Join In America is about us. It is about bringing us together in ways that foster and encourage strong ties in our diverse communities. Please join us in creating and celebrating America's hopes and dreams. |
We are proud to present the Community Enrichment Program:
~ WiseTies ~
"Reuniting our Youth with our Elders"
There is a divergence in our communities. In the past, it was the older generations, often the grandparents, who influenced and provided support for the youth. Today, fostering this link between generations is critical in two ways;
- The developmental imprint upon the youth is more than just parents and peers. With broader historical perspectives, the elderly are able to transfer a valuable awareness of shifts in cultural and social norms.
- For the elder, this addresses the social need to be known and the need to contribute.
This wealth of wise influence is not lost. We need only find creative ways to foster social bonds and dialogue between our youth and our mature citizens.
The “WiseTies” Community Enrichment Program is an effective inter-generational bridge.
It links high school youth and people in the over 65 community. These youth conduct in depth live interviews and surveys with elder volunteers. These may or may not be direct relatives. This encourages a bond between them and exposes the youth to a great repository of experiential knowledge.
Imagine the differences in awareness between a 16 year old and a 65 year old on key social issues like feminism, racism or substance abuse.
The intention of “WiseTies” is to give young people the opportunity to engage and develop relationships with the elders in their communities. This mutually beneficial dialogue influences young people via exposure too and direct reflection on real life stories from a different era.
The WiseTies Community Enrichment Program will actively maintain an online “WiseTies Repository” at www.JoinInAmerica.org. WiseTies is an interactive cultural heritage trust that collects, organizes, and makes the repository searchable. Each community is represented via the contributions of the local schools, organizations and private parties involved.
Would you or your organization like to participate and/or contribute to WiseTies? If so, please contact our office for more information.
Sincerely,
Jade Hawks
Program DirectorPhone: 541-840-5620 Email: JoinInAmerica@gmail.com
Fax: 866-909-6214
Altruistic Applications 167 Tessa Ln Ashland, OR 97520
