Generation Z: The Volunteers Who Will Change the World

Laurence Bolotin, an experienced Volunteer Engagement Leader with a background in higher education, nonprofit leadership and board development, is absolutely convinced: “Generation Z is ready to serve and they can change the world. But they’re doing it differently.”

Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z is not disengaged, not checked out and not selfish, Bolotin writes. In fact, “they are more socially conscious and action-oriented than almost any generation before them. They’re just not interested in outdated service models. They want to help, but they want to help in ways that reflect who they are and the world they live in now.”

In this provocative Engage feature, Bolotin outlines the challenges that face all Volunteer Engagement Leaders who need Gen Zers: “If we’re willing to evolve our approach, we can harness Gen Z’s energy and creativity in ways that will transform our communities. But if we keep asking them to engage in ways that worked 20 years ago, we’re going to miss one of the greatest opportunities of our time.”