February is all about strengthening connections across generations, and we’re starting by exploring our shared histories! This week, we encourage everyone to reflect on family, cultural, and community stories that connect us to the past while helping us envision a shared future. Here’s how you can get involved:
Activities for the Week:
Generational Reflection Journal
Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned from the generations before you and how it shapes who you are today. Write down lessons, traditions, or habits you’ve carried forward, and consider what you’d like to pass on to future generations.
Example: “A retired volunteer at our community centre shared how they built connections without social media. It made me rethink how I engage with people and the value of face-to-face conversations.”
Share one of your reflections in the comments.
Create a Generational Timeline
Work with family or friends to build a visual timeline of your shared history. Highlight meaningful milestones, traditions, and personal achievements that have brought your family or community closer.
Example: “Our timeline included my father’s small business journey and my younger sister’s first job. Seeing these moments side by side gave us a deep appreciation for how our paths are connected.”
Share your timeline (or a favourite moment from it) with the group.
Celebrate and Reflect on Waitangi Day
Use Waitangi Day as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of New Zealand’s shared history. Explore its significance with family, friends, or colleagues—whether through a meaningful conversation, a community event, or a personal reflection. Think about how its themes of partnership, unity, and respect for heritage apply to your life.
Example: “I attended a Waitangi Day event at my local community centre, where people of different ages shared their perspectives on what the Treaty means today. It sparked great conversations and made me reflect on how history continues to shape our communities.”
Share how you chose to honour Waitangi Day and what you learned from the experience.
💬 How to Participate: Share your stories, reflections, and photos in the comments below this week. Let’s honour our histories while building bridges for the future! Remember to engage with others by responding to their posts. Let’s celebrate what connects us!
📱 Stay Connected: Bookmark the hub or scan the QR code on your February Challenge Calendar to participate in upcoming weekly challenges. Be sure to share the calendar with anyone who might find it helpful!
Collaborating on a shared family tree is important to understand family history and inform younger generations about the rich history before them. I love exploring my family tree and asking older adults in my family to tell me about their experiences.
With my family, we recognised Waitangi Day by attending a concert at the local park. The atmosphere was just lovely - and so nice to see many people just enjoying the opportunity to be together. We were sitting behind a family with young children who were playing peek a boo with a flag. I overheard a conversation where their mother was explaining what the colours and icons on the flags signified. I think that may have piqued the childs interest and who knows how that new knowledge will be used. An interesting topic of conversation that's for sure.