The next in the AFP International Conference Series (last day – almost done, promise!) is ‘Generational Giving’ with June Bradham, Tucker Branham (both CFREs from Corporate Development) and Rachel Hutchisson of Blackbaud. They started with a personification of the generations.
Roles
Boomers
“I love rock n’ roll, my first computer weighed 25 pounds. I’m getting older and wondering what ‘fulfillment’ will look like after I get done working. My kids are grown and mostly gone and I’m really excited about it :).
Gen X
“40-ish” Don’t call me at home, the only ones that do are students at university phone-a-thons or local political candidates (neither of which you want to be perceived as). Email me and I’ll get back to you. If I haven’t led yet, I’m ready for Boomers to retire and let me shine a bit
Gen Y
I’m always moving fast. Email is to slow. If you want to reach me, use Facebook or Twitter. I consume media how I want, when I want (mobile, Pandora, etc.). I set up all my parents technology. If you ask for my opinion, you’d better want it. And you’d better use it. If you do – I have a lot to offer and I’ll bring my friends along.
Giving & Expectations
Boomers
- Giving to fewer causes
- More concerened with feeling passionate about causes
- Peer to peer and senior level is best
- We know we’re getting older, but we are not ready to admit it
- Done with long, boring, ineffective meetings – but still a lot to offer
- Give because of strong organizational leadership
- I only want to talk to someone at the top level (who doesn’t
Gen X
- Busy
- Motivated
- Results oriented
- Family focused – but able to multi-task
- Struggle with work/life balance
- Ready to lead and love to network
- ROI is important
- Involve our children
- Tired of being passed over for boards because people want their bosses
Millennials
- Passionate
- Vocal
- Connected
- Impact
- Have a voice and were encouraged to use it & share it from an early age. Don’t be offended when we do.
- Passion for change
- Need to be heard/have good ideas
- Impact and Cause over organization
- Absolutely tired of giving EVERYTHING and never being HEARD
- If you disengage them now and don’t hear them – you’ll never get them back
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