It seems only appropriate that for an event featuring an expert on intergenerational issues, the co-chairs would all represent different generations.
So it is with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Community Campaign 2005 Opening Event. The event, to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 7:15 p.m. at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, will not only feature David Stillman, co-author of the book, “When Generations Collide: Who They Are. Why They Clash. How to Solve the Generational Puzzle At Work.”
It also is being co-chaired by members of three different generations. Shel Gendelman comes from what Stillman calls “The Traditionalists,” who were born 1900-1945; Michael Sattell hails from the “Baby Boomers” (1945-1964); and Diane Zall belongs to “Generation X” (1965-1980).
Yet in spite of the generational conflicts outlined by Stillman and his co-author, Lynne C. Lancaster, these three co-chairs have worked together just fine.
And that is because “we all have the same goal in mind,” said Zall, which is “to have a great kickoff” for the annual campaign.
Moreover, they agreed, they also share some values and beliefs that transcend generations — namely those Jewish teachings about the importance of tzedakah and support for Jews and the Jewish community in Milwaukee, Israel and throughout the world.
Gendelman recalled that as a child he was going door-to-door with a Jewish National Fund box. “I grew up with that kind of feeling for tzedakah and feeling for Israel,” he said. “I guess I represent the older, more established Jewish worker.”
And Zall said she is only working according to the example of her own mother and grandmother. “I have had generations of role models,” and “I am working on getting involved as a role model for my [four] children,” she said.
Campaign co-chair Penny Deshur heard enthusiastic first-hand reports about a Stillman presentation at a Chicago conference attended by MJF campaign director Tanya Mazor-Posner and MJF Women’s Division director Evy Garfinkel.
Deshur said Stillman discusses how members of different generations tend to think and feel not only about their jobs and personal lives, but also about philanthropy.
And Sattell said this information “would be valuable” to campaign workers. “I’m very excited to hear him speak,” he said.
But beyond that, the topic “is exciting and of interest to everyone across the board,” said Deshur.
Stillman, a Generation Xer, earned undergraduate degrees in communications and sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He speaks to groups and leads workshops around the country.
Admission is free; RSVPs are due by Monday, Sept. 13. For more information, call Shelly Sampon at the federation, 414-390-5723, or register at www.milwaukeejewish.org .
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