Community Work: A Generational Lens 

By Michel Rutendo Mandiopera  

In this poem, I explore the theme of community work through the lens of different generations. Each generation has its own approach to building and nurturing communities, shaped by unique experiences, values, and aspirations.

Together, these perspectives highlight the evolving nature of community work—showing that regardless of age, our collective efforts can lead to meaningful change. I invite you to reflect on how each voice contributes to the tapestry of our communities and the legacy we build together. The bigger message is the transition in community needs which then end with the urgent need to save the world for future generations

Ask the Silent Generation about community work! 

They will show you, 

How to collaborate, 

How to participate, 

How to be visible! 

Ask Baby Boomers about community work! 

They will tell you, 

Numbers don’t lie, 

The more you are in your community, the more power you have, 

There is power in numbers! 

Ask Gen X about community work! 

They will invite you to community celebrations, 

They know a happy soul requires good music, 

They would probably buy a community radio, 

For what is life without dancing around together! 

Ask Millennials about community work! 

They will teach you community social planning, 

They will tell you how to build on the strengths and gifts they have,  

How the resources each community needs are within their own communities, 

How probably no one is going to come and save your community! 

Ask Gen Z about community work! 

They will tell you technology, social media and the internet can amplify community work, 

They will tell you to google different models of community work, adopt and integrate, 

The harder truth they will tell you is to adapt to technology, AI and conquer the world, 

They will probably post your community work on TikTok, make it viral, and attract collaborators and investors for you! 

Ask Gen Alpha about community work! 

They understood the assignment that came with COVID – 19, 

The assignment to use screens to integrate into Finnish cultures whilst sitting on a couch in Zimbabwe, 

So, to connect your community to global collaborations through virtual rooms, 

To learn how other communities have done it! 

The newbies on the block marked by 1 January 2025 have a word on community work! 

This they will say, 

Climate change is the greatest giant of all centuries, 

To know how to control it through sustainable development will save communities, 

To liberate communities is to acknowledge we have to do something each day to curb climate change challenges! 

Could these be labels for generations without concrete evidence? 

Definitely not! These are significant lessons to communities, 

To know what all the generations encountered is not enough! 

To combine all the knowledge and implement it is the goal! 

It’s your turn to adopt, integrate with indigenous knowledge and implement! 

Ask me as a Community Social Worker today! 

This I will assure you, 

No one is coming to save your community, 

Generations have come and gone, the challenge of communities still multiplies! 

Even time cannot solve community problems, 

Only conscious communities will save themselves, 

What can you adopt in your community today!