In today’s world, there is a generational divide in how knowledge, power, and resources are shared—especially in professional, social, and activist spaces. As organizations and individuals look to create change, younger generations are stepping up, eager to lead, and shape a world that reflects their values. Yet many feel their voices are sidelined, often invited to observe but rarely to lead.
Legacy and impact are goals shared by all generations, yet the pathways to achieving them look different for each group. This article unpacks the “why,” “what,” and “how” of addressing these generational divides in a way that fosters collaboration and mutual respect, ultimately empowering both young and older generations to build a shared legacy.
1. Understanding the Generational Divide: Why We Need to Listen Differently
Legacy is often viewed through the lens of long-term impact. For older generations, it might be about refining and cementing a career or cause. For younger generations, it’s about breaking in, making an impact, and leaving their mark. Cole Stevens, co-founder of Bridgemakers, says, “You’re trying to leave a legacy, and I’m trying to start one.”
However, when young leaders are asked to join conversations without the power to influence them, it creates frustration rather than progress. Ariana Jasmine Afshar, a political content creator, highlights that young people are often “invited” to listen to panels about themselves, but rarely given the stage to speak. This sense of being spoken for rather than speaking up is emblematic of a more significant issue—true collaboration and trust are missing.
Why We Need to Address This Now:
- Fostering Genuine Influence: Younger generations bring fresh perspectives on issues, from climate change to digital innovation. Inviting them to lead and contribute fully gives these ideas a platform and shapes a more inclusive future.
- Creating Sustainable Change: Building legacy means creating systems that can evolve and endure. Without the engagement of young people, these systems may lack the relevance needed to stay impactful over time.
Reflection Questions:
- What does legacy mean for different generations in your organization or cause?
- Are younger voices truly shaping direction, or are they only present to “learn” from the status quo?
2. Designing Meaningful Learning Experiences for Generational Integration
Creating spaces for learning and growth that bridge generational divides requires intentional design. Younger professionals and activists crave actionable guidance, not micromanagement. They seek mentorship, not hand-holding. This requires shifting from traditional hierarchical knowledge-sharing to a model that fosters mutual respect, self-direction, and true collaboration.
What to Focus On:
- Empowering Over Directing: Young leaders want guidance but also independence. Ashwath Narayanan, CEO of Social Currant, advises older allies to “make introductions and leave it to us to make something happen.” Providing initial support without taking over allows young professionals to develop ownership and leadership skills.
- Designing Spaces for Dialogue: Events, panels, and working groups should have balanced representation, where young and older voices are heard. Younger generations are eager to attend established events, but few older allies show up at youth-led gatherings. This imbalance limits opportunities for intergenerational understanding.
Practical Tips:
- Co-Creation: When planning events or initiatives, involve young leaders in every stage—from design to execution. This gives them a stake in the process, ensuring the space truly reflects their needs and priorities.
- Feedback Loops: Establish open feedback channels allowing younger and older participants to share what’s working and what’s not. This iterative approach to learning design fosters trust and continuous improvement.
3. Navigating Power and Funding Dynamics: How to Build Respectful, Sustainable Partnerships
One of the core challenges in bridging generations is the imbalance in power and resources. Younger leaders often work within limited budgets and are expected to volunteer their time and talents for exposure. Meanwhile, older-led organizations usually have established funding and networks that young people need help accessing.
As Allison Begalman, CEO of YEA! Impact, points out, that the illusion of social media followers equating to success can be misleading. Real sustainability comes from financial backing, not just visibility.
Key Areas to Address:
- Budgeting for Inclusion: Compensate young leaders fairly. If an organization has the resources to fund events, speakers, and logistics, resources should be allocated to fairly pay young people for their contributions.
- Transparency in Funding: Both young and older generations should be clear about where funding comes from, whom it’s intended to support, and how it can be used to build meaningful, sustainable partnerships.
Action Steps:
- Identify Collaborative Funding Opportunities: Seek funding sources that encourage intergenerational work. As Thanasi Dilos of Civics Unplugged points out, funders who support youth-adult collaboration will be instrumental in building bridges.
- Promote Financial Equity: When young leaders contribute, ensure they’re compensated fairly and transparently. Avoid situations where young professionals are asked to contribute their labor without financial recognition.
4. Legacy as a Shared Endeavor: The Why Behind Intergenerational Collaboration
Legacy is a concept that transcends generations, yet building it requires a blend of tradition and innovation. Older generations bring institutional knowledge and structure, while younger generations bring fresh ideas and approaches. When combined, these elements can create something genuinely enduring and impactful.
Building a shared legacy requires both generations to see beyond immediate gains. As older professionals approach the later stages of their careers, their focus often shifts toward creating a positive impact for future generations. Meanwhile, younger professionals are laying the foundation for their own legacy. This dual focus on lasting change can lead to powerful collaborations—if we embrace both perspectives.
Questions for Reflection:
- How can each generation learn from the other in ways that amplify their shared goals?
- What practices can we implement that ensure both generations feel valued, respected, and empowered?
The Long-Term Impact: By fostering environments that encourage young leaders to take the reins while providing them with the tools and support they need, we lay the groundwork for sustainable, impactful change. A legacy isn’t created overnight; it’s built through careful, intentional collaboration, where seasoned wisdom and fresh perspectives are honored.
Conclusion: Building the Bridge Together
Creating a lasting impact isn’t the responsibility of any one generation. It’s a shared endeavor that requires a shift in how we approach learning, leadership, and collaboration. In the words of Cole Stevens, “You’re trying to leave a legacy, and I’m trying to start one.” Both efforts are valuable, and each has something to teach the other.
As we look to create spaces where intergenerational collaboration can flourish, let’s ask ourselves: Are we ready to move beyond mere invitations to meaningful involvement? Can we redefine what it means to lead, share, and grow together? By focusing on building a legacy that combines experience with fresh perspectives, we can create a future that honors the past while boldly shaping what’s next.
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