On our first day back in the classroom, we spent most of our time discussing and planning for our individual HAPs. Last quarter, when we finalized our HAPs, it was so difficult to choose. I think I had my name put down for 4 HAPs before I was able to narrow them down to just two. My first HAP, which our group has cleverly named “Living, Creating, Striving” (“L.C.S.”), will be a one day event that provides elders with free haircuts, make up sessions, and clothes. They can then take part in a fashion show and photoshoot where they can flaunt and feel good in their new looks. Our goal for this HAP is to not only provide them with a practical service (haircuts and possibly even massages!) but to also provide them with an experience that helps them relax and feel their best selves. Our plan is to bring together hair, beauty, and massage professionals from within the San Diego community who are willing to donate their services for this event. We also wanted to incorporate a clothing drive to collect clothes that the elders can take home with them at the end of the day. Besides the seemingly daunting logistics of such an event, one of my biggest concerns is that I hope we don’t end up creating a space that perpetuates ageism, especially in regards to beauty standards for the elder community. In planning for this event, I hope we are able to delve deeper into this potential issue and figure out how we can create a welcoming and positive environment. The second HAP I’m involved in aims to bring generations together through a succulent and herb planning workshop. Through these workshops (we hope to have a few!), our goal is to create an intergenerational community learning space where people of all ages can interact with one another and potentially even create things together. Everyone will get to plant their own herb or succulent plant and decorate them in their own way. At the end of the day, they get to take home their own little plants and if they take home an herb, they’ll be able to cook with them too! While the logistics of this HAP is pretty straightforward, I wonder how we can really make these workshops into spaces for intergenerational connections. I hope that we, as the organizers, are able to figure out how we can facilitate these connections in a way that is both organic and meaningful.
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Claudia MabantaWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
June 2019
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