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?
As co-founder of Art Against Ageism, a nonprofit that uses art and creativity to tackle ageism, I work with individuals and entities to create participatory art installations that advance positive–and correct–beliefs about age and aging. Since our founding in 2021, much of our work has been in collaboration with nursing homes or assisted living communities and at events attended by aging services professionals.
I do this work because of my longstanding connection to the field of aging services and the recognition that systemic and interpersonal ageism exists within eldercare spaces. Although the individuals who work in these settings are very committed and compassionate, ageist structures and policies unfortunately create a negative feedback loop that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and suppresses the voices of those that should be the loudest. I hope to help change these policies and practices by using artistic activism to bring awareness to, and shed light on, these important issues.
How is cogeneration helping (or how will it help) you succeed?
It has helped me to check myself before making assumptions based on what generational stereotypes people are assigned to. For example, I have assumed that some Gen Zers have a natural affinity for social media and then met some who eschews digital platforms. I have also learned a lot from others’ stories, their work, and their experiences.
Since cogenerational work is an excellent to dispel ageist beliefs, I expect it will help shape the work of Art Against Ageism in a very positive way.
Got one tip to help other civic leaders collaborate more effectively with older or younger people?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you want to get to know or work with. You may be surprised at how responsive people are.
What’s something giving you joy or hope right now?
My dog, Jessie. She is an 11 year-old lab mix whose tail and tongue wag with excitement every single time I tell her we’re going for a walk and each time she gets to eat a meal. It gives me joy to see her joy, and it gives me hope that the world will not always feel as dark as it does right now. 🙂