Question 1

Where do you find the grandmas?

Accepted Answer

Word-of-mouth! People recommend a grandma after they've stopped by, or hear about it on social media. Then they fill out this form and we schedule a time to chat.

After getting to know each other, we'll coordinate a time for the grandma to join the Grandma Stand™! The time commitment is usually about 2 hours and whenever it works best for the grandma's schedule.

All grandmas are volunteers!

Question 2

What are you looking for in your volunteer grandmas?

Accepted Answer

What made Grandma Eileen (the original grandma) so beloved was she excelled in three things:

1) The art of listening
2) Being present
3) Asking questions to understand who you are and how you really feel

She never lectured or tried to solve your problem.

This is the same approach used today. The grandmas are quick to disarm you as you sit down and share your thoughts with no judgment and a listening ear.

Question 3

Where will the Grandma Stand™ be next?

Accepted Answer

NYC: Check Instagram Stories! We have been to just about every part of NYC. Sometimes we're invited to parks, plazas, street fairs and events, and sometimes we pick random public street corners. Wherever we pop-up, we'll always share our location 1-2 days before.

However, we're always open to recommendations or invitations! For spring, summer and fall, we're generally outside, but for winter months, we love indoor locations.

Denver: Check Instagram

McKinney, TX: Check Instagram

We're currently in 6 other cities, info coming soon!

Question 4

Can I start a Grandma Stand™ in my city?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Fill out this form and we'll chat. It's around $800 for all the materials to get started. We're a 501(c)(3) so we save on sales tax and anytime we get donations we try and help with the cost.

Also, we're here to help with the entire set-up process and put you in touch with other grandmas and individuals who's started their own Grandma Stand™.

Here is the Grandma Stand™ in McKinney, TX:

Question 5

How do you come up with the weekly discussion prompts?

Accepted Answer

In general, we'll just take a pulse of how the community is feeling that particular day.

Sometimes we need to let things out (ex: "Who's someone you need to forgive?") or just rejoice (ex: "What's bringing you joy right now?").

For NYC, we'll even post discussion prompts in an Instagram Poll and let people decide.

But, whatever is decided, it's hand-written on sandwich boards for you to share with a grandma!

Question 6

What are examples of discussion prompts you've used?

Accepted Answer

Who's someone you need to forgive?
What's the hardest decision you've ever made?
What's recently made you cry?
What's a conversation you wish you could have again?
What's a risk you took that changed your life?
What's a conversation you need to have with your parents?
What's bringing you joy right now?
What's something you need to let go of?
What do you wish you had a second chance at?
When do you wish you would've spoken up?
What's a decision you've been avoiding?
Who doesn't know the impact they've made on you?
What do people often misunderstand about you?
What's something you need closure on?
What do you worry way too much about?