1. Targeting Baby Boomers Presented By: PDG & Extension Team Member Barbara Toosley

2. Recruiting the Baby Boomer Generation

3. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 3 Who are Baby Boomers? Baby Boomers are Individuals born between 1946 and 1964. This demographic effects most of the Western world. As they retire, most have the time and resources to volunteer.

4. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 4 Why Boomers? LCI realizes that we have not marketed to directly reach this large group of people. The “Boomer” initiative can be adapted to reach most populations that have the same desire to make a difference. Targeted approaches to membership development are more effective in recruiting quality members.

5. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 5 Why Boomers? “As some of the demands of work and family…recede, Boomers will have the potential to become a social resource of unprecedented proportions by participating in the lives of their communities.” - Harvard University School of Public Health ““In the coming years, the 50+ population will be healthier, will live longer, and will continue searching for ways to change the world. We expect volunteering to be part of their lives.” - American Association of Retired People (AARP)

6. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 6 Boomer Characteristics The “Do Your Own Thing Generation” Diverse attitudes Educated Health Conscious Individualistic Deep sense of idealism Do things for personal fulfillment, not obligation Eager to reinvent themselves

7. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 7 Boomer Volunteering Boomers are active volunteers. Boomers want choice and flexibility. Boomers are in no hurry to retire. Boomers know what they want – Lions can provide it. Boomers hope to maintain a focus on purpose, people and community…both in their professional and their leisure activities.

8. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 8 Why Boomers May Avoid Joining Lions Reluctance about traditional channels for civic engagement Vote less Less apt to join churches Hierarchy perceived as a barrier to providing direct service

9. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 9 What Motivates Boomers? Self-esteem and personal satisfaction Commitment to a cause and making a difference Giving back to the community Health and longevity Individual impact

10. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 10 Repositioning 1.Speak directly to Boomer values. 2.Persuade them that Lions can offer a varied and fulfilling volunteer experience. 3.Encourage individualism, downplay conformity. 4.Be mission focused, downplay hierarchy. 5.Do these things aggressively; LCI is competing with over 2 million other organizations that Boomers can become involved with.

11. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 11 Messaging Messages that might reach them: “LCI is a progressive and international organization.” (Stress that it is a unique form of civic engagement.) “LCI can help you make a difference in someone’s life.” (Stress personal satisfaction.) “LCI can help them change the world.” (Stress activism.) “LCI can help them get more out of life.” (Stress the health benefits to volunteering.) Boomers are forward thinkers interest in what the organization can do, not their prestige or traditions.

12. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 12 Your Boomer Recruitment Program 1.Identify Prospects 2.Position Your Club 3.Plan for Retention 4.Communicate Effectively Present your club in ways that demonstrate how its people and plans align with their wants and needs.

13. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 13 Just Ask! Research shows that the biggest single inducement for Baby Boomers to volunteer is being asked by someone with whom they have an established business or social relationship.

14. The Boomer Initiative

15. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 15 Key Themes We serve…like never before. We’re building community. We’re helping young people We’re advancing world health. We’re exploring, learning, growing.

16. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 16 Available for Order & Download from LCI: Resource/Recruiting Guide Brochure 6 Posters Print Ad Boomer Recruitment Kit (all items) Boomer Materials

17. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALTARGETING BABY BOOMERS 17 Things You Can Do… Encourage clubs to host Boomer events with music from their era. Post downloadable materials in public areas. Send the e-brochure to prospective members But most of all, invite a Boomer to join.