Watch Our Intergenerational Townhall
Initiatives of Change USA is partnering with RISE for Youth to host a Virtual Townhall,
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 7 p.m. We will be discussing how best to foster mutual
understanding and respect for lived experiences and unique talents, as well as sharing
insights on intergenerational communication. We have all heard of the challenges
associated with the so-called “generation gap.” We will be talking through how to tear
down generational divides through an appreciation of every age and stage of life.
Join us for a provocative and informative conversation about how different age groups
can be a valuable resource to each other. We believe the emotional and psychological
benefits of working together across generations builds relationships and significantly
strengthens the community as a whole.
The isolation we all experienced during the pandemic over the past year heightened the
need for innovative and creative ways to unify every generation for the betterment of our
communities. We must all do our part to break down stereotypes and change attitudes to
improve our communities, and most importantly, to see each other as valuable
contributors to a just society for us all.
Bios of Panelists
Valerie Slater is a juvenile justice attorney and executive director of the RISE for Youth organization advocating for the rights of youth and families facing justice system involvement or engaged with other systems charged with the care of Virginia’s youth. Valerie earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law and her Bachelors from Colorado State University. Valerie is a fierce advocate for children and brings to her work an unwavering commitment to strengthening youth and communities to lead the efforts to realize their visions for change.
Cory Jones is the Youth Development Specialist in RISE for Youth. Cory, a Richmond native, leads the work to develop young advocates in RISE’s Youth for RISE program and Youth Development Academy. Cory graduated from Old Dominion University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a minor in coaching. Cory brings to his work a passion to develop and enrich the lives and experiences of youth to realize their dreams for their lives and their communities.
Hassan Washington is Youth Leader with RISE for Youth. Hassan is also a musician and artist devoted to creating pathways to success and healing for youth who have been disenfranchised in Black and brown communities.
Allan-Charles Chipman is a lifelong faith community activist, having started his work at the ripe age of six in his hometown of Baltimore, when he was inspired by a group of pastors working to connect their congregations to their communities through service. As IofC’s Faith-Rooted Organizer, Allan runs programming for faith communities, equipping them with the tools to think theologically and logically about race and the history of Richmond and America as a whole.
During college, Allan engaged with faith communities to change society through mentorship programs and helped to establish a faculty/student collaborative organization called Reconciliation and Conversation for Everyone (R.A.C.E.). Allan has also worked in the corporate world, where he advocated to build an African-American network to strive for racial equity at one of Richmond’s Fortune 500 companies. He also acted as liaison between minority employees and the human resources department when issues involving race arose.
Allan earned his bachelor’s degree in human development and family science from Messiah College. In his free time, Allan enjoys creating music and recording for his podcast dedicated to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called A Difference in Thought.