Forward: Older, Wiser, Back for More

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“This group derives its strength not from political, economic, or military power, but from [its members’] independence and integrity,” Mandela says. “They can help foster and introduce innovative ideas and little-known solutions to connect those who have real practical needs with those who have something to give.”

I believe that every city, town, and village in the world needs its own council of elders. Building on the success of Utne Reader’s neighborhood salon movement, which began in the early 1990s, I’m joining my colleagues at the Utne Institute—a think tank unaffiliated with the magazine—to launch Community Earth Councils, which will connect elders (age 50+) with “youngers” (16–28) to address global social and environmental challenges at the local level.

We believe that solutions to the world’s most intractable problems will begin to emerge when young and old throughout North America are enabled to cultivate the arts of council, mentoring, and social entrepreneurship. What’s more, we’re confident that these intergenerational collaborations will transform participants’ lives and revitalize their communities by linking people to worthy projects, resources, and organizational partners from around the globe.

Several councils already have formed in and around my hometown. In late 2007 the Linden Hills Community Earth Council came together in an old Masonic lodge above the Wild Rumpus bookstore in Minneapolis. Another Campus Earth Council was established at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. And several more councils formed in Minneapolis last summer. Our goal is to launch between 50 and 100 councils in the next few months—and 500 across North America by the end of 2009.

No matter how old (or young) you are, I hope you’ll join me by creating a Community Earth Council on your campus or in your neighborhood.

We’ll talk again soon. It’s good to be back.

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