In international youth and youth social work, teams are often characterized by a heterogeneous composition with regard to the age of the professionals, among other things. On the one hand, this diversity is an important enrichment for the work, but on the other hand, it also brings challenges for the cooperation. Each generation brings its strengths and experience to the table, which must be utilized, preserved and dovetailed. At the same time, it is very important for many organizations that the experiential knowledge of the baby boom generation is also available to the following generations. Therefore, successful cross-generational communication, which is an important topic to be able to work successfully. meet the requirements and is also very relevant for many other areas of work.
Within the Erasmus+ funded project BRIDGE (Breaching Reservation and Improving Dialogue through Generational Exchange), the aim is to promote intergenerational dialogue in International Youth and Youth Social Work within the professionals. Specifically, this means promoting mutual positive influence and "learning from each other," identifying the strengths and potentials of young and experienced youth, and social work professionals, making the best use of these strengths together, and finally, structurally embedding the learning outcomes within the organization.
"This will have a positive impact on the quality of our international work with young people in the IB, moreover it will help to redesign working methods and activities for young people or intergenerational activities" adds Karola Becker, member of the board.
During the 30-month project period, the International Federation (IB) will collaborate with youth and social work organizations geographically dispersed in Europe facing the same challenges, such as ÖJAB (AU), Moissons Nouvelles (FR), Gio.Net (IT), Activa Foundation (SW) and YES Forum (DE).
BRIDGE, a strategic partnership, is funded by Erasmus+.
