organizations for quite some time. In most I am the youngest member, in one my father was the next youngest member. Prior to my relocation I had several speaking engagements on the very topic of engaging young people in community groups (Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, etc.) So this topic is obviously near and dear to me.
In a nutshell it’s about adaptability. It’s about change.
As a member of the “young people” demographic as well as Rotary, and other groups viewed as “traditional” community service organizations – I’m hear to tell you that if the groups don’t adapt they will not survive beyond this current generation. Younger generations (as defined above) don’t operate the same way as older more geographically centered generations.
Observations:
1. Time limitations – The structure, nature, and culture of the contemporary work environment has shifted to a 24/7 global focus resulting in business that doesn’t sleep. On a personal level this shift has allowed for floating holidays, non-traditional scheduling of days off, and flexible shifts, to rise. This means that the Society for the Preservation of Judy Garland Movies which meets on Tuesday nights at 7:30, must content with a membership who can make some meetings, but not others as shifts change, meetings are rescheduled, and travel is required. This has always been the case, with some membership, but now it is closer to the norm for younger would be members.
2. Travel/Mobility – The younger demographic identified above is more mobile as a group than any of their predecessors throughout history. Young professionals often relocate for work, establish strong relationships with people across the nation and world while at College, and spend considerable time travelling to visit those friends and family. This means that in order to volunteer they must schedule in events and service opportunities.
3. Monetary contributions – Most traditional service clubs, sororities and fraternal organizations operate on a dues system. While it is true that generations of college students have had loans. Today’s college graduates incur unparalleled amounts of student loan debt which is so out of proportion with income generated that many young professionals find it difficult to establish themselves. Adding an additional monthly/annual dues as well as the cost of meals before, after, or during meetings each month are superfluous expenses for many young people.
4. Dated Models: Many established organizations adhere to dated models of operation and engagement. The common sentiment from younger generations is: “That’s for my grandparents”
Examples of this are both broad and specific:
Fundraisers – Bingo, fish frys, trinket sales, etc. do not draw younger members. In most communities the numbers of people under the age of 40 who willingly want (or are able ) to eat deep fried fish, with deep fried fries, garnished with an iceburg lettace salad are dwindling. Bingo halls don't hold the same flash when competing with casinos and Vegas. We are a more health conscious nation with different financial priorities, and yet groups like American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, and countless churches continually hang their proverbial fundraising hats on these vehicle.
Gender Separation – Separation of the genders in service organizations is not as popular today as it once was. The days of men’s and women’s clubs are dwindling. Most of the younger generations have grown up in a world of co-ed everything in schools (including co-ed residence halls on most college and university campuses) young people are not so interested in having the genders separated. While groups like Rotary and Kiwanis are working to invite more women into their ranks, the reality remains that a stigma of separation exists. Young people want to serve as families, as couples, even as dates. Sounds crazy, but its true. The days when men built houses with Christmas in April and women baked cookies for the family are over. Everyone is on the job site working side by side.
Misconceptions – Misconceptions run rampant about any organization. Clubs need to reach out to potential members and help them understand that the groups do more than wear funny hats, call each other by odd titles, and do more than rub elbows.
All of the groups I’ve identified here do good work. My point is that a group can be true to its mission, while adapting to the needs of the community as well as prospective members. Because despite all of the obstacles I've identified above, young people still find ways to s
erve.
Right now there are 700,000 young Americans who are AmeriCorps Alums. Add to that number all of the PeaceCorps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and other service program alumni. Add to that number those who are independently volunteering at non-profits every day.
The interest is there.
The mentality is there.
The desire is there.
The service is there.
Young people aren’t waiting around for clubs to get their acts together. Young people are driven to act. If the traditional service groups don’t want to become the historic service groups (meaning just a blip in a text book), they need to adapt. It doesn’t have to be fundamental in most cases, but show some ability to change and grow. Adapt to your audience. Do that and younger members will come. They will serve…because they are already doing it.
Don't believe me, check out these performance and impact reports:
Full Report Listing
http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/role_impact/performance_research.asp
National Service Report (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/volunteer_study_09.pdf
Find ways to serve in your community and beyond:
www.serve.gov
www.volunteer.gov
www.americorps.gov
www.peacecorps.org
www.cncs.gov
www.tnc.org
Great post Nick, great information. I feel your annoyance. Through Kiwanis and our church, I too often hear the mantra of "young people don't serve." Yet those organizations, as you point out, do little to understand the changing demographics and roles of our society, expecting the young to conform to their models.
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