To a younger generation like my own, Queen Elizabeth is likely best known as Prince William’s and Harry’s grandma. Just this week, Prince William gave tribute to her Diamond Jubilee by revealing his favorite photograph of the two of them together.
And this grandmother knows how to throw a party—a derby, a pageant, beacons, and a concert featuring Elton John and Paul McCartney all will be squeezed into the much-anticipated Diamond Jubilee in the upcoming days.
Beyond her Corgi collection and fanciful hats, Generations United has other reasons to admire Queen Elizabeth: her intergenerational advocacy. During the Queen’s annual Christmas Broadcast in 2006, she focused on building greater understanding between generations. “As children grow up and develop their own sense of confidence and independence in the ever changing technological environment, there is always the danger of a real divide opening up between young and old, based on unfamiliarity, ignorance and misunderstanding.”
Her Majesty calls for bridging the generation gap noting, “the opportunities to look for new ways to bring young and old together are multiplying.” We couldn’t agree more.
For more information on building intergenerational connections, visit our partner across the pond, the Centre for Intergenerational Practice, and browse Generation’s United work stateside.
Photo courtesy of NASA.
- Written by Erica Jorde. Erica is a Masters in Social Work student from the University of Michigan and an intern for Generations United this summer.
March 11, 2012 will mark the one year anniversary of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami that ravaged the Tohoku coastal region. Despite the destruction and loss the Japanese people have not surrendered their “Samurai Spirit”. The natural disaster has strengthened their solidarity and sense of community; neighbors selflessly support one another, an essential piece in furthering their recovery.