With Common Purpose, Age Doesn't Matter

On Tuesday, DPI/NGO  sponsored a briefing to foster intergenerational collaboration and solutions to reach the SDGs. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The majority of the day was spent in smaller discussion forums about the specific goals of Planet, Health, Innovation, Poverty Gender Equality, and Employment. Many ideas were shared in these conversations, but the common thread was how to work in partnership across the ages. The following facts and ideas stood out. 

The world has 1.8 billion youth and yet by 2050 one fourth of the world's population will be over 60 years of age. Our world has a Youth bulge in the South and an Aging Society in the North. These generations don't operate as a binary. Both will have to work together to achieve the Global Goals. 

I am in my early 50's; not so old but not so young either. During this meeting, the youth and elders expressed that they share much in common including being overlooked, discriminated against, limited, and ignored. But they are also passionate, motivated, innovative, and thoughtful. The ages in between should examine if we are treating these generations with respect as resourceful and valuable partners or undervaluing their worth. We can build bridges of collaboration if we focus on the strengths each one brings. We can help shift the mindset of seeing them as passive recipients to active contributors and exchanging disregard for dignity. 
A couple of examples of intergenerational collaboration at its best:

• Age in Place - College students agreed to complete a certain number of activities in exchange for housing with an elder. The older person is able to continue living in their home and the cost of living becomes more affordable for the student. 

• Resolution Project funds and mentors young social entrepreneurs. Over 500 advisory council volunteers offer expertise, experience, and knowledge to support over 350 youth leaders in 66 countries. 

• ESL/Citizenship Preparation - College students volunteer to help older immigrants and refugees prepare for their citizenship exams. 

Strategies for Success:

• Use voice to amplify this issue and share it with friends, family, and in the community. 

• Quality intergenerational solutions are intentional, reciprocal, and strengths based. Doing this means breaking down traditional attitudes and power structures, honoring the right to participate, and looking for ways to combine skills instead of focusing on deficits. 

• Use real life stories to build human connections and empathy. Each generation needs to be needed by the other. 

• Focus on common goals such as the SDGs Action Campaign and intentionally include multigenerational partners. 

• Consider how solutions and innovation impact all generations and plan to support transitions when technology displaces workers. Build mutual mentorships so knowledge and technical skills are equally valued. 

• Make a friend at least 2 generations away from yours. 

The day ended with participants making a commitment or pledge they would complete by the end of August. What will yours be?