Many of you know about my professional career and my volunteer life within the communications industry, but there is another community-service aspect that has had a profound impact on my life and is a source of self discovery.
It started in college and ignited in my 20s, making me think of today’s Gen Z and how their volunteer lives might unfold.
Many people in my circle are active volunteers. Perhaps we can share our volunteer history without boring Gen Z. After all, we have experienced firsthand the transformative power of lending a helping hand—how it benefits others and, surprisingly, also benefits us.
I’ve realized volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s about passing on a legacy of service.
The Changing Landscape of Volunteerism
An Associated Press article recently highlighted a concerning decline in volunteerism among younger generations due to busy schedules, remote work, and a lack of awareness about opportunities. Because we understand the enduring value of service – and its many benefits, as the Mayo Clinic describes—I wonder if we can adapt our strategies to show Gen Z the dual benefits of volunteering—community impact and personal growth.
Sharing Our Volunteer Portfolio
For instance, chairing The Clothes Line, the Junior League of Minneapolis’ largest fundraiser, at age 24 was more than just overseeing a store or facilitating a large volunteer committee; it was a crash course in business management, community engagement, and empathy.
In the photo: This is the cover of the Minneapolis Leaguer magazine for The Clothes Line’s 40th anniversary in 1990. The woman on the right was the first chair, the next two women chaired The Clothes Line in the later decades, and I’m the woman on the left. We had a “fantastic at forty” theme and even got some publicity on the Today Show!
Similarly, serving as president of Golden Valley Montessori School at age 28 taught me invaluable lessons in leadership and collaboration, navigating challenges with the support of other parents who brought different skill sets, experiences, and interests.
Both experiences were intergenerational further shaping my volunteer leadership and many facets of my personal and professional life.
Decades later, with even more experience on my volunteer resume, key takeaways include:
- You’re never too young to volunteer or lead.
- As much as you give, you receive even more.
- Volunteering offers opportunities to explore, connect, and understand communities.
- Volunteering is a way of life, a mindset.
So, we are responsible for passing on the torch of volunteerism to the next generation. By actively mentoring and sharing our experiences, I hope we can ignite a passion for service in Gen Z. Sure, they will embrace volunteerism in their unique way, just as we did, and I can’t wait to see the impact they make.
Are you ready to inspire the next generation of volunteers? Here’s to Gen Z as they embrace the spirit of volunteerism and carry it forward in ways that resonate with their values and experiences.
Two Links Du Jour:
Helping Out: How American Volunteerism is Changing and Why – AP News
Helping People, Changing Lives – 3 Benefits of Volunteerism – Mayo Clinic
Two Minutes Du Jour 
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