PROMOTING THE DREAM Recruiting the Next Generation of Soroptimists [Speaker name and title] Soroptimist International of the Americas Revised May 2013

Our objectives  Understand and acknowledge generational differences  Learn how to adapt messages and communication methods  Review Soroptimist’s generational profile  Discuss the importance of diversity  Determine action steps

Which generation are you?  Before 1925  From  From  From  From *First time in history to have 5 living and working generations

The Generations Dynamic Values  Attitudes  Decisions

It’s not all about the numbers!  Generations are only one way to gauge differences within your club  No group fits one person exactly

The Silent Generation  Born between  Least studied group  “Mature” or “swing” generation  Came of age during World War II

The Silent Generation  Strong human relations skills  Cautious and quietly assertive  Very involved in cultural issues  Team players  Some of the first women to aggressively move into the workforce

Marketing Soroptimist  Emphasize experience and wisdom  Do not use loud or brash imagery  Frugality, responsibility and caution We are an established organization. We are well respected in our community. We are fiscally sound and our programs are proven to make a difference.

Methods of Communication  Face-to-face  Formal social events  Recognition and tribute events  Direct mail  Telephone  Internet

The Baby Boomers  Born between  Represent largest single sustained period of growth  Shaped the culture of the 1960s and ‘70s  Enjoyed unprecedented employment and education opportunities  Most influential generation

The Baby Boomers  Value creativity  Evaluate achievement in terms of personal fulfillment  First generation to discover that lifetime employment no longer exists  Tend to be more permissive  More inclusive than prior generations  Tied to workforce more strongly

Marketing Soroptimist  Demanding consumers - provide courtship  Position brand as the choice of winners  Simple, nostalgic messaging We are women at our best, helping other women to be their best.

Methods of Communication  Social and recognition events  Direct mail  Face-to-face conversation  Internet 

Generation X  Born between  Originally given this name because they were seen as searching for identity  Independent - first generation of “latchkey kids”  Savvy consumers  “Life is short. Eat dessert first”

Generation X  Redefined loyalty in the workplace  Demand balance of life and work  Commitment to quality  Problem-solvers  Goal-oriented  Immediate and ongoing feedback

Marketing Soroptimist  Skeptical of the “hard sell”  Want things mapped out  Sense of passion and adventure  Attitude, humor and fun  Test your message!

Methods of Communication   Internet  Multi-media  Word-of-mouth  Social events/peer gatherings

The Millennials  Born from  “Echo Boomers” or “Generation Y”  Members range from 7 – 25  Represent the future workforce – and membership

The Millennials  Techno-savvy - first generation to grow up with the Internet  Easily bored  Expect to change jobs frequently  Respect must be earned vs. based on title  Team players

Marketing Soroptimist  Media-savvy  Treat with respect  Focus on the positive  Emphasize action

Methods of Communication   Text messaging  Internet/online communities  Multi-media  Word-of-mouth

The Silent Generation The Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials Generational Recap

SilentsBoomersXersMillennials Good of the community Personal fulfillment UncertaintyWhat’s next Experience and wisdom OptimismPersonal FocusOn my terms Respect authority CrusadingLive for todayJust show up Save for the next generation Buy now/pay later SaveEarn to spend Do what is asked Work efficientlyEliminate tasksDo what is asked Generational Themes

Quiz: Your generational story What is your club’s generational story? a. We have only Baby Boomers b. We have some Silents c. We have only Generation Xers d. We have some Millennials e. We have a blend of all generations f. Other

Our Landscape 2009 survey of members in all languages 2013 survey of U.S. members

Our Ideal Landscape

The Gen X Volunteer  Personal development  Immediate results  Flexibility  Freedom

How Can We Deliver… … opportunities for personal development?  Mentor/Mentee relationships  Emerging Leaders Program  Leadership positions

How Can We Deliver… … immediate results?  Well-planned meetings that accomplish set goals  One-day service projects  Early involvement in club activities & leadership

How Can We Deliver… … freedom and flexibility?  Embrace technology Send materials via Develop a club website Offer “virtual” meetings Utilize social media  Guide with feedback and suggestions, not step-by-step instructions  Value overall participation and contributions over attendance at meetings

 Everything associated with an organization  Must fulfill a unique niche  Our brand is what we do for women and girls  Clubs must back up our promise! The Soroptimist Brand

Live Your Dream

What’s Next?  Have an honest conversation  Perform a “health check”  Talk to former members  Identify two to three issues  Develop an action plan  Materials in members area of

Our Objectives Understand and acknowledge generational differences Learn how to adapt messages and communication methods Review Soroptimist’s generational profile Discuss the importance of diversity Determine action steps

Parting Advice…  Lead by example  Manage expectations  Communication is a two-way street  Nobody is as smart as everybody  Treat others as they want to be treated  Challenge members – they will step up! Be grounded by experience, but open to change

Questions?  Members area of  Region membership chair  Region leadership  SIA headquarters