Non-Profit Involvement: Millennials and Generation Z
Like the generations that went before them, millennials and Generation Z have both faced unflattering stereotypes. But the positive reality is that these generations are passionate about social causes.
They put their money, hands, and feet where their mouths are more than any other generation. Giving of themselves to causes they care about is their way of life.
Millennials and Generation Zers are creative, tech-savvy, and passionate. If you have a community service opportunity that sparks their interest, you definitely want to partner with them, but you need to reach them first.
In this article, we’ll discuss the characteristics of millennials and Generation Z and how to engage them in community service.
Who Are Millennials and Generation Z?
Let’s take a look at the positive characteristics of millennials and Generation Z to understand why they are invaluable to your community service team.
THE MILLENIAL GENERATION
Millennials include people born from 1981-1996 to baby boomer or early Gen X parents. They were often raised by parents who were “latchkey kids” who looked after themselves after school until their parents came home from work. Parents of millennials became known as “helicopter parents” and wanted to do things differently from how their parents raised them.
Characteristics common to millennials make them the ones to seek out community service. Millennials were raised to be confident, independent thinkers with self-esteem. They aren’t afraid to question authority about why things are done the way they are. They think “outside the box.” They value a healthy work/family balance and are highly connected to one another and philanthropic causes.
- Be purposeful and cause-oriented.
- Desire to help people by serving individuals rather than institutions.
- Care about others and the greater good.
- Care about social issues.
- Be influenced by their peers regarding issues they care about.
Generation Z
Generation Z includes people born in 1997 through 2012-2015. They make up a whopping 32 percent of the global population and have surpassed millennials in their volunteering mindsets. 26.4% of them volunteer on a regular basis.
Their parents were primarily Gen Xers who endured the financial crisis of 2007-2008. While technology and the internet were developing during the millennial’s childhood, Generation Z has never known life without technology and social media. They’ve played on iPads, cell phones, and computers as toddlers.
They have also collectively experienced much trauma and loss growing up amidst world crises, including mass shootings and a global pandemic. They care about injustice and suffering — and they also want security and safety.
Characteristics common to Generation Z are:
- Choose work that has meaning for them.
- Passionate about social issues and advocate for social change.
- Resilient.
- Racially diverse.
- Educated and independent.
Next week’s blog will explore more about how to engage millennials and Generation Z in hands-on community service.
Caring Network is a great place to start! We welcome involvement and partnership from individuals of all ages, recognizing we can’t do this important work without you. Learn more about how to participate in our mission to reach women facing unexpected pregnancies by contacting us today!
