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How the Cogenerational Service Academy brings the generations together for good
May 6, 2024 — The ASU Lodestar Center's Cogenerational Service Academy, started in 2023 with support from CoGenerate to bring together older and younger individuals in innovative service projects, launched its second program year in January 2024. The program will run until May 2024 and is a thriving example of how multigenerational collaboration can address societal challenges.
This year, the Academy has teamed emerging leaders from the Center’s Public Allies Arizona AmeriCorps program with older adults recruited from the Experience Matters suite of programs. This fresh approach enriches the program experience by ensuring a vibrant mix of participants spanning various generations. Together, they have formed four Project Service Teams, with 18 individuals from diverse generational backgrounds collaborating to address community needs in innovative ways.
Before diving into their projects, Academy participants went through a series of training sessions designed to equip them with the skills necessary for effective cogenerational collaboration. This preparatory phase was critical in setting the stage for impactful project development, ensuring that each team member could contribute to and benefit from the collective experience. The training emphasized strategies for leveraging diverse age-related insights, fostering an environment where sustainable community impact could flourish through their forthcoming initiatives.
Phoenix hosts the first team, which is creating videos for social media, such as Instagram Reels, to educate the public on the economic opportunities provided by AmeriCorps and Public Allies. Another Phoenix team is channeling their efforts into a podcast that goes beyond storytelling: They aim to build a platform that not only shares the experiences of trans women in the workplace but also serves as a springboard for advocacy to improve their economic status. This project is envisioned as a catalyst for dialogue and action on inclusive employment practices.
Jessica Tindal, a Second-Year Ally with Public Allies Arizona, said, “This experience has been a highlight in my second year term of service as an Ally. During the course of our work so far there has been a refreshing and harmonious effort to engage in understanding and practice of collaborative teamwork. Our Cogenerational member was the link we needed to truly unite and fully form as a team. Together we are driving forward our collective ideas and interest in a direction that serves our community; it’s an honor to be a part of this project.”
In Tucson's Armory Park, one of the Cogenerational Service Academy teams is spearheading a tabling event for local businesses. This event is more than just a local showcase, it is a strategic initiative to bring together local businesses and the community, fostering partnerships and creating a supportive network of local businesses to thrive.
The fourth team has also cast their eyes on economic opportunities, planning a cleanup event in Payson whose purpose is to instill pride in Arizona's natural beauty. The event is not only to clean up, but also to educate and inspire ongoing commitment to environmental care, and to stimulate economic growth through tourism and local patronage.
Participants of this program have found the cogenerational aspect illuminating. Program participant Jayson Mathews emphasizes the overlooked diversity of age and finds that the interplay of different life stages enriches the work environment. By scheduling regular meetings to share progress and challenges, Jayson and his teammates have created a culture of accountability and support, ensuring that each step forward is a shared achievement.
Julie Heineking, herself an alumna of Public Allies Arizona, highlighted the importance of collective decision-making in a cogenerational setting where every voice is valued and consensus drives action.
Their experiences reflect the Academy’s core ethos: that bridging generational gaps can unveil innovative pathways to addressing community needs.
The Cogenerational Service Academy stands as a beacon of community transformation, a testament to what can be achieved when we bridge the generational divide and come together for a common purpose.
Image: Working in service teams facilitates multigenerational collaboration. Participants Jade Oji, George Nunes, and Chris Elliot are developing innovative ways to share AmeriCorps opportunities on social media.
Story by Nyasha Mhungu, ASU Lodestar Center
Find out more about the Cogenerational Service Academy
Discover the power of cogenerational work, and how we can collaborate to do more for our communities and embrace our differences with the Cogenerational Service Academy. You will share ideas and resources, and find support, with a larger facilitated cohort group. This is your opportunity to be part of a new kind of volunteer program where you work with a small, multigenerational team to design your own service project. Bridge the gaps, learn from each other, and celebrate your success together!