A Story About Our Project "Conversations Between Generations: Sharing Your Stories," is an Iowa State University Extension project to encourage Iowa's families and communities to learn about and value perspectives and experiences of all generations.
People love an opportunity to talk about themselves and their views of the world! At the 1999 Farm Progress Show in the Iowa Amana Colonies, over 240 people ranging from pre-schoolers to elders talked with Iowa State University Extension staff about memories, traditions, and life-experiences. Many of the stories collected at the Farm Progress Show can be accessed at this Web site. The collection of experiences will grow as people of all ages visit our pages and contribute their own stories to this Iowa Family Scrapbook.
RealPlayer To listen to these audio interviews download...       Interview with Hazel "(T)hey had invited us to go swimming with them in the Mississippi River."       Interview with Sue "I was going to make pies..."       Interview with David " I remember growing up on the farm being so excited about 4-H."       Interview with Claudia "When I came to the farm I had no idea what I was getting into."	Project objectives : To encourage Iowa's communities to value and use perspectives and experiences of all generations. To increase opportunities for youth and elders to learn about each other. Some of the questions that we will explore include: What ways can people find to share their stories between generations? How can families learn more about the varied experiences of several generations? How could our communities be stronger if people listened to those who have experienced life in different ways throughout the last century? How are our experiences in families, at work, and in communities influenced by our generational perspective?
	Why is it important to tell your story? Shared stories are good for children, for families, and for communities.  When you tell a story to a child you: create connections with the past, present, and future which foster security show how you learned something new encourage creativity, a sense of humor, and wonder in the world around us build a special bond with the child When you listen to a story told by an older person you: honor that person's experience, knowledge, and wisdom let them give their favorite memories to you connect with history When two generations share stories it: helps increase understanding between the two age groups allows both to benefit from another's perceptions and skills helps remove myths and stereotypes about age, race, culture, or disability aids problem solving by focusing two perspectives on the situation
More About Sharing | Sharing Your Stories | ISU Extension to Families | ISU Extension created 6/00 last updated 05/01/03 contact: drewry@iastate.edu