There are around 1 billion volunteers worldwide — and more than half of them are below the age of 30. The social movements around the world count on the drive and energy young people bring. Both research and our own experience in Qela working with young people trying to change the world show that their reasons are pretty relatable – from seeking purpose to picking up new skills.
So how can you attract that younger audience to your organization and make sure they stay involved with it? In Qela we have developed a methodology that helps movement managers retain volunteers through various engagement practices. Let’s explore how you can ensure your organization is attractive to the younger generation of volunteers.
Why You Should Attract More Young Volunteers
Increasing your youth engagement efforts can help you bring new energy and perspectives into your organization and even build a sustainable volunteering community in the long run. Young people bring their unique skills to any movement they join — like digital savviness and knowledge of social media. It is also an investment in the future of your movement.
According to recent studies, people who started volunteering early on are three times more likely to continue doing so in their adult lives. And even if they don’t stay as involved with you when they grow older, there is still a higher chance they will continue to donate to charitable organizations as adults.
How to Increase Youth Engagement in Your Community?
Make sure you understand who exactly you are trying to attract in your organization. Young people are a big and diverse group, so specify the demographic information, background, skill set, and interests you are looking for.
Having this information will help you understand the communication channels you would need to use to increase youth engagement. For instance, if you're targeting Gen Z, you would have to utilize apps like Instagram or TikTok, whereas people in their late twenties/early thirties would be more effectively engaged through platforms like Facebook.
Here are a few tips on how to increase volunteer engagement among your younger supporters:
Communicate Your Mission Clearly
If you want young people to be on board with your objectives, make sure they are clear and aligned with your younger audience’s values. Many young people care deeply about social justice issues, marginalized communities, and climate change and will want to get behind organizations fighting these issues.
Align Volunteer Tasks With Their Interests
Think outside the box and create volunteering opportunities that resonate with the passions of young individuals. By utilizing gamification and assigning rewards for completing the quests, you can transform volunteering into a fun adventure.
In Qela, we offer 18 quest templates to choose from when planning your campaign activities. They are divided into nine groups, ranging from tasks that can be completed without getting up from the couch — like reposting an important message or filling out a survey — to more energy-intensive activities like creating a performance. Sign up for a free 30-day trial here: https://www.qela.app/register
Make Your Communication Efficient
Young people lead busy lives, so streamline your communication channels to ensure they receive information promptly.
Volunteer management solutions like Qela allow you to keep your supporters up to date with the latest news, votes, and tasks through a system of push and email notifications you can easily create and send from one place.
Listen to Them and Amplify Their Voices
Unfortunately, in our world, there are not so many places where young people can feel like they are being heard and taken seriously. In our experience, when volunteers witness the meaningful impact their contributions have on your organization, they naturally become more engaged and eager to participate in its day-to-day life.
In Qela, we help organizations deepen volunteer engagement by utilizing Vote Weight — a unique methodology that grants supporters greater influence over the organization's development as they complete quests and campaigns. Learn more about it here: https://www.qela.app/
Recognize and Celebrate Youth Within Your Community
Celebrate the efforts and achievements of young volunteers regularly, acknowledging their contributions in meaningful and heartfelt ways. Whether it's through personalized thank-you notes or shoutouts on social media, show your appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
With over 1 billion volunteers worldwide, and more than half of them below the age of 30, it’s essential to understand how you can increase youth civic engagement in your organization.
In Qela we are eager to help you increase your volunteer retention and engagement! Check out our offers (+ a free 30-day trial) here: https://www.qela.app/register