In these divisive times, nonprofit groups are stepping up to boost civic engagement by facilitating intergenerational dialogue.
The Creating Citizens initiative from Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California brings older adults and young people together to discuss important civic issues.
In January, the forum topic was people’s thoughts about the 2024 election. The next forum, in September, will address climate change.
Nesreen Ezzeddine, education program manager with Commonwealth Club World Affairs, helps facilitate the events.
“The political climate is uncertain and so, meaningful dialogue is more crucial than ever,” said Ezzeddine, “kind of bringing this idea of the idealism of youth and also the experiences of older generations.”
She said the club plans to sponsor three intergenerational dialogue events next fall and spring.
The idea for the dialogues started with college students, who said they didn’t plan to vote because they were disappointed that the two major candidates – Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden – were 78 and 81 years old.
Commonwealth Club Vice President of Education Lauren Silver said at the same time, older adults are concerned about this feeling of disconnection among young people.
“Without an intergenerational divide being addressed, we’re still all talking in our generational echo chambers,” said Silver, “and we’re not going to be able to cure or heal the political system or the divisiveness in our society.”
Heather Smith is the manager of partnerships for the San Francisco nonprofit YouthTruth, which facilitates dialogue between students and educators.
“When students feel brought into these conversations, when they see their opinions and ideas turn into actions, we see them as engaged students,” said Smith, “and engaged citizens as they get older.”
A recent YouthTruth survey reveals many students don’t think schools prepare them to be civically engaged.
It found 68% agree that helping others is important, but only 44% feel like they can make a difference.
