Generation X & Y for MI: Connecting neighborhoods and community

Much has been reported about college graduates and skilled talent leaving Michigan over the last decade to seek better job opportunities. This massive migration of talent, also known as “Brain Drain,” the causes of which stem from an assortment of factors such as "the lost decade" and a  lack of economic growth, has seen an exodus of Michigan’s college graduates to bigger cities such as Chicago. Grand Rapids based organization Generation X & Y hopes to lead a movement to change that trend.

Johannah Jelks, a Grand Rapidian who grew up in the Eastown neighborhood, was one of those who left Michigan in search of broader career opportunities. She found herself living in Chicago and after a short time began to question her decision to leave Michigan. What began as an exploration of her "inner geography" has blossomed into a full-fledge effort to provide solutions for retaining Michigan’s best and brightest to create a homegrown Michigan talent base.   

Jelks founded Generation X& Y for Michigan in 2010 as a simple Facebook page in what she describes as “being bored on Facebook at 4 a.m. one night." Since then, that whim has grown into an office space in the newly renovated building at 12 Oakes SW, smack dab in the middle of the Heartside Neighborhood, along with the addition of three dedicated volunteers and even a feature article on Michigan Radio NPR last year.

Connecting neighborhoods in Grand Rapids are one of the cornerstones of the Gen X & Y mission.

“Generation X & Y for MI is a grassroots initiative and lifestyle brand consulting to promote and support Michigan neighborhoods by providing world class services to increase social capital, talent retention and entrepreneurial investment,” says Jelks to explain their mission.

Cutting her teeth as a community organizer for the East Hills Neighborhood association, Jelks learned the ropes and found inspiration and mentorship from “matriarchs and mentors” that taught her “a lot about the history of GR…the history of a street name." She would “eat, live, shop, walk and engage with the community,” soon discovering she had many reasons to stay in Grand Rapids. She believed others would share her vision of linking neighborhoods and building local communities with local talent. 

A plan of action was needed to propel her ideas into reality. Today Gen X & Y is an LCC nonprofit.

“[It] is not a threat to other non-profits but a friend,” says Jelks. The group will be soon be categorized as L3C to implement social corporate responsibility to broaden its base and resources.

Builiding an organization one by one

However, Jelks wouldn’t have to go it alone. With her boundless enthusiasm and infectious charisma others were quickly willing to join the cause. In August of 2012, Cherie Elahl met Jelks at a neighborhood think tank and the two seemed to see eye to eye about the goals of Gen X & Y.

“We really struck a chord and as a result I became willing to volunteer,” she says. A self-described marketing guru, Elahl handles the marketing responsibilities for Generation X & Y in addition to being a full time student at GVSU and a mother and running the Michigan Revolution apparel line for “creating unity and awareness amongst the people of Michigan.” Elahl also brings a background in environmental studies and social justice to the organization.

Another volunteer soon followed as Ashley Trieu met Jelks and expressed interest in becoming involved in Gen X & Y. Trieu's role is to “promote and showcase the people living in neighborhoods.” What better way to highlight local neighborhoods such as Heartside, Baxter and East Hills than showcasing them in an ongoing series of stylish photo shoots featuring residents that embody the Gen X and Y ethos? Labeling herself as a fledgling photographer, Trieu has coordinated and shot these fashion shoots and can be seen on the group's facebook page. Trieu also runs her own online Etsy shop Iconoclasp Vintage that specializes in handmade clothing and accessories.

Building a grassroots organization is all about the connections and Trieu recruited the newest member of Gen X and Y after meeting him at a night out singing karaoke. At the time Michael Campbell was in a period of being inactive in his life but felt inspired by Gen X & Y and quickly volunteered. Campbell, a local filmmaker, is fiercely dedicated to the opportunity to shape and mold the community he loves and is not afraid to wear his ideals on his sleeve. It’s compelling to listen to Campbell speak about the potential and opportunity he envisions for Grand Rapids: one that challenges the status quo and fosters an environment that nurtures the creative spirit and visionary residents of the city. 

The four insist that they are all leaders and Elahl feels that the partners complement each other.

“We are three women and one man from diverse backgrounds. I feel very lucky to be involved in the group,” says Elahl. The Gen X & Y office at 12 Oakes personifies the diversity Elahl mentions. The immediately relaxing atmosphere is an eclectic mix of books, magazines, vintage Steelcase furniture and quite possibly the coolest globe in Grand Rapids. The space will also be used as a gallery and walls are already filling up with local art including photography by Katie Batdorff, paintings by Anthony Shectman and Georgia Taylor as well as upcoming works from the Revolutionary-ART: Supporting-Black-Brown-Artists-in-Michigan collective. 

The Gen X & Y offices are available for start-ups, non-profits and organizations.

“We’re looking for other Michigan start ups, people who want to be local,” explains Elahl.

Into action

March marks a busy month for Gen X & Y as the group launches several events.

On Thursday March 7 the group is hosting a Women of the Westside Happy Hour Social at Monte’s Lounge (438 Bridge Street NW),  from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. as an event in celebration of Women’s History Month. The free event is hosted by Gen X & Y member Erica Curry VanEe, a westside organizer from Johnson Center for Philanthropy, and local DJ Andrea (DJ Superdre) Wallace.

On Wednesday, March 13 from 12-4 p.m. the group is hosting a college wide symposium held at Grand Rapids Community College ATC auditorium.

“[The symposium] is a follow up conversation to last spring’s Generation X&Y for MI 'Future of Grand Rapids Neighborhoods' Neighborhood Think Tank,” says Jelks. She feels it’s important to reach college students before they leave.

“Grass roots; the seeds of ideology,” she says.   

In the works is a film networking party for local filmmakers at the Meanwhile bar located at (1005 Wealthy St SE), tentatively scheduled for the end of March. 

“My heart is rooted in Michigan and we have an opportunity to shape GR to what it can be,” Trieu says. When asked where this dedication to the local community stems from the group believes that the value of ‘place’ is undervalued. “Grand Rapids is still trying to find its identity and we want to lead it through a creative and artistic approach,” Jelk says.  Elahl says she has always felt a strong connection to community and believes Grand Rapids can be a foundation for creatives.

With the group's vision and myriad of interests and a helping of edginess, well documented on their informative and entertaining Twitter page, the group plans to focus not just on Grand Rapids but all of Michigan. There are plans for Gen X & Y events at college campuses throughout the state throughout 2013. 

“We’re not cookie cutter, we’re like the Rolling Stones, you can quote me on that,” Jelks says laughing, referring to the now age old argument that the Stones were 'edgier and cool' than the Beatles by comparison. Likening themselves to the rebellious and boundary-pushing spirit of 60s era Rolling Stones may be the most apt description of the spirit of Generation X & Y.