Cathy Atkinson has served as a volunteer with the Conflict Center for over 10 years, providing steadfast leadership for the Reading for Peace program as well as reading to elementary students on a weekly basis at elementary schools throughout the Denver Metro Area. Cathy was asked to talk about what she sees as the important intergenerational connections that happen through Reading for Peace. Here is what she told us.
- “After working with students, the volunteers are hopeful about the younger generation. A lot of the kids are critical thinkers. They are aware of social and emotional skills and other people’s opinions. They have taught me a lot about accepting different people and making them feel welcome.
- “Reading for Peace is about mutual teaching and learning. It’s not just one way, but it’s both ways. Since coming back after COVID, students just need to talk. We may not get through a whole book, but it is so important to just listen.
- “Students look to us as grandparents. Theirs may live in a different state or are not around for many reasons. They are so interested, respectful and receptive, and so are we. My grandsons don’t live close by, so Reading for Peace gives me the opportunity to be with kids, which gives me a sense of purpose.
- “My most recent learning has been gender related. I have noticed that names, dress and hair are much more neutral than in the past. I ask kids their names and write them down. Male? Female? It doesn’t matter. It just matters that we are reading something together and that I know their names. It is important not to put people in boxes. Life is a continuum.”
