Capturing the Energy and Expertise of
Baby Boomers in National Service
National Service Inclusion Project
February 21, 2008
Andrea Taylor, Ph.D.
Director of Training
[email protected]
Center for Intergenerational Learning
The Center for
Intergenerational Learning
Connecting Generations
Strengthening Communities
Model projects
Training and technical assistance
Communities for all ages
Research
Publications, materials and toolkits
Goals for the session
Identify steps for engaging boomer
volunteers;
Understand the changing paradigm of
volunteerism and service
 Learn strategies for developing compelling
opportunities for boomers;
Utilize an assets approach to placing and
retaining boomers.
Did You know…..
The average American lifespan is about 77.2
years.
It has increased by three months a year since
the mid 19th century.
The fastest growing segment of the
population are people over the age of 85,
followed by those over the age of 65.
People 65-85 are considered “young-old”.
People over age 85 are considered “old-old”.
Physical Challenges and
Changes of Aging
 Hearing loss
 Changes in vision
 Taste and smell
 Touch
 Bone density and muscle mass
Engaging Boomers in Service
1. Understand Who the Boomers Are
2. Expand Your Menu of Opportunities
3. Market Your Opportunities to Attract Specific
Populations
4. Develop a Targeted Recruitment Plan
5. Unleash the Talents of Boomers/People 50+ by
Making the Right Fit
Who is this
New
Volunteer?
50+ Adults Represent Three
Distinct Generations
Traditional
Volunteering Shaped
by the G.I. Generation
• Regular, ongoing
commitment
• Recognition; based on hours
• Highly defined roles
• Hands-on, repetitive and
routine tasks
• Lower skills
• Close supervision
“New Volunteers”
Have Different
Preferences!
Choice, choice, choice!
Short-term commitments
Meaningful work
Self-benefit
Autonomy & self-direction
What Does This Mean for Volunteer
Programs?
You may need to
make changes to your
portfolio of
opportunities and
management style.
Boomers will begin
retiring in force in
2010. We have 3 years
to build infrastructure.
5 Strategies
Enrich
Opportunities
Expand the types
of Roles
Offer a range
of Incentives
Structure
Explore
new ways to
Structure roles
© 2007 Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning.
Offer
varying Time
commitments
The right message…
Sells!
Becomes the basis for
all communications
Bears repetition
© 2007 Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning.
“Marketing” vs “Recruiting”
© 2007 Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning.
Creative Brief — the components
Target Audience
Customer Benefits
Existing Perceptions
Desired Perceptions
© 2007 Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning.
Message
Creative Brief
Mission
Develop a Targeted Recruitment Plan
Opportunity
Skills
Find
People
Response
Opportunity-Opportunity-Opportunity-Opportunity
Your job is to find the “right fit”
between a person’s assets and
preferences and the requirements and
expectations of a specific opportunity
The
Personal
Profile
Skills
Work
Environment
Accomplishments
Interests
The
Right
Fit
Intensity
Time
Commitment
Drivers
Roles
Dreams
What can YOU do to keep people 50+ connected and
contributing to your organization?
Strategy 1
Create a workplace that
recognizes generational
differences and promotes
inclusion of diverse groups
Strategy 2
Develop an individualistic
and facilitative management
approach.
Strategy 3
Support people as they age.
This involves:
• Creating a climate where requests for
accommodation are welcomed and voiced by
the individual—not presumed by staff.
•Create less taxing roles.
•Make modifications in the work environment.
•Provide adaptive equipment.
•Give less complex tasks to those who display
cognitive impairment—or pair them up with
another volunteer.
Strategy 4
Invest in individual
development.
Want more in-depth?
Sign up for a webinar series!
Series 2: March 6, 13, 20, 27, 2008
Series 3: May 6, 13, 20, 27, 2008
Series 4: July 9, 16, 23, 30, 2008
Series 5: September 4, 11, 18, 25, 2008
To Schedule Your Training:
To register for a series call Arlene Ketchum toll free at
866-599-5661, or email [email protected].
For technical support and certification, contact Jamie
Bracey at [email protected].