Fortifying Futures Project: October Wrap-Up
Project Updates
Greetings Community,
In this wrap-up we want to acknowledge the powerful ways that intergenerational partnerships have propelled us towards our goals over the course of this project. As a project community we have come to see that by centering intergenerational partnerships in our design thinking process we have been able to capture the brilliance that arises when individuals that come from a wide array of generations, lived experiences, and skillsets, come together to imagine.
We were able to hire an intergenerational group of youth development professionals as our AHSHAY training team to create and lead a workshop series on how to foster and sustain intergenerational partnerships in a mutually beneficial way. The team consists of youth workers that spent four months interviewing young people in King County who have been impacted by or experienced homelessness and incarceration in our community. During the interviews youth were asked about their experiences (positive and negative) working, living, learning, and being in intergenerational spaces. This feedback, as well as advice from other youth ages 15-25 in King County, informed the development of the workshop series.
These are some of the themes of advice from youth that we have worked to be intentional in this project and the foundational building of AHSHAY as an organization:
“Engage with youth who are different from you/disagree with you. We watch young people be selected for opportunities who echo what adults already think/feel/know. We need spaces where all youth and all voices can show up”
“Provide opportunities for feedback: we want to make opportunities for youth bigger and better, but we need a way to give feedback about what the experience was like”
“Bring your humanity into every space: We have a hard time connecting with adults that don’t tell us about themselves, their backgrounds, joys, hobbies, etc. We build meaningful relationships with adults who share their authentic selves with us and care to provide a safe space for us to share our authentic selves with them. We also want to be treated as full human beings. When we show up into a space we want to be treated with dignity and extended the same respect as you would offer an adult.”
Interested in learning more about how to hold effective and mutually beneficially intergenerational partnerships? The AHSHAY training team is available to lead an intergenerational partnerships workshop for your team! Please reach out to hello@ahshay.org for more information.
Check out some resources to continue learning about intergenerational partnerships here
Pause for Joy
Connecting with a young person can be inspirational, bring joy and personal growth. We invite you to reach out to a young person in your life. Take this opportunity to connect, engage in conversation, listen to their stories and learn from their perspective. Share your wisdom and be open to learning from each other. As we build bridges across generations, let us celebrate each generation.
Community Amplifiers
Join us for ACE Academy’s 3rd Annual of Excellence “Harlem Night’s” Gala on Saturday, Oct. 19th at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel at 5:30PM. Come and be a part of the celebration! Extend your support for youth programs benefiting young Black men as well as Black educators. Register Here (ejoinme.org)
Did you get the memo? You’re invited to join us at our spectacular fundraiser gala! Join us on Oct. 25th at the Seattle Design Center from 6-9pm for an evening of impact and celebration. Purchase your early bird discounted tickets today!
Whether you want to become a Table Captain or attend as a guest, we’d love to have you with us. Secure your spot today and learn more about this exciting event at Fundraiser Gala — Tubman Health (campaignforhealthandfreedom.org)
Creative Justice’s 3-Day Event Celebrating a Decade of Care and Restoration is liberatory experience in choosing your own adventure! In-person and virtual tickets available. Virtual experience is professional produced by Hollis Wong-Wear.