Recruiting/Retention in a Volunteer Force CCGA-P Annual General Meeting February 24, 2007 Bruce L Miller 13 th District Commodore, USCGAUX

Finding and Retaining willing volunteers Evolving the “Mission” and Organization to attract from a diverse population Dealing with increasing competition for the Volunteer Hour The Task

Understand the “What’s In It For Me” Concept Understand the Differences in the Generations Create Easy ‘Maps’ based on Volunteer’s Interests Make the organization ‘easy’ to ‘work’ for The Approach

Will the Auxiliary Survive the 21 st Century?? Changing Generation Attitudes

What’s Wrong? “I enjoyed my time in the Auxiliary from the fellowship perspective. However, I believe the Auxiliary (at least some flotillas) needs to completely revamp with a youth movement. It seems that members of my Flotilla, most of which are older have their own agenda about how things work and aren't willing to try new things or change. It seems as if they want to bring in younger people, but as long as we don't rock the boat too much.“

Generation Generalities Silent Generation ( ) Baby Boomer Generation ( ) Generation X ( ) Millennial Generation (1986…)

SILENT GENERATION ( ) Age Attitude: Pay your dues, work hard Likes: Security, stability Dislikes: Debt, borrowing, upstart kids Reputation for hard work, conflict resolution, romanticizing, friendly, accommodating

Baby Boomers ( ) Age Attitude: If you have it, flash it! Likes: Shopping, winning, leading, visionary Dislikes: Paying off debt, aging “In Charge”, innovation, have all the answers, perfectionism

Baby Boomer Ideas Offer choice, flexibility Pair volunteer activities with educational & recreational activities Use the Internet Develop career paths Provide clear expectation regarding time, tasks & training Connect activities to local issues & problems

Generation X ( ) Age Attitude: “Whatever…..” Likes: Now, being with friends, change Dislikes: Bossiness, corporate culture, getting up in the morning Reputation for cynicism, taking risks, pragmatism, non-affiliation (!)

Generation X Ideas Less likely to be attacted to a bureaucratic structure Prefer to use technology Engage quickly, make them feel like insiders Good at multitasking Build in socializing & celebrations to activities

Millennium (Y) Generation (1986….) Age 21 & less Attitude: Let’s make the world better Likes: Family, friends, technology, the environment Dislikes: Dishonesty, unbalanced lifestyles Reputation for text messaging, optimism, inclusiveness, being clean-cut

Millennium Generation Ideas Loyalty highly valued but, they must feel valued & respected Commitment to family & friends Want a balanced life Age not a dominant characteristic of leaders Look for leaders who will work with followers as intimate allies

Make it Easy to Volunteer Evaluate the way things are done Chart a Course with the Member Anticipate Obstacles and Remove Them Involve Mentors Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions – Even if you won’t like the answer Reward Change Agents

WHAT SHOULD WE DO??