Generation Lab - practice lab on intergenerational solidarity and dialogue

Theme:

The Treaty on European Union states that ‘The Union ... shall promote ... solidarity between generations’.

However, ageism, negative attitudes towards certain age groups, and demographic trends paired with multiple crises are dividing European societies and creating barriers to real inclusion and participation. These issues affect not only older generations but will also affect today’s younger generations in the future. At the same time, intergenerational solidarity and positive influences on economic development would cover the needs of different generations in a sustainable way, strengthening both democracy and social cohesion.

Intergenerational solidarity and dialogue are becoming central to youth work because demographic shifts, economic pressures, and political polarisation are influencing how generations see their roles in society and how they imagine the future. Youth work is one of the few fields where spaces for learning, participation, and community-building can be intentionally designed to bring different age groups into constructive interaction. Strengthening intergenerational practices in youth work is therefore directly connected to maintaining participation, trust in democratic institutions, social responsibility, and community resilience. What are intergenerational solidarity & dialogue and how can YOUth work address it is important question that we want to tackle with this practice lab.

We aim to create a space for reflection and explore both “traditional” and innovative ways of building constructive dialogue between generations. This includes analysing our own perspectives, as well as the role of youth work in fostering positive interactions among individuals and groups of different ages, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.

This practice lab will encourage participants to examine diverse approaches to intergenerational solidarity, community building, and volunteering, while experimenting with new ideas and possibilities.

Throughout the activity, we will place existing practices under the magnifying glass: dissecting and critically examining them, discussing the challenges and resources present in our work. This process will help us identify the underlying elements of intergenerational solidarity—its potential and limitations, as well as its value and relevance for young people in the participating countries today.

We will also address current challenges affecting intergenerational relationships, learn from other sectors and aim to inspire participants to look through an intersectionality lens and make their programmes and organisations more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to human diversity.

Aim of the intergenerational solidarity cycle:

To develop youth professionals 'diversity management’ competences in order to create bridges between different communities, empower young people to engage with age diversity and create better opportunities for people faced with or at risk of age discrimination.

Objectives of the lab:

By exploring various approaches and practices from participating countries, we aim to:

• analyse and rethink existing practices in order to develop new, more effective ones.
• find inspiration and reflect on our own systems of beliefs, values, policies, and organisational practices.
• exchange experiences, explore challenges, and share diverse ways of promoting intergenerational solidarity as a mean for meaningful connections, community and peace building.
• strengthen intergenerational solidarity and anti-discriminatory behaviours and practices among (youth) professionals.

Methodology: we will use creative and participatory methods to experience first-hand tools that we can implement in our own communities, with a principle emphasis on sharing/exchanging practices from inside the group, other activities from the wider process and the local/national reality.

Participants' profile

People active in youth work and/or in their communities with groups of different ages on a regular basis, as a volunteer or professional. This includes youth workers, youth leaders, teachers, coaches, community, social and health workers, employment officers…

• Participants who work with (young) people with fewer opportunities and/or mixed generational groups, will be given priority.
• Interested in developing their diversity management competences and intergenerational practices 
• International experience is not a must. 
• Able to work in (international) English.
• From E+: YiA Programme & Partner countries
• All people 18+ are encouraged to apply!
  
  It's a youth work activity, open for applicants from all sectors!

Team

The lab is co-organised by SALTO Inclusion & Diversity, the Maltese National Agency for the E+ programme, with the support of the Irish & Polish NA.

More info here!