What Do They Think of Me?

Address stereotypes related to different ages and generations.
Promote intergenerational sharing.
Bridge generations and create space for everyone while organizing.

Duration

45–60 minutes

Group Size

10 +

Age Group

12 +

Skills

Sharing, communication, listening

Format(s) & Technique(s)

Small and large group discussions, brainstorming, writing

Materials

Flip chart paper

Markers

Tape

Facilitation Tips

This workshop is best used as an Ice Breaker before an asset-based (positive-oriented) intergenerational workshop.
Frame the workshop as a fun way to challenge stereotypes and create intergenerational dialogue.
It is possible that potentially harmful and loaded stereotypes will be listed in groups’ answers. It is important to ensure that a discussion and understanding around what stereotypes are, as well as an attempt to understand where they come from, so that these stereotypes are challenged together as a group. It is the job of the facilitator to support the participants in challenging stereotypes, rather than reinforcing them. This means that the facilitator may need to bring new information to the group to help explain and challenge certain stereotypes related to different age groups. For example, if the teen group answers that other age groups think they are lazy, consider bringing in information about youth-led initiatives or organizations, as well as addressing some of the barriers that prevent youth engagement.
Reinforce the positive statements that are made about other generations.

Popular Education Prompts

Bring in new information (like research, statistics, pamphlets, testimonials, etc.) when needed to help dispel stereotypes related to age. Give statistics if they are interesting, and/or overviews of the social and economic challenges faced by each generation. This can give an “objective,” big-picture perspective to the issues that arise during the workshop. It can remind people of the contexts in which people older or younger than them came of age, and the constraints or advantages they may now face.

How can we take action against stereotypes related to age?
How can we address the barriers that affect different age groups?

Leading the Activity: Steps to Take

Preparation:

Tape pieces of flip chart paper to the wall in different parts of the room. Groups will be assigned to different areas with the paper to brainstorm and write down their answers.

Workshop:

1. Divide groups according to age/generation. Use the following divisions or make up one that suits the group:

Teens
20s
30s
40s
50s
60s & Elders

2. Each group takes about 10–15 minutes to brainstorm a short list of what they believe other generations think of their own generation. For example, the teens could answer the following questions:

- What do the folks in their 20’s think of us?

- What do the folks in their 30’s think of us?

3. Repeat for each age group.

4. Each group writes their answers on the flip chart paper taped on the wall.

5. After the brainstorming is completed, bring the whole group together to look at the answers from one of the age groups. Ask someone from the selected age group to read these answers aloud. Ask for clarification when needed. Engage other members of the group in explaining their responses.

6. Once the group has finished presenting and explaining their answers, ask the group at large: “Is this true, is this what other age groups think of this age group?”

7. Ask the group who presented their answers to respond to the generalizations and stereotypes they have written down about themselves: “Is this true, is this what your generation is like?”

8. Repeat steps 4–6 for each age group.

Debrief

Ask participants how different stages of the workshop made them feel.
If needed, go over the definition of “stereotype.”
Check whether participants need to spend more time deconstructing a particular assumption or stereotype.
Ensure that you promptly follow-up the workshop with any necessary resources to help support future action planning or knowledge building.
Follow-up with an asset-based (positive-oriented) intergenerational workshop.