F I N DI NG S OLU T ION S Through interviews and surveys, key challenges were identified, and possible remedies were proposed to help break through these barriers to engagement. Following are more context and specific ideas for these general solutions: ■
Bridge generations
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Promote youth participation and cultivate leadership
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Embrace technology
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Bridge length of residence divides
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Address renter challenge
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Change the forum
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Promote voting
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Address the stress
Breaking Barriers: Bridge Generations Millennials are very aware of the time and financial challenges they face. But in Hawai‘i as elsewhere, young people have found creative ways of supporting relationships they care about, such as communicating with friends and ranking services via social media, or developing “sharing economy” solutions to conserving and stretching resources. Towards the older end of the generation spectrum, Baby Boomers are quite active in volunteerism and in-person group participation, but are often also pressed for time, and seniors may find it difficult to maintain physically demanding levels of participation. And like Millennials, the Silent or Long Civic generation members may be more aware of their limited financial resources. Sponsorship or promotion of programs to support inter-generational mentoring might help to promote transfer of differing skill sets and resources between generations, for overall community benefit. Where some youth may now feel unneeded or uncomfortable with established means of community engagement, they could be empowered as mentors in technology or other special skills to older cohorts. For example, if Millennials can help seniors extend their community connections and engagement via electronic media, it could maintain a larger volunteer base while also helping to keep seniors more engaged, healthy and independent. Experienced Baby Boomers and Silent Generation members could serve as coaches to Millennials and upcoming Gen Z members with respect to community organization, board governance, Hawaiian traditional and cultural practices, the value and rewards of community engagement, and how to select causes that are meaningful and make good use of one’s individual skills and other resources.
“While I know people my age with great skills, there is little chance to get on ‘important’ boards unless you know someone.” -ONLINE SURVEY RESPONDENT, GEN X
24 HAWAI‘I C I V I C H E A LT H I N D E X
