Volunteers Across the Generations, They are Not all the Same
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract (300 words maximum)
As the nonprofit sector is evolving, so is the way volunteers are being recruited. Volunteers and their retention are the driving force behind nonprofit organizations. In light of this, it is essential for organizations to strategically recruit new volunteers. Volunteerism is often seen as a group of individuals offering their time to a specific organization for a specific reason. In reality, volunteerism consists of many different segments of people offering their time for various reasons. To accurately recruit volunteers, organizations must understand generational motivations. They also need to organize volunteer experiences to maximize each generation’s benefits.
Baby boomer volunteers are a particular interest because they are so large in number. Consequently, organizations are trying to target this group. The March of Dimes is one such group. As a result, a Generational Recruitment Guide was created to provide strategies for the recruitment and retention of prospective volunteers. The guide consists of the Baby Boomers, however, it also includes Generation X, Millennium, and Generation Z groups. To obtain accurate information for this deliverable, professional interviews were conducted, academic and practitioner research, and field observations were completed. The information presented in this guide can be transferable in other settings.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Social Work and Human Services
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez
Volunteers Across the Generations, They are Not all the Same
As the nonprofit sector is evolving, so is the way volunteers are being recruited. Volunteers and their retention are the driving force behind nonprofit organizations. In light of this, it is essential for organizations to strategically recruit new volunteers. Volunteerism is often seen as a group of individuals offering their time to a specific organization for a specific reason. In reality, volunteerism consists of many different segments of people offering their time for various reasons. To accurately recruit volunteers, organizations must understand generational motivations. They also need to organize volunteer experiences to maximize each generation’s benefits.
Baby boomer volunteers are a particular interest because they are so large in number. Consequently, organizations are trying to target this group. The March of Dimes is one such group. As a result, a Generational Recruitment Guide was created to provide strategies for the recruitment and retention of prospective volunteers. The guide consists of the Baby Boomers, however, it also includes Generation X, Millennium, and Generation Z groups. To obtain accurate information for this deliverable, professional interviews were conducted, academic and practitioner research, and field observations were completed. The information presented in this guide can be transferable in other settings.