Generation Union and ELCA Youth unite all generations

As generational divides grow in an ever-evolving world, initiatives like Generation Union and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Youth Gathering demonstrate how meaningful connections can bridge these gaps. By fostering relationships between youth and seniors, these programs are paving the way for compassionate communities and an enduring impact that benefits all generations.

A generation movement with personal roots

Generation Union began as a vision among three high school students, Areen Hashemi, Emily, and Rachel, who sought to improve mental health for older adults by connecting them with younger generations.

The program, which has expanded to over 30 chapters worldwide, is rooted in the understanding that loneliness among seniors is not just a personal issue but a societal one. Activities include regular meet-ups, social events, and volunteering initiatives that bring youth and seniors together to engage in conversation, games, and shared experiences.

Areen Hashemi, one of the co-founders, draws inspiration from her close bond with her grandmother. The connection I have with my grandmother is a powerful reminder of what we can all gain from intergenerational relationships, she shared.

Generation Union emphasizes that mental wellness among seniors can be improved through companionship and meaningful interaction, reducing isolation while empowering young people to appreciate the wisdom and stories of older generations.

ELCA empowers the youth through service

The ELCA Youth Gathering brings together young Lutherans from across the United States for an intensive experience centred around service, education, and social justice. Recently, nearly 16,000 youth gathered in New Orleans, working with local nonprofits to gain first-hand insight into the city’s community needs.

This event focuses on empowering young people to recognize the power of their actions and take responsibility for making positive changes within their communities.

Through sessions on social justice, workshops, and hands-on service projects, participants deepen their understanding of social issues. Hayden Gruenberg, a recent attendee, found her experience to be transformative. The Gathering taught me the importance of community involvement, she said. It’s inspired me to pursue a path in teaching, where I can make a difference every day. The Gathering doesn’t just provide a temporary experience; it instils values of compassion and service that youth carry with them into their daily lives.

This approach ensures that youth leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of skills that go beyond the event itself. The partnerships ELCA Youth Gathering builds with local nonprofits highlight the importance of collaboration and community engagement, enabling young people to see the direct impact of their work on the lives of others.

Creating stronger communities

Both Generation Union and the ELCA Youth Gathering emphasize the significance of empathy, understanding, and shared experiences in fostering connections across generations. By focusing on creating these bonds, the initiatives help youth and seniors find common ground and break down age-related stereotypes.

For instance, Helen, an elderly participant in Generation Union, was profoundly touched by the support she received from Kirsten, a skilled American Sign Language interpreter. This small yet impactful experience demonstrates the difference that personalized attention and care can make, especially for seniors who may feel overlooked by society.

Similarly, the Faith Lutheran congregation’s partnership with Malik Baloney and his organization, Let’s Be BIGGER, has fostered meaningful interactions and potential collaborations that will extend far beyond the ELCA Youth Gathering. These relationships illustrate the power of community-based efforts to create networks of support, friendship, and shared purpose, as well as the importance of fostering genuine human connection in today’s fast-paced world.

Amy Larson, a participant from St. Paul Lutheran Church, reflects on the lasting bonds she formed with local youth through the ELCA Youth Gathering. Her experience with the Roots of Music organization—a nonprofit providing free music education to New Orleans youth—allowed her to connect deeply with the students.

I went to serve, but I left feeling like I was part of their family, she said. By creating environments where people from diverse age groups and backgrounds can interact, these programs foster a culture of inclusivity, helping to bridge social divides and enrich the lives of everyone involved.

The ripple effect of intergenerational relationships

One of the most powerful aspects of the Youth Gatherings is the ripple effect they create within their communities. By fostering a culture that values empathy, respect, and understanding, these initiatives help dismantle longstanding barriers and stereotypes between age groups.

Areen Hashemi’s grandmother perfectly encapsulates this impact, likening her granddaughter’s acts of service to the savab, or spiritual reward, she earns. This reward, however, is not only felt in the long term but manifests immediately in the joy, connection, and smiles shared between youth and seniors.

Through these initiatives, youth are taught that even seemingly small efforts can have lasting impacts on individuals’ lives. This ethos is mirrored in the ELCA Youth Gathering, where youth leave empowered with a deeper understanding of the role they can play in making a difference, both in their communities and in the lives of individuals they encounter.

Volunteer opportunities & leadership skills

The Youth Gathering also emphasize the importance of volunteerism as a pathway to personal growth and community development. By offering various volunteer roles, such as organizing social events for seniors, assisting with meal deliveries, or engaging in community cleanup projects.

Both organizations provide youth with the opportunity to practice leadership, develop interpersonal skills, and build self-confidence. This volunteerism model not only benefits the seniors who enjoy companionship and support but also allows youth to cultivate empathy, patience, and communication skills.

The ELCA Youth Gathering’s partnerships with nonprofits allow young people to see firsthand the importance of collaboration and shared effort. These interactions help youth to gain a clearer understanding of the needs within their communities, inspiring many to continue serving others beyond the initial experience. “What starts as a volunteer project often becomes a life passion,” noted one ELCA volunteer coordinator, underscoring the program’s lasting influence.

Generation Union’s chapters actively encourage youth to lead initiatives, helping them to develop a sense of responsibility and purpose. Through these roles, participants learn the value of service and the significance of building relationships with people from all walks of life, fostering a society that values each member’s unique experiences and contributions.

A future built on empathy and connection

The gathering also serves as exemplary models of unity in action, showing how intergenerational relationships built on empathy, respect, and shared experiences can create a more inclusive and compassionate society. By focusing on small acts of kindness and prioritizing community involvement, these initiatives underscore the lasting benefits of bringing youth and seniors together.

Through volunteer work, social interaction, and a commitment to fostering understanding, the generational youth gather to continue to bridge age-old divides, creating a brighter future for all generations.

These efforts remind us that true societal change begins with understanding and compassion—qualities that can only be cultivated through connection. As the work of the youth gathering demonstrates, building a world where intergenerational relationships thrive requires commitment, empathy, and a belief in the power of human connection.

In doing so, these programs are not just enriching the lives of their participants but are laying the groundwork for a world where mutual respect, empathy, and kindness are foundational values for generations to come.