Making Our Non-Profits More Attractive for Gen Z & Gen Alpha Volunteers
By Francis Kahihu How does your current volunteer base reflect the different generations in your community? As the Gen Z and Gen Alpha members rise to adulthood, Community Associations and other non-profits planning to recruit volunteers must adapt their strategies to connect with these digital natives. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age, surrounded by the internet, smartphones, and social media. While Gen Alphas are the youngest generation, expected to be the most technologically immersed. They are growing up with advancements in artificial intelligence, smart devices, and digital education. To best engage them, non-profits should focus on offering them experiences that are meaningful, and hands-on that allow volunteers to make a tangible impact. Talk to current Gen Z or Gen Alpha volunteers or arrange a focus group and ask them how they would like to be involved, what areas interest them, and how they want to make a difference. These young volunteers are prioritizing causes and events that align with their personal beliefs, such as mental health awareness, social justice, or climate action. Over time, we’ve noticed that non-profits, who are successfully attracting and retaining Gen Z and Gen Alpha volunteers, leverage platforms and technologies that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are most active on. Social media, especially visual-driven platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, are powerful tools for storytelling and outreach. Gen Zs especially like to showcase real stories of volunteer impact through engaging video content, influencer collaborations, or interactive campaigns as this helps capture their attention. Like many of us, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are motivated by seeing the impact of their work. Storytelling and leveraging an online presence can go a long way to helping these generations see the impact they are having in their communities. So, how fresh is the content in your Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube channels…because everyone assumes you have one😊. Consider recruiting these social media savvy volunteers to help you with your online presence (and remember, you don’t have to be on every platform but pick one or two and do it well). Another important factor to consider is time. Gen Zs are a time-sensitive generation with many responsibilities and commitments. You may want to incorporate flexibility into the available volunteer opportunities—such as virtual volunteer roles or short-term commitments. And before we forget, ensure that your volunteer programs offer opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and recognition. This is crucial for retaining these younger volunteers, who seek experiences that contribute to both their community and their personal goals. By embracing innovative approaches, fostering a sense of community, and prioritizing meaningful experiences, your non-profit can engage younger generations as passionate and dedicated volunteers. This will not only ensure the long-term sustainability of your organizations but also empower these young generations to become active and engaged citizens who make a positive impact on their communities.
December – Your Moment in Planning
Happy Holidays, and Season’s Greetings!
In this edition of the Your Moment in Planning, we have shared an important update on the City Building Program (Calgary Plan & Zoning Bylaw).
Thank you to those who attended our Partners in Planning and Fed on the Move workshops! The Urban Planning will be taking our normal break from workshops in December and January and will be back in February, see you then!
November – Your Moment in Planning
Welcome to the November Your Moment in Planning. Did you hear? The final draft of the Calgary Plan was just released, check it out. Are you free this weekend? Why don’t you sign up for our upcoming Partners in Planning.
October 2024 – Your Moment in Planning!
Spooky October’s Moment in Planning. Citizen and Students program is now open for this year, be sure to apply by October 30th! There is more information about the City Building Program, and other engagement opportunities.
(Edit October 6th 2024)
Are you free October 19th? We want your input to the proposed draft of the Zoning Bylaw; find out more details here!
September 2024 – Your Moment in Planning!
Welcome to the September Edition of Your Moment in Planning. We’re shaking up our education schedule, there’s an update to the City Building Program, and new engagement opportunities; find out more details here!
Phase 3: City Building Program
There are opportunities to participate with Phase 3 City Building Program.
