Indianapolis ORG Magazine

Publisher's Note

Talkin' 'Bout....My Generation

Have you ever been inspired by music? Dumb question…of course you have. Well, for some strange reason there is one song, in particular, that I listened to over and over as we laid out plans for this issue of Indianapolis ORG Magazine [no, not My Generation by The Who]. Why? I was having concerns about introducing an added element to our editorial line up, a lineup that has traditionally been centered around youth, exclusively. More importantly, I was concerned about putting together an issue that identifies needs at both ends of the
generation spectrum, especially when those needs are so drastically different.
   But, as I listened to the artistically-crafted blend of lyrics and harmony, I quickly began to realize that these two generations--completely on opposite sides of the spectrum--share so many synergistic qualities and, in a sense, help complete the circle of need.
   Then, I began to see [in my head] so many other “connections” that were leaping off the page of lyrics at me, almost as if the words were trying, intentionally, to deliver a message, justifying why the choice was a good one. It was very strange, but I liked it.
   Graham Nash wrote in the liner notes of their 1991 box set CSN, “The idea is that you write something so personal that every single person on the planet can relate to it. Once it’s there on vinyl it unfolds, outwards, so that it applies to almost any situation...”
   Today, the popular 1970 hit Teach Your Children Well, has proven that theory true. Go to songfacts.com or any other site inviting visitor comments, posts and blogs about the meaning behind the music and you’ll see a wide variety of individual theories and translations, all making the music personal for the listener. Reading these theories and learning about the history and facts behind this song [and song writer] constantly reminded me of facts and trends that the Alliance of Youth Mentoring Agencies in Indianapolis shared with me during my frequent visits to their quarterly meetings. Sometimes scary to think about [such as the ratio of young boys growing up with fathers in prison], but none-the-less true. Interestingly enough, it was on one of those sites where I realized that this needed to be talked about. Much like The Who’s My Generation, CSN’s message was another, among many, artistic expressions calling out for an understanding of [each] generation. So, in our first issue of 2010, we, indeed, explore both sides of the spectrum.
   First, we help you teach your children well in Youth Matters, as we continue our effort to raise awareness about the importance of youth engagement. Focusing on the positive--the outcomes that are a result of the compassion and commitment of individuals like you--we explore the power of children, and the good they can do, if only given the chance.
   We also help you teach your parents well in No Senior Left Behind, our new feature intended to raise awareness about the needs of our older generations. As we prepare for a global wave of Boomers entering the “senior” stage of life, we explore some of the concerns and spotlight five Central Indiana nonprofit organizations that can help you, of tender years who might not know the fears.
   Finally, for all of you looking for a code to live by--might I suggest--after you read the current issue, hop in the car, pop in CSNY Deja Vu, and turn it up! It really is great therapy for all kinds of woes, and besides, it’s already in your head now, isn‘t it? Your welcome. Go…Collaborate. Educate. Inspire.