Young People Want Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities

Demographics

As the general population becomes more diverse, so does the volunteer pool. This means more of your volunteers will be ethnic minorities and people for whom English is not their first language.  Sensitivity, and relating, to a wide variety of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds will become ever more important.

Technology

Web-based tools have become an entire generation’s mode of communication. What is your organization’s web presence? Does your website make it easy for a volunteer to learn about what you do, the volunteer opportunities that exist, and how they can apply for a position? Do you use current technology—email, text, Social Media groups—to communicate with your volunteers? If not, you are likely turning off a large section of your potential volunteer pool. Sharpen up your technology offerings to remain relevant in today’s high-tech world. All the tools you need are easily accessed, and in many cases, free.

Wants and Needs

The desire to make a difference is back in a big way, but diverse demographic groups indicate different expectations. In general, there is more interest in issues and causes, along with a desire to help. Baby boomers are retiring and want to contribute their experience, while looking for meaning and purpose.  Young people need actual experience and job skills for their resumes. Increasingly, high schools, colleges and universities require community service in order to graduate. The newly-unemployed want to keep their skills sharp while job hunting. Today’s volunteers want to be challenged. They expect a high level of professionalism, with minimal bureaucracy.

Volunteerism is in the News

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that more employers are offering perks like time off to volunteer. They realize it’s an easy way to contribute to employee well-being, and to the community, while receiving positive press. Starbucks is driving volunteerism through its website and stores. Target and Trader Joe’s advertise their community involvement as part of their core values. Volunteerism is all over the news. Be prepared to handle more inquiries.

Family Dynamics

More women in the workplace. Two-income families. The “sandwich” generation, who care for their children as well as their parents. For most Americans, family time is stretched to the limit, and parents often feel guilty about less time spent with their families. Volunteer opportunities that allow flexibility, short-term, in-and-out service appeal to busy families, as do volunteer-from-home projects. These people are also attracted to family-friendly tasks so they can contribute to their communities while spending time with their families. 

Think about how each of these trends could affect your organization, and then craft creative ways to respond!

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