Why reGenerations?
A new approach to an old tradition.
Humans have always passed stories between generations. We have recounted tales of our past as a way to hold on to memories and voices. Oral history is rooted in this tradition. It allows us to use the power of language and writing to record the stories of people who lived before us. And in doing so, we not only preserve history, but learn more about others, ourselves, and what shapes the present. We can understand how perspectives live on as they are passed between people - how perspectives regenerate across generations.
Strengthening intergenerational connections.
Since the beginning of time, we have built relationships with people younger and older than ourselves. These family and community connections were not only necessary for survival, but an essential element of our social-emotional wellbeing. In recent years, however, these relationships have shifted. Age segregation and social isolation are growing, along with broader trends of prejudice against people different from ourselves.
Let’s harness the power of intergenerational connections to break down these barriers. Mostly simply, reGenerations is about starting conversations between people of different ages. Research has found that intergenerational connections decrease social isolation, increase happiness, and build compassion. Through intergenerational programs, like reGenerations, we can begin to transform our communities.
