Last week I shared some “Do Not’s” for nonprofits hoping to engage the millennial generation. Here are a few practical “Do’s” to help relate to young adults and those coming up after them:
Do take the time to make your message technologically savvy, graphically beautiful, and easy to repeat. We’re the generation who invented viral videos: If it’s catchy and easy to share, it will be shared.
Do show us how we as individuals can impact your cause. I don’t care what the experts say, the people I know (from 9th graders to graduating seniors) want to live lives that make a difference.
Do embrace our creativity. Maybe we don’t have $20 a month to give, but maybe we can write your blog or shoot video for you. Our skills just might be a cost-effective way to spread your message and solve staffing limitations.
Essentially, I think it’s all a matter of strategically identifying what people care about and showing them how they can contribute. And, it never hurts just to ask us if your organization’s mission resonates with us. If it doesn’t, don’t lose heart! Find a creative angle to make it something we can own and care about.
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