The 21 civic leaders taking part in CoGenerate’s Voices fellowship are a diverse group. They range in age from 15 to 81, and each focuses on a different aspect of civic work. But they’re all well-versed in the ins and outs of effective intergenerational collaboration....
https://youtu.be/DMmhqffPUWc As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are the most age-diverse society in human history — and the most age-segregated. Our next chapter will depend on our ability to work across generations.In commemoration of the United...
On a Sunday evening in mid-May, two chefs collaborated on “The Future of the Creamery,” a five-course tasting event at Long Count, an all-vegan wine bar and restaurant in New York City’s East Village. Forty years apart in age, both chefs have towering reputations —...
Simple question: Do you miss human connection when you use self-checkout at the grocery store? Complex question: How is cogeneration threatened by AI, profit-driven “efficiencies,” and automation — and what can we do about it? Allison Pugh, author of the book The Last...
Why do you do the civic or community work that you do?
For most of my career I have focused on education policy – from school funding, to students supports, and building a positive school climate. Students I have worked with have advocated for the resources and supports they know they need, based on their daily experience in schools. I believe in the power of working across generations to solve community problems. I have seen first hand that policy and systems change work is better and more durable when it involves co-generational changemakers.
How is cogeneration helping (or how will it help) you succeed?
Cogeneration has helped me to succeed by teaching me things I wouldn’t have otherwise known, inspiring creativity, and creating the partnerships necessary for change. One thing I learned was the value of highlighting not only what needs fixing or to be changed, but also what is working well. The students I worked with really thought it was important to show both things, and they were totally right. Doing so gives people hope and helps to make the case for the needed changes.
Got one tip to help other civic leaders collaborate more effectively with older or younger people?
One tip to help other civic leaders collaborate is just to remember that people of all ages can contribute to telling stories, coming up with solutions, and advocating for change.
What’s something giving you joy or hope right now?
I recently went to my Kennedy School of Government reunion and that gave me a lot of hope. It was a good reminder of the amazing, kind, and talented people who are working in lots of different ways to improve their communities. While I’m focused on education and national service, there are others focused on ensuring that everyone has livable housing, that international relations are still functioning despite the current pressures, or that Native American communities have access to the healthcare they need. Despite the challenging times, everyone is working hard in their specific area – and sometimes making progress.