Moving from anxiety to action
Advocates of co-generational innovation agree that different age groups will more likely enjoy the connection if they share a purpose. Aware of the fact that climate change is a common concern for the young and old, Mick Smyer, PhD, an emeritus professor of psychology at Bucknell University, started leading multigenerational groups in discussions about how they could take action to combat this problem. “There is a belief that older people don’t care about this issue, but this is a myth,” said Smyer. He also knew research showed that roughly half of young people feel ignored or dismissed when they try to talk about climate change. “I wanted to create an opportunity for intergenerational connection about this issue,” said Smyer, who founded a nonprofit called Growing Greener that helps individuals and organizations develop clear next steps to take action to reduce climate change.
Drawing on principles of psychology and human-centered design, Smyer started leading 40-minute sessions that included participants of multiple generations, who began to view themselves as potential leaders in climate action. He invites participants to imagine a place they care about, picture it in 50 years, and decide on a positive step they could take to protect this place. “People quickly realize that they can make a bigger impact by doing something together,” Smyer said. Groups have organized projects such as a recycled clothing drive and solar panel installations. Smyer also trains people to lead sessions in their communities, schools, workplaces, and other settings, and several thousand have participated.