Intergenerational National Service by, with, and for All Ages
Abstract
Intergenerational national service builds community ownership by connecting people of different ages around a common purpose addressing social problems. Federal policies have encouraged older and younger people to meet challenges facing the other’s generation, and bring the generations together to serve with each other. Although implementation has fallen short of the laws enacted, experience with intergenerational service confirms its benefits for participants, individuals who are served, and communities. In addition to making progress on pressing social challenges, engaging community members across the age spectrum to serve together increases understanding and empathy across generational divides. Bridging this as well as other divides that separate Americans, is an essential step to unify our country. The imperative to rebuild social cohesion among generations gives new impetus to develop the intergenerational service frontier
Recommended Citation
Segal, Phyllis N.
(2021)
"Intergenerational National Service by, with, and for All Ages,"
eJournal of Public Affairs: Vol. 10:
No.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/ejopa/vol10/iss2/6