Building respect across generations

Springdale to examine generational issues

by Rose Ann Pearce

January 26, 2009 | The Morning News | Springdale, Arkansas

A series of community conversations meant to bring generations together begins in a few days at 12 locations across Springdale.

The goal is to encourage the community to build respect across generations and experiences, said Kathryn Birkhead, director of diversity and inclusion at the Jones Center for Families, which is sponsoring the conversation.

The kickoff event for the conversations is set at 5:30 p.m. today at the Jones Center, where site facilitators will be introduced, a sample conversation will be staged and a light supper will be served. Because of the inclement weather Monday, participants may want to check with the center today to confirm the event is still planned.

Each conversation will last two hours, one day each week throughout the month of February. The conversations are scheduled at different hours of the day and evening to accommodate working and school schedules and at different locations around the city.

A bilingual group will meet at George Junior High School at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays.

A Spanish language group will meet at the Jones Center at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Persons age 15 or older who live, work or are connected with Springdale are encouraged to take part in these conversations.

The conversation guide comes from a program called Dialogues for Action created by Everyday Democracy, Birkhead said. The program has been used to help communities tackle challenges and opportunities to get residents involved in making positive changes, she said.

Some of the topics that will be explored include what it's like to be a young person or an older person in Springdale and how to make the city a better place for everyone.

A forum is planned March 10 to develop an action plan based on all the conversations.

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/01/26/news/012709szgeneration.txt

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