Gen efforts as well as help you identify areas of growth for tracking 2Gen outcomes. It also equips the Ascend team to understand where your strengths and areas of growth are in the 2Gen context.
Second, please set up a profile on Ascend 2Gen Connect, using the following link to register on the Ascend Network Directory. Please reach message Jordan.Colvin@aspeninstitute.org if you have questions or concerns with registering.
Organizations spanning the entire 2Gen continuum, from just starting to implementation and measurement, are encouraged to join the Network.
There are no fees associated with joining the Ascend Network.
Once you have completed the survey and registered on 2Gen connect, we will reach out to you for a quarterly onboarding session. You will also be enrolled in our ongoing Newsletter immediately, receiving invitations and resources to start your journey.
Partnership Overview & Benefits
As a member of the Ascend Network, your organization is tapping into a community of more than 500 organizations that are exploring, implementing, or incubating 2Gen approaches. As part of this community, you have opportunities to connect through interactive meetings, have your work featured in a bi-monthly eNews, and are prioritized for technical assistance. As a learning community, the Network is the source of many tools and resources for work in the 2Gen Field. We are always looking to share the innovation happening on the ground.
Provide feedback on annual surveys;
Participate in Action + Impact calls;
Utilize the five 2Gen Principles and share feedback with Ascend on progress toward tracking outcomes for children and the adults in their lives;
Respond to requests and opportunities to advance 2Gen policies and systems changes in your county and/or state.
You can view a list of Ascend Network members here to explore our national reach in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Rwanda, and Guatemala.
My 2Gen Directory Account
Currently, Network Partner status lasts indefinitely.
You can update your membership information by logging in to your account here. If you need help, please email jordan.colvin@aspeninstitue.org for assistance.
Ascend created a three-part toolkit to help organizations on their 2Gen journey.
101: Trying on a 2Gen Approach: 101 Activity: Seeing where you belong on the 2Gen continuum. This activity is the first of a three-part toolkit.
201: 2Gen Action Plan: 201 Activity: 2Gen Action Plan. This is the second part of a three-part toolkit.
301: Community Guide to 2Gen Approaches: The Community Guide to 2Gen Approaches helps communities understand how they deliver services to their populations and how they can become more efficient and effective at achieving lasting outcomes. This brief community guide is designed to help leaders.This is the third part of a three-part toolkit.
For more resources, please check out our 2Gen Resource Library.