Generational Differences How They Affect Volunteer Recruitment Name: Ellen RoweTitle: Community and Leadership Development Specialist

Let’s Meet the Generations

Greatest Generation Born Generation with low education (majority not graduating High School)

Silent Generation Born Majority graduated from HS; often one son went onto college Not a generation of leaders/entrepreneurs Many still volunteer With Greatest Generation referred to as Traditionalists

Baby Boomers Born million strong More college grads per capita

Generation X Born “Latch Key Kids” Smallest generation by number of births 45 million people Intensely private WIIFM

Millennials or Generation Ys Born September 11 th marks close of generation Gen Why? 75 million strong Digital natives; sometimes referred to as

Generation Z Born 2001-? Everyone has lots of choices

Activity: What is your current breakdown of volunteers by generation? Is this the right mix for your organization now and over the next 10 years? Take a few minutes to record your answers to these questions.

In charge of recruitment?

Think about all generations as you plan.

Target Market by generation In the year 2000, there were 34.7 million individuals 65+, that number is expected to double by the year 2030 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). Right now, 2011, the first wave of boomers are turning 65 and are at, or near to, retirement.

Ask

Activity: Can your organization be more flexible in the way you work with volunteers? Can you engage groups of friends? Can you involve volunteers at more hours of the day and/or in more challenging positions?

Lesson Learned Think multi-generationally for greatest impact.