Join the #FightAgeism campaign

Fight Ageism, win € 100 and a publication!

Fontys' mission is to contribute to a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant societyⁱ. Ageism poses a challenge to this mission, and we are committed to addressing it!

Will you join us in tackling this societal issue? Contribute to the #FightAgeism campaign during teaching periods 1 and 2 (semester 1) of the 2024/2025 academic year. 

The assignment  

You are challenged to develop  a service, product, or idea that helps reduce ageism against older people (alone or in a group). The format is open-ended; you can create a video, website, or report for instance. During the final event, the best ideas will be pitched and the winners announced. Prizes include a €100 gift voucher and a publication on Fontys News. To participate, you choose one of the following missions: 

#FightAgeism in Society (mission 1)  

Ageism occurs in various areas: media, healthcare, politics, news, communication, marketing, language, technology, engineering, real estate, interpersonal relationships, rights, and social expectations. If you want to combat ageism in any of these areas, choose the mission #FightAgeism in Society. 

#FightAgeism at Work (mission 2) 

Ageism affects hiring, employment, and retirement processes. Older applicants face challenges in getting hired, older employees have less access to training and development, and those facing ageism at work are more likely to retire earlyⁱⁱ. If you want to tackle ageism in the workplace, choose the mission #FightAgeism at Work. 

#FightAgeism in Education (mission 3)

Education about older people and ageing is lacking, and when it is addressed, it is often done in a stereotypical way. This reinforces ageism and results in students being ill-prepared for the job market or even refrain from working in certain sectors. If you want to combat ageism in education, choose the mission #FightAgeism in Education.

How to get involved 

Are you a Fontys student or employee? Join the campaign! Here are some key points:

1. You can participate!
   Join as a group or individually, as part of a course, internship, or workshop, regardless of year group or age, and no matter how much time you can commit.
2. Sign up.
   The #FightAgeism campaign runs during teaching periods 1 and 2 of the 2024/2025 academic year (semester 1). Make sure you have registered before the end of week 4 of teaching period 2 at the very latest. For questions or to join, email Iris van Venrooij (i.vanvenrooij@fontys.nl).
3. Engage with principals.
   Attend four to six online meetings where you can ask questions to Eric Schoenmakers and Iris van Venrooij who are commissioning this campaign. Meetings are optional. Dates and times will be communicated after registration.
4. Attend the #FightAgeism event on Tuesday, October 1st.
   Join this substantive meeting on ageism. More details will follow.
5. Attend the closing event.
   You are asked to pitch your results at the closing event. More information, including the submission deadline, will follow.
    

How do we assess the submissions?  

When assessing, we consider the following criteria:

1. The solution is substantiated.
2. Your idea should plausibly contribute to reducing ageism against older people.
3. The solution is feasible. The solution should be practical and implementable.
4. The solution has impact. Greater or more significant impact is a plus.
5. Involve stakeholders. Key stakeholders, including older people, should be closely involved in developing the solution. Specifically: the solution is sufficiently developed to be put into practice!

Win a publication and a gift voucher!

The best ideas will be published on Fontys News and receive a €100 gift voucher of your choice. We will award: 

Three vouchers to students (best idea per mission).

One voucher to employees.

Tips for teachers and students to apply the campaign in education 

1. Everyone can participate. Don't quickly dismiss #FightAgeism as "not fitting." Even if you have limited time to incorporate this into a program or course, it's possible and fun to participate.

2. Work with partners. Does your program work with external partners, and is cooperation with an outside organization needed? Then find one. We're also happy to brainstorm with you about this.

3. Expand the assignment. If the assignment doesn't align well with the learning outcomes of your program or course, adjust it so that it does.

4. Get in touch. Ask your questions; we are here to help and happy to brainstorm about how to make this assignment suitable for your program or course. Contact Iris van Venrooij (i.vanvenrooij@fontys.nl).

[i] Fontys. (z.d.). Fontys for society. Geraadpleegd op 16 mei 2024, van https://www.fontys.nl/Over-Fontys/Fontys-for-Society.htm

[ii] Chang, E. S., Kannoth, S., Levy, S., Wang, S. Y., Lee, J. E., & Levy, B. R. (2020). Global reach of ageism on older persons’ health: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 15(1), e0220857. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0220857

Contact details

The network is coordinated by Eric Schoenmakers and Iris van Venrooij.

Read on for more information about the network Age & Ageing (in Dutch).