| Dialogues Across the Ages |
Program History
Dialogues Across the ages brings together adult volunteers and high school students and allows both generations to share ideas and learn from one another. This popular program has been active at several schools for almost twenty years. During these many years, the adults have opened many doors to countless students and shared memories of being young, struggling to meet obligations, and pursuing future dreams. When students realize that they share the same concerns, they form a bond and the two generations begin their weekly dialogue meetings.
As retired teachers, social workers, attorneys, and physicians, the volunteers have much to share and are often regarded as walking history books by their younger friends. They listen attentively and offer suggestions to students about meeting college expenses, handling peer pressure, and helping a friend deal with a personal crisis. Looking ahead, the students share their ideas about employment, the environment, and national health care.
Dialogues Across the Ages
Sites for FY08
Kennedy High School
Churchill High School |
Project Focus
This program is unique since it provides a setting for two separate generations to meet. Not many households include generations living together. The eight-week meetings allow both generations ample time to explore topics of mutual interest and concern.
Goals and Objectives
- To allow two generations to meet and share experiences, ideas, and concerns.
- To provide a forum where the voices of young people are heard by an older generation.
- To bring older adults into the public schools and to enable them to better understand the lives, interests and demands of the younger generation.
Example of discussion topics
- Changes in the American Family
- What You Did for Leisure and Fun Before Television?
- The War on Terrorism
- Career Choices: Is College for Everyone?
- Integration and Racial Profiling
- The Environment: An Individual's Responsibilities
For more information please contact Sara Cartmill at 301-949-3551 ext. 19 or email at cartmill@interagesmd.org
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