Bridging the Generational Gap: Empowering Youth to Empower Community? (Part 1)

The generational gap presents the idea that understanding between different age groups is limited due to differences in experience and language. This concept has given rise to stereotypes at both ends of the spectrum: Youth are seen as “lazy” and “unpredictable”, whereas older generations are perceived as “stubborn”, “authoritative”, and “strict”. These perceptions are counteractive to building a healthy community: They build mistrust, limit dialogue, and hinder the ability to build powerful alliances between those with experience and those with fresh ideas. Deconstructing these stereotypes would foster trusting and empowering relationships between youth and their elders; the kind of relationships which encourage sense of community, empathy, and a passion for knowledge. The speakers will discuss the disconnect between youth and the older generations, the kinds of issues this disconnect creates and the ways in which youth-focused programs, such as those at Lethbridge’s Boys & Girls Club and 5th on 5th, can help resolve them successfully. The various roles that both youth and adults can take in order to “bridge the gap” will also be analyzed. Speakers: Byron Dent, Luis Busca and TBA Byron Dent received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge in 2013. Byron’s focus has been in community development and youth engagement. He currently sits as an advisor to the Youth Advisory Council and is the Youth Services Director at the Boys and Girls Club of Lethbridge & District. Luis Busca received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Lethbridge in 2014; he focused in child/adolescent development and cognitive health. His current work is based on community development through youth engagement and empowerment. He is currently the Youth Services Supervisor at the Boys and Girls Club of Lethbridge & District. Moderator: Amara Matthews Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of the Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea at the presentation)