Building Bridges, Sharing Voices: Lessons in Generational Communication 💙🌍🌟💚

I just wrapped up teaching a brand new course I designed for ALA eLearning Solutions called Bridging the Gap: Communicating Across Generations in the Library Workplace, and I have to say it turned out to be such a meaningful learning experience. Not only for my wonderful participants, but also for me.

As the instructor, I went into it excited to share resources, activities, and creative frameworks I’ve been developing for many years now, but what really made the course so special was the participants. These very brave souls who signed up and committed to a six-week course right in the middle of summer. Their insights, stories, and willingness to dive in made each week richer and more meaningful than I could have ever asked for.

I also grew so much from the process of creating the content itself. Designing activities, pulling together research, and finding fun ways to connect communication theory with real library life gave me new perspectives on a subject I thought I already knew well. Teaching always reminds me that learning is a two-way street. I thought it might be nice to share some of my favorite ideas and takeaways from the course here on the Compassionate Librarian blog. So, I'll be sharing some of my favorite communication tools with  you. Think of it as a series that will have you excited about practicing communication and will also help you through work generational gaps as well. 

I can’t wait to keep the conversation going.

Here's to learning together,

the Compassionate Librarian

Inspiring Change Together: Youth Voices for a Greener Tomorrow

 

Youth Voices for Climate Justice

Last week I had the absolute privilege of working with six amazing young adults from the Bay Area to host the Youth Voices Climate Justice Summit on Zoom. The event was part of my wrap-up for the California State Library’s Youth and Family First Partner Book to Action grant, centered on the powerful book Front Country by Sarah St. Antoine.

The panelists shared their journeys into climate justice: what first sparked their passion, the community projects they’re building, and the organizations that have supported them along the way.

What touched me the most was their honesty about the emotional side of climate activism. They didn’t shy away from talking about burnout, grief, or frustration. Instead, they emphasized the importance of self-care and resilience whether that meant stepping outside, spending time with friends, or remembering the small victories that keep hope alive.

It was also incredible to see how supportive they were of each other. They were complimenting one another, celebrating projects, and giving props for the ideas shared. 

That spirit of encouragement was so inspiring and made the conversation feel like a true community of changemakers.

It was a reminder that real change doesn’t always start in big arenas. Sometimes it begins in smaller, intimate spaces where people are brave enough to share their stories, their challenges, and their dreams for a better world.

I’m so grateful to these youth leaders for their wisdom, courage, and energy. They truly are the voices of our future and they helped other youth to be more inspired to join in and become an advocate.  

Much love for our planet,

the Compassionate Librarian