Every generation of volunteers has something to offer, and while non-profits should consider attracting volunteers of all ages, millennials in particular can revitalize a project and bring renewed energy to an organization’s mission.
Many non-profits express their disappointment in recruiting millennial volunteers. However, this isn’t because millennials don’t volunteer. In fact, according to the 2015 Millennial Impact report, 70% of employed Millennials volunteered at least one hour in 2014. So what are non-profits missing about marketing to millennials?
What’s Important to Millennials
Every generation has different priorities, including when and how they volunteer. In the case of millennials, there are several factors to keep in mind when attracting and maintaining them as volunteers:
Millennials first connect with causes, not organizations.
A common myth circulated about millennials is that they are self-absorbed; however, this is far from the case. In fact, when they get passionate about a cause, millennials are more likely than any other generation to volunteer their time rather than money.
What agencies can do: Keep your message cause-oriented. Don’t just ask millennials to volunteer on a project; tell them why their help is needed, and how their help will make an impact.
Millennials like to involve technology and social media.
While baby boomers and gen-xers tend to be tech-savvy, millennials are the first generation to grow up with computers, smartphones and the internet. As a result, members of this generation are more involved with technology, including social media, than previous generations, and are more easily reached this way than other traditional methods.
What agencies can do: Get social. Join social media networks, post easily shareable content, and get involved with the online community. Use online tools to spread the word about upcoming events, and consider launching an online fundraising campaign.
