DeKalb School District invites community
to presentation on intergenerational leadership

The DeKalb School District is launching an intergenerational leadership program to help students achieve educational goals by effectively using the skills and experiences of community leaders, especially retirees.

A public presentation on the program is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, in the Terrace Room at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road.

Jane Angelis, director of intergenerational initiatives for the State of Illinois, is the featured speaker.

The program is expected to provide role models for students who will help them improve academically and encourage community involvement and team-building.

Intergenerational relationships between students and volunteers improve students’ feelings of self-worth, enhance the productivity of teaching professionals by providing additional on-site resources and provide a positive environment for volunteers to participate in the schools and the community.

An intergenerational initiative came together nearly 20 years ago, consisting of representatives of 50 education, aging and community service organizations to discuss intergenerational programs.

Evaluations cited the opportunity for communicating with other levels of education and experts. The dialogue has continued as a driving force for statewide meetings and local discussions that have called for sitting down together, talking about education and aging and finding common ground.

When Illinois Senate President Emil Jones convened a senate forum on intergenerational leadership a year ago, retirees and students from universities and community colleges throughout the state put their heads together.

NIU annuitants Ray Dembinski, Lou Jean Moyer and Bennetta Stearnes were chosen as NIU’s representatives.

All the delegates found potential for joint leadership on their campuses and in their communities. They shared a common passion for education. They had seen the positive impact of a quality education and the disappointment and failure that follows a poor education. They want all students to be prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive world of work.

For more information, call (815) 754-2350.