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Connecting With Gen Y

Thanks for attending November's edition of the Center for Nonprofit Management's CEO Network Series.

As you heard, Generation Y (also known as Millennials) is radically changing the way that nonprofits must communicate with potential donors, volunteers and employees. And, it's very easy to find ourselves awash in a sea of digital media, where terms like Twitter, social networking and blogging swirl around us incessantly.

But don't worry. We're here to help.

If you want to download today's presentation, click here.

And, if you're curious on reading up a bit more on the topic (and to learn where we found our data), click on any of the links below:

Gen Y Giving Data:

Gen Y Volunteer Data:

Gen Y Employment Data:

So what's next? Begin to implement these three steps in order to best communicate with Generation Y in order to best position your nonprofits for future:

Start the Conversation

Unfortunately, there's no silver bullet or magic wand that can be used to fix or transform your current communications strategy and implement one that focuses on Generation Y. Communicating with Gen Y is having a conversation with them. It takes time and effort. It evolves over time. But, for the investment you'll make in time, you're sure to see a return in engagement.

Make the Commitment

Allocate a budget (however small or large) in order to focus on Gen Y using appropriate social media. Develop a complete plan, much like you would a succession plan, strategic plan, or fundraising plan. Then, work the plan over a year or more in order to see worthwhile returns on your commitment.

Find the Champion

Designate a person on staff to be the champion of communication with Gen Y. Allow them to learn what's new in the field and supply them with the tools needed to find and speak with this demographic. For starters, this can be a portion of someone's current workload, but as you begin to communicate with more and more young people, a specific position may need to be filled just to cultivate the involvement of your Gen Y supporters.

Remember: The largest opportunity for the nonprofit sector and Generation Y exists when it comes to developing a communications strategy. If you want your nonprofit to continue to grow and thrive into the near future, then focusing on Generation Y is key when it comes to volunteer, donor, employee, and board recruitment.

Sam DavidsonTo continue the conversation or to learn more about Cool People Care, Inc., please contact Sam Davidson by email or by phone, 615-260-3082.