What does this mean for your organization?
As members of the GI Generation age and leave their traditional volunteer roles, organizations must find ways to tap the resources of a new generation of people 50+.
Understanding the major paradigm shift that has occurred in terms of civic engagement, and developing strategies that respond to these changes are key challenges for the nonprofit sector.
| Old Paradigm | New Paradigm | |
| Motivation | Civic duty, obligation, religious commitment | Personal fulfillment, improve the world, entry to a new career, religious commitment |
| Preferred Service Roles | Direct and indirect client service and organizational support | Greater variety of roles including management and professional services |
| Pattern of service | Volunteer on a regular basis | Menu of time options, flexibility |
| Incentives | Low expectation of compensation | Range of cash and cash-equivalent incentives Learning opportunities Connection to new career opportunities |
Preferred management style | Close supervision and top down management | Collaboration, treated as partners, focus on team building |
| Job Design | Organization-defined roles; priority on organizational needs | Balance between organizational and individual needs/ interests |
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