Who’s Volunteering Today? The Generations……. 1

Engaging Four Generations of Volunteers Traditionalists 1925 – 1945 Baby Boomers 1946 – 1962 Generation X 1963 – 1979 Generation Y 1980 - 2000 2

Traditionalists

Traditionalists: Who are They? Cultural Factors Lived through Great Depression Hold strong family values Appreciate the role of the government Respect hierarchy / authority Demographics 52 million people 5 - 7 % of the work force Own two-thirds of the nation’s financial assets

Engaging Traditionalists (1925 -1945) Approximate Age Range: 64 - 84 Focus on the work itself and offer learning experiences. Set clear expectations and ambitious goals. Focus on a flexible work environment and customization of products and services. Encourage volunteers to make decisions using their judgment and expertise. Use volunteers to transfer knowledge, history and expertise to younger employees.

Baby Boomers You can make this section interactive. Ask the students to give you characteristics of each generation before you show the slides. Have the students representing each generation agree or disagree with the generalized statements.

Baby Boomers: Who are They? Cultural Factors Self awareness Trendsetters Post-war posterity era Indulgence & expectations Dawn of television & computers & networking Activism – changed the world in the 60’s will change the world again in their 60’s Demographics 75 million people 45 - 55 % of the work force There is a new 50 year old every 7 seconds! Healthy & Active Most educated generation to date

(1946 -1962) Approximate Age Range: 47 - 63 Engaging Baby Boomers (1946 -1962) Approximate Age Range: 47 - 63 Honor historical memory (why things won’t work) Recognize opinions, skills, knowledge, potential and contribution Give volunteers the authority to try new ideas. Help bridge the team-individual divide. Coach and facilitate goals and challenges, don’t focus on how.

Generation X 9

Generation X: Who are They? Demographics 46 Million People 35 - 45 % of the work force Known as the “slacker” generation (by people who don’t have the slightest idea what that means). Cultural Factors Economic Recession Rise of the computer Working moms and latch-key kids Divorce Unsettled political climate

(1963 - 1979) Approximate Age Range: 30 - 46 Engaging Generation X (1963 - 1979) Approximate Age Range: 30 - 46 Opportunity to amass marketable skills and experience. Career development opportunities. Flexible work arrangements. Access to coaching style managers and wise mentors. Access to decision makers. Increasing spheres of responsibility. Compensation commensurate with contribution. Recognition is inclusive of family, friends and leisure.

Generation Y

Generation Y: Who are They? Demographics 70 Million People Fastest growing segment of the work force More diverse than older generations Cultural Factors Information age 911 and War on terror Globalization Recession Helicopter parents Over programmed

(1980 - 2000) Approximate Age Range: 9 - 29 Engaging Generation Y (1980 - 2000) Approximate Age Range: 9 - 29 Openness to giving and receiving (positive) feedback. Respect for the opinions of other Y’ers. Likes to have colleagues rather than bosses. Pragmatic “let’s fix it” attitude. Ability to recognize an individuals’ ability and contribution as well as a team contribution.

Engaging Youth Volunteers