Friendships are finally getting their due. Once relegated to a distant third position after life partners and children, a spate of new books are spotlighting the importance of friends. And research shows that people with close friends are healthier – both emotionally...
Lyiam Galo is the co-director of Generations United for Service, a program of the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way and one of 10 awardees of the CoGen Challenge to Advance Economic Opportunity. Watch for interviews with all 10 of these innovators bringing...
E.N. West is the co-founder and lead organizer of the Faith Land Initiative of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, one of 10 awardees of the CoGen Challenge to Advance Economic Opportunity. Watch for interviews with all 10 of these innovators bringing older and...
Maree Beers is the co-director of Empowering Tillamook Country through Financial Wellness, a program of Urban Rural Action, and one of 10 awardees of the CoGen Challenge to Advance Economic Opportunity. Watch for interviews with all 10 of these innovators bringing...
Our newest Innovation Fellows are fighting for racial and environmental justice, empowering immigrant communities, healing trauma, registering young people to vote, reducing ageism and loneliness, and more.
And they’re all using cogeneration — bringing older and younger people together to solve pressing problems — as a key strategy to meet their goals.
To learn more about their work, we asked each person the same six questions. They had a choice of the seventh and final question. We hope you enjoy these fun Q&As below.
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Anya Kamenetz Is Bringing Solutions-Oriented Climate Storytelling to Children
The bestselling author and former education journalist for NPR is mobilizing her network for good.
Christina Hernandez Is Tackling the Early Childhood Educator Crisis in Los Angeles
By matching community college students with retired early educators, she’s helping to prepare enough preschool teachers to meet the growing demand.
Elly Katz Is Pairing Teens and Elders to Fight Ageism and Improve Mental Health
The founder of Sages & Seekers says “it’s a natural fit” to connect these two marginalized groups.
Genevieve Leighton-Armah Is Helping Black Leaders Realize That Rest Is Their Biggest Currency
Her pilot program in the Bay Area supports community activists and reduces burnout so they can continue doing important work.
Jon Adam Ross Is Using Collaborative Theater To Build Bridges Between Cultures and Generations
He brings diverse community members together to interpret sacred texts for modern times.
Joseph Lam’s Card Game Sparks Deep Conversations Across Generations
He wanted to heal his relationship with his immigrant parents. Now he’s helping a global audience bridge divides.
Lewis Bernstein Uses Sesame Street Clips To Connect Three Generations
After retiring from Sesame Street Workshop, he saw an opportunity to “spark discussion, empathy and joy” while reducing loneliness.
Libby Stegger Is Reducing Polarization and the Culture of Division, One Community Project at a Time
She created Move for America to help today’s leaders “solve complex challenges with a diverse group of people at the table.”
Mariam Sankoh Is Trying To Heal Racial Wounds in the Former Capital of the Confederacy
Once she learned the true story of American history, she felt compelled to work on creating more equity and justice in her community.
Natilee McGruder is Giving Grassroots Leaders of All Ages a Safe and Supportive Community
Her venture, Alabama Leads, creates “a space where people can be, rest, dream, be honest and connect”
Nicole Kenney Is Tackling Racial Disparities in Mental Health to Help Black Women Thrive
She started Hey Auntie!, an online community that offers intergenerational support.
Roderick Heath Is on a Mission to Get the Generations Talking — Via Film
He pairs young people and older ones on documentary projects designed to solve community problems.
Samuel Rubin Is Fighting for Climate Justice by Tapping the Power of TV and Film
He co-created the Hollywood Climate Summit to encourage industry professionals of all ages to drive culture change and climate action.
Sky Bergman Is Inspiring Older Adults To Visit High Schools and Pre-Register Young Voters
Her “Forever Voters” documentary and grassroots initiative is reducing generational division and creating more lifetime voters.
Tara Chadwick Is Bringing Elders, Preschoolers Together to “Protect, Restore and Maintain Our Ancestral Knowledge”
She launched The Papalotl Project to share knowledge about food, health, art and culture.