Miami, Florida
– January 14, 2002
Elders are in need of someone to converse with, in pursuit of an eager
pair of ears that willingly listen, as well as a comforting relationship full of
love, hope and a sense of happiness. This relationship is often denied to them
because of stereotypes about their generation. Youths in our society share this
undeniably significant characteristic with elders. They are undermined and are
marked with stereotypes that handicap their communicational opportunities with individuals
throughout the community. Knowing that this is a harsh reality to several
communities that exist throughout the world, including my own, I set out to find a
solution that would help bring these different and yet, similar generations together.
As an attempt to bridge their communication and generation gaps, I spearheaded an
Intergenerational Program at the National Alliance to Nurture the Aged and the Youth.
On a more personal level, unfortunately, my grandparents passed away when I was about ten
years old. I still remember and possess priceless memories with them, but as I grew
older, I found myself missing their company and longing for our loving relationships.
When I began this program, I had no idea that I would get as passionate and
enthusiastic about it. My motivation, incentive and personal satisfaction grew and
is still growing as the Intergenerational Program develops into a more respected and
highly regarded community project. I developed a hunger for the success of this
Intergenerational Program. I aimed to accomplish our objective and go beyond
everyone’s expectations.
My role for the Intergenerational Program was essential for its success. The
thorough planning and coordination took place over the summer, between the months of June
and August was crucial because it was the first event of the program. I recruited
and gathered teenagers that possessed the potential to contribute heavily to a good cause.
By mid-July, there were approximately 30 new volunteers who were participating in
the Intergenerational Program. As our grand opening, I felt that an
Intergenerational Leadership Forum, which would take place on August 31, 2001, would be
best in serving as the icebreaker of the Program as a whole. With the guidance of
Dr. Rose, our Intergenerational Program Director, I formed an Agenda that was to be
executed the day of the forum. I had a meeting with Ramona Frischman, the Director
of Intergenerational Programs in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. I discussed with
her the objective of our program and thoroughly went through our agenda. She
approved and was overwhelmed with how much we wanted to get accomplished. We stayed
many long hours preparing for this event, especially the night before the event, in which
we fully decorated the Center, both upstairs and downstairs, including all the rooms.
After careful planning and inviting intercultural elders and youth throughout the
community, the First Annual Intergenerational Leadership Forum took place. I served
as the Hostess of the Event and made sure that the Agenda for the forum was followed.
Activities throughout the Forum included an Intergenerational Bingo Game, which
engaged the elders and youth in a friendly game and eliminated shyness and fears of being
unaccepted. Other activities were karaoke, luncheons in which an elder and youth are
paired and given time to be acquainted with each other in a more personal level, sessions
discussing the similarities and differences of the two varying generations as well as
future events that would aid in the success of our goal - the bridging of generational
gaps in our community. As a comfort level was established, we ended and celebrated
the day with a Disco Dance Party, a gathering that both generations enjoyed.
Our second activity was to take a field trip together to speak with an "eagle",
an individual that we identify as one of a kind, and truly admirable through his
achievements and hardships through life. The elders and youth traveled together on a
bus and were paired accordingly so that they may form a better acquaintance with each
other. Additionally, the Intergenerational Talent Show was our third venture, one
that showcased talents of youths and elders. What was so special about this
intergenerational activity was the last performance, a performance that dealt with the
unison of the singing voices of both generations, which served as a symbol of their
continually growing attainment of a companion and a friend.
To this day, I find it hard to stop my service to the community, when
there is still so much to accomplish and challenges to overcome. The
Intergenerational Program’s upcoming activity will be an Intergenerational Olympics
that consists of nontraditional games that both generations can enjoy.
Furthermore, I have hosted the First Annual Leadership Forum and the
Intergenerational Talent Show, organized meetings, rehearsals and recruited a group that
is currently the Intergenerational Program Committee. I have organized a
successful Intergenerational Program that I hope to be as close to the hearts of those
that were involved, as it is to mine. I have been an essential part of this program,
but I have not always been a leader. I was also a student of our community, one that
has learned the valuable motto of the NANAY Center, that age is truly in the mind in a way
that is fulfilling and life-altering.
From The Youth :