Did you know only three in 10 nonprofit board members are younger than 45 years old, according to a BoardSource report published in 2021? Younger generations are underrepresented on boards, creating a lack of generational diversity that can affect the long-term sustainability of nonprofits.
Industries like accounting, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, and the government sector are trying to figure out how they’ll deal with a wave of retiring Baby Boomers in the next five years. In the world of small nonprofits, the situation is a little more complicated.
Many seniors join nonprofit boards after retiring. Service is their new purpose! It’s the next chapter in life. They want to give back by sharing their knowledge and offering their time and energy to a worthy cause that aligns with their values and passions.
In other words, the seniors on your nonprofit board aren’t walking away. Nor should they!
The more important question to ask is how your nonprofit will create and maintain a healthy mix of older and younger generations, and effectively blend their voices and abilities to support your mission.
Advantages of Generational Diversity
Nonprofit boards can accomplish more by embracing generational diversity and recognizing the unique talents and strengths that each generation brings to the table. For example, older members are likely to be well-connected with both donors and the business community. Younger members tend to be more tech-savvy, especially with newer social and communication platforms.
Bringing together the resources and expertise of both groups can lead to innovative ideas and informed decision-making that increase fundraising, event attendance, and engagement with your nonprofit!
Tips for Blending Seasoned Board Members with Younger Voices
Simply having multiple generations represented on your board is an important first step. Success is achieved by facilitating collaboration and respect across the entire group. “The way we’ve always done it” should not be the answer to everything!
Would allowing board members to attend meetings virtually increase attendance and engagement? Would moving the meeting to a different time and day help more members attend? Do you know the preferred mode of communication for each board member? Would board members be open to using a project management tool and/or collaboration platform to communicate, share information, and track progress?
Beyond basic meeting logistics and communication, think about how your board members can learn from each other. Unlike traditional mentoring that focuses on the older generation guiding the younger generation, intergenerational mentoring is a two-way street. Both sides of the relationship seek to share knowledge and learn!
Intergenerational mentoring can build deeper understanding and closer relationships between generations. Such a program can knock down stereotypes and create a culture that welcomes different perspectives and fresh ideas. The benefits often extend beyond the board and nonprofit to the personal and professional lives of all involved.
Finally, clear policies should be established that govern the inclusion of multiple generations. Create a procedure for fairly and amicably resolving conflicts or disputes. And develop a succession plan that prepares younger generations to assume leadership roles on your board!
Individuals from every generation should have a home on your nonprofit board. Create a culture of respect, collaboration, and learning so your nonprofit benefits from every single member!
