The Dumbest Generation?

According to Mark Bauerlein's new book, today's generation of under 30 is the dumbest generation yet. They do not read, visit museums, or vote. They don't know about politics and they don't care. Instead they spend their time playing video games and posting on Myspace.

I am 59 years old and a proud member of the Baby Boomer generation. I rocked and rolled; marched in small towns and Washington DC for civil rights, womens' rights and human rights; opposed the Vietnam War; and served for two years in the Peace Corps. I am sure that my parents thought my generation was pretty dumb. They and their generation surely stood against everything my generation represented. It seems to me that the only persons who should judge a generation are the members of that generation itself. Maybe even the ones who birthed them. If we are the 30UGeners' (30 and under generation) parents and teachers, what does that say about us?

I am surrounded by members of this generation daily and thank goodness because if it wasn't for them, I would be really dumb. I am challenged and invigorated by this generation, they make me think and expect me to be a role model. I see compassionate, sharply intelliegent, and service-minded individuals every day here in Boston-- people of all ages and plenty of 30UGeners. Mark Bauerlein should take the time to visit any AmeriCorps program and observe what thousands of young adults are doing in this one sector alone. The Dumbest Generation? No. Are there dummies in the 30UGen? Of course. More than any other generation? I hope not, but who's counting?

Native Americans for centuries would make all major tribal decisions with consideration of how such a decision could affect the following seven generations. They knew each successive generation would lead the future. Imagine our world if today's leaders held that same practice. It is time that we look to the younger generations as individuals whom we can teach and mentor - and in the process, we'll learn a thing or two ourselves.

Part of the Solution

When Peter Wieler, 63, retired from his career as a software engineer, he began searching for an opportunity give something back. As a result, he found a new friend, Ruben, now a 6^th grader in Roxbury. Peter has been mentoring Ruben for 3 years. He says that although he and Ruben come from very different backgrounds, Ruben has been remarkably tolerant of him and they have fun playing chess, shooting hoops or just chatting.

“At the end of last year, I asked him how the year had been for him.” Peter said. “Ruben gave a long pause and responded, ‘Well, I like hanging out with you, you’re funny, and you’re a good man.’”

“His perspective on the world is so much different than mine… and that has helped keep my mind open,” Peter said. “It’s wonderful because he doesn’t hesitate to tell me when he thinks I’m dressing funny or things like that.”

While Ruben still has some problems at school, Peter and Ruben’s relationship has certainly progressed and Peter has had a positive effect on Ruben’s attitude. “During a particularly tough day, Ruben looked right at me and said, ‘Mr. Peter, you’re not part of the problem, you’re part of the solution.’”

Thank you Volunteers!

April is National Volunteer Month and this week specifically is National Volunteer Week. Today, President Bush spoke to all volunteers: "today we commemorate your work and the work of volunteers all across the country... I appreciate the lasting legacy that you've helped create in the hearts of our fellow citizens. I thank you for what you do."

At Generations Incorporated our success is possible only through the efforts of our many volunteers: 350 Experience Corps members, 20 AmeriCorps members, 11 AmeriCorps *VISTAs, and hundreds of one time volunteers who help us with various projects.

On behalf of all of us at Generations Incorporated - Thank You!

Johnny Pesky, Experience Corps Member?

Today Fenway Park opened with the 2007 World Series championship ceremonies. What an amazing show.

As I watched Johnny Pesky come forward to receive his ring, a bell went off in my head. Why was Johnny Pesky the lone Red Sox legend to receive a ring with the team? Because Pesky is much more than ‘just’ a Red Sox legend.

At 88 years old, Johnny Pesky knows a bit about baseball. He played in the majors for ten years, seven and half of which were with the Sox. Ever since, he’s served the Red Sox in one way or another, as a commentator, coach, manager, and most recently dispensing advice in the dugout.

Apparently the Red Sox know a thing or two about intergenerational mentoring. Pesky has provided dugout counsel, sharing his long experience with active Red Sox players throughout the years.

Today he was rightly honored for that awesome commitment.

Good Luck, Tom...

Whoever said “No employee is indispensable” hasn’t met Tom Hamel. After spending 7 years with the organization, first as a part time accounting manager and more recently as a senior level manager, Tom is leaving to take an exciting new position with another exceptional organization.

Tom will become Associate Director of Outdoor Explorations, a position that was created for him. Outdoor Explorations is a non-profit organization that makes the outdoors a welcoming place to people with disabilities through innovative programs that break down barriers preventing people from living life to the fullest.

Tom has been such a major contributor to our success, creating strong systems and partnerships, taking on more and more responsibility each year. We have worked side by side for 6 years (yes, he's been here longer than me!) and it has been an honor to do so.

While we are losing a very talented staff member, Tom’s friendship is permanent, and that is most meaningful to me. We are very excited for him and wish him the very best...

Good luck Tom, but not goodbye. You know we'll still be calling you!

As we ponder expansion, I've been visiting new elementary schools on a regular basis. This morning I entered a large chaotic school and was immediately lost. A first grader, I think, was in the hall and I asked if he could show me where the Principal’s office was.

He nodded his head yes, not looking at me but at the floor.

I asked his name, “Eddie” he told me. We walked down a long hall together, very slowly.

“Are you in trouble?” he asked. He knew exactly where to lead me.

National Mentoring Month

Today, to celebrate National Mentoring Month, our mentors, along with AmeriCorps members and staff, got up and started dancing with local author Irene Smalls.

Smalls gave an exhilarating and interactive performance that wove together stories about her own experiences with her mentor, her children and black history. A former Miss Black New York State, Smalls is the author of 12 children’s books, including Don’t Say Ain’t, My Pop Pop and Me, and others that we use in our programs.

The morning proved to be a huge success, and most importantly gave us a special chance to thank our Experience Corps members for the important work they do as mentors.

National Mentoring Month marked its seventh year in 2008. Through various celebrations and activities, organizations across the country celebrated the success of mentoring, spreading the word to recruit more mentors and promote growth of mentoring programs nationwide.

This year at Generations Incorporated, 350 older adults will serve as academic mentors to approximately 2,500 Boston youth.