CROSS-GENERATIONAL ALUMNI-STUDENT PUBLIC INTEREST ACTION

Since I put together and facilitate *cross-generational conversation* groups, primarily focusing on the workplace, I am always interested to see initiatives that encourage multi-generational collaboration.

Twenty years ago, the Princeton class of 1955 started "Princeton Project 55." According to the web site, "Princeton Project 55 (PP55) is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing opportunities for college alumni to improve our society. By bringing alumni together with students and recent graduates, Princeton Project 55 provides many opportunities for building the commitment, leadership, and mentoring needed to solve critical issues affecting the public interest."

"Princeton Project 55 believes that there is a vast untapped resource of energy and expertise among college alumni that is available for the public good. We accomplish our mission through a variety of approaches including matching recent graduates with year-long fellowships in public-service organizations, providing mentors and professional development; supporting alumni from other universities engaged in similar initiatives; and collaborating with on-campus programs to raise the profile of civic engagement among current undergraduates."

Spreading the model and enthusiasm, there are 40 colleges and universities for which the Princeton group has set the example. The name was chosen not just to recognize the class that started the initiative, but more significantly to signal the age they thought many people are able to commit to taking on civic activities.The organization has a board composed of four generations of alumni, including some very well known names. Of course it has a Facebook page.

Phyllis Weiss Haserot    www.pdcounsel.com