Work -- Young and Old Together Build Lasting Communities

“I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.”

– Queen Elizabeth II

Nothing … NOTHING brings hearts and souls in unison like working together. Working together builds trust, teaches conflict resolution, promotes risk-taking, and creates a wider sense of ownership. From my years of teaching and working with other groups like the Youth Conservation Corp, I have witnessed unbelievable achievements as all ages plan and execute work projects. As individuals with complimentary strengths find common ground in labor, the results are often miraculous.

No one has to remind older folks of the tremendous vitality and creativity of youth. We of not-so-tender-years reminisce of our own past when energy and muscle reliably fueled our endeavors. Most projects require both mature understanding and youthful enthusiasm. When adults and young people combine their resources, team spirit grows, and all involved gain valuable new perspectives. The strong interaction, built on community spirit, acknowledges this reciprocal advantage.

Quite simply, work becomes more enjoyable as an honest, shared work ethic forms. It becomes a living, breathing sense of integrity in a vibrant community. The inevitable result is a reliance on a dependable, fair division of labor. Project sharing across age groups bridges generation gaps and encourages initiative. It emphasizes the strength in diversity as different personality types find common ground in their industry.

I would like to express a notion we hear frequently that I am sure has been alleged, in some fashionable form or other, by every generation of adults since the first apple grew in the Garden. It goes like this …

“These damned teenagers are so lazy these days. The know-it-alls are just a bunch of phone-addicted, selfie-obsessed, hashtagging, snapchatting, kale-munching, whining babies.”

Talk about a stereotype that would lower the self esteem of Horatio Alger. No self-respecting adolescent wants to bear the weight of being a spoiled sluggard who expects something for nothing and who lives off the labors of others. These youth, more than likely, are in the process of becoming more educated than their parents, and they just don't want to screw up. We encourage to engage with caution in nearly every endeavor. We warn them that no one owes them a living or a happy life. Is it any wonder they take their time and question a society in which they must dodge pitfalls at every step?

In truth, most young people commonly considered “slackers” are hard workers looking for more efficient ways of doing things. They crave respect, and many of them have taken over the responsibility of caring for younger siblings. Growing up in a either a single-parent or both-parents-working environment. These adolescents were raised as mini adults. It’s no longer Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood. In fact, it's pretty scary out there now.

Older people claim youth have very poor social skills, and perhaps they do if old standards apply. But, communication and teamwork to young people now involve learning from the collaborative nature of their unique childhood activities, which include social networks, crowd-sourcing, and even video gaming. To youth, so much social communication involves technology and speed of connection.

Technology speeds up the communication between people, and it provides convenience to use more than one method of communication. Now, a conversationist can use email, social media, chat messengers, video conferencing, video calls, images, videos, symbols, diagrams, charts and emoticons etc. for the communication – all technology available to busy fingertips 24/7.

Is it any wonder speaking skills falter when face-to-face communication is now so outdated? One can understand how a reliance on digital devices makes things such as reading non-verbal clues obsolete in a filtered, device-driven environment. Technological advances have made verbal communication redundant in many parts of life – now you can take a college class, shop for groceries, or interact with a personal trainer online. One must really question how face-to-face communication will weather the changes afforded by technology.

Are young people really less social than their parents and grandparents? Or, are they practicing a new manner of social contact more suited to the world in which they live? A Common Sense Media census report released in 2016 found half of kids in the U.S. have some form of social media by age 12. Trends are so important to children who face so much pressure to be popular and readily accepted.

Although many parents worry about their children's abilities to analyze the truth and maintain privacy at that age, many are now setting strict boundaries and monitoring activities as their kids use these sites. After all, no guardian wants to impose isolation at any age.

MIT Technology Review recently hosted a review by Manuel Castells, Chair Professor of Communication Technology and Society at the University of Southern California, who offered his

in-depth analysis titled “The Impact of the Internet on Society: A Global Perspective.” In this presentation, Castells said ...

“The media often reports that intense use of the Internet increases the risk of isolation, alienation, and withdrawal from society, but available evidence shows that the Internet neither isolates people nor reduces their sociability; it actually increases sociability, civic engagement, and the intensity of family and friendship relationships, in all cultures.”

I certainly know one thing about modern communication. When an old codger like me seeks help and understanding about computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices, we run to the younger generation for their technological expertise. We – the young and old – need each other. And, we must construct better avenues of working together to achieve the results we desire.

Without a doubt, the need to work together exists. Sharing labor offers great benefits to all ages, cultures, and personality types. Such engagement strengthens group and personal skills. It is vital for community growth and inclusion. The lifeblood of any group depends on the service of its members. I believe the failure to encourage employment of all ages stifles growth and threatens important objectives.

According to a study done by Search Institute (2014), 25 percent of youth feel that their community's adults value them, and 28 percent of youth feel that they have useful roles in their community. This is alarmingly low. Youth-adult partnerships can foster success by allowing young people to share in the decision-making power in communities; these partnerships allow youth to assume important roles as active citizens.

In addition, youth-adult partnerships dispel negative stereotypes about the perceptions and capabilities of teenagers. Working together to accomplish meaningful tasks, teenagers and adults become aware of each others acute perception and immense capabilities. This reliance builds mutual trust.

How, then, can adults and youth best employ their common energy, passion, and commitment? Adults must readily partner with youth and work together with these young people in projects that build community. The labor can be initiated with activities as basic as voicing opinions or sharing simple physical tasks. It strengthens as common they identify needs and explore basic ideas to achieve goals.

I strongly believe young people should be personally invited to become members of community organizations. Few will join without encouragement because many feel they have nothing to offer, they won't know anybody, or they think it will not be much fun. And, here is the focus of my essay – working together generates happiness and approval. Yes, working in a group is rewarding and enjoyable.

Work in community organizations may seem like obligation and service to adults, but most young people are standing at the beginning of a long, difficult journey without the experience to understand the value of giving back to their community. Likely school and church comprise their frame of reference for such interaction at this tender age. Youth need to join broader efforts to further effect their own environment.

The work young people do for their community teaches them that helping others makes them feel good about themselves … and more … it simply teaches them to trust the power of hard work. That's a lesson we know sets a person on the road to success.

I believe young people want to be fully engaged. They want to learn. Good learning involves direct experience. And, it follows that work is the foundation of practical involvement. Learning is often most effective when it is social; when it occurs as a shared activity within meaningful relationships; and when it allows for increasingly responsible participation—within a tradition, or a community of fellow learners, or one’s culture at large.

Therefore, I encourage the Lucasville Area Historical Society to invite young people to join the club in its meaningful endeavors. The talented youth in the area represent a great resource, one that is largely untapped. I believe people must be taught to “see themselves” in roles of leadership and service in the group. But, beyond that, they must also be shown that “seeing themselves outside of themselves” leads to true fulfillment.

As young and old work together, the service truly becomes communal. I hope many youth consider joining the organization. I think the Historical Society should formally invite these children to participate in all activities. I know such participation would benefit all involved.

Footnote: A Lesson About Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs 

When you just take from the world you live in and choose not to contribute to it, it keeps you in a state of surviving no matter how much you have or how much money you make. Jumping from survival to success is a mistake and will land you back in survival. However, when you contribute beyond yourself at each stage of progression, you are consuming and contributing which creates balance.

Contribution doesn’t happen at the top of the pyramid, it occurs throughout every stage. If you make it only about yourself, you won’t stay in success or significance and feel fulfilled. Success does not always mean making lots of money alone so keep that in mind. Success includes having all aspects of your life working together. Job, family, faith, and your place in your community.