The Elders and the Youth

A few years ago Nelson Mandela brought together a group of world leaders to share their wisdom, ideas of leadership and collectively begin to delve deep into some of the world’s most tedious and infectious problems.  Mandela called these individuals, The Elders.  The  original invitees in 2007 were: Graca Machel, Kofi Annan, Ela Bhatt, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Jimmy Carter, Li Zhaxing, Mary Robinson and Muhummad Yunus.  The group has grown since its initiation.

When referring to the purpose of the formation of the Elders, Mandela offered this projection:  “This group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to be taken.  Together we will work to support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair.”

A number of years ago I was at Beloit College to hear a presentation by Margaret Mead shortly before her death.  After dismissing the topic she was invited to speak on, she turned to the audience with a request: “Let’s talk.”  The essence of her talk was about change, and who had the wisdom, the courage and creativity to make it.  For Mead it was the elders in communities working side-by-side with young children.  Together they could design the vision: the elders, because they knew from experience what needed to be changed, and how to raise their voices to bring it about; the children, because they had a sense of what needed to be better and fairer.  Ever ask a young person how to fix a problem?

I like Mandela’s choice of Elders.  Each community across our nation and the globe would undoubtedly profit from having a council of elders.  Along with children at their sides, it may seem naive, but I still have enough inside of me to believe that they can make things happen.  Every step taken to assure good housing, clean and inviting parks, challenging and purposeful schools, access to health care, and respect and responsibility for all members of a community is one major step for peace.  The next, getting to know other communities beyond our own backyards, across borders and across waters. 

The Elders are taking on some serious issues: equality for women and girls, the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, the peaceful transition to democracy in Myanmar and the plight of people living on the Gaza Strip. Visit the elders at http://www.theelders.org/.  You’ll be able to read about each person and their individual visions.  There are also links to work being done by the group collectively.

In the spirit of Margaret Mead, as you visit the Elders site, check out the story of 15 youth who documented their everyday life living on the Gaza. The project was sponsored by the Israeli Humanitarian Group, B'Tselem.