Most notably, the study found that despite
popular belief, Generations X and Y workers are in fact likely
to join associations at even higher rates than Baby Boomers —
and they want different things from membership than members
of previous generations. The result of this report is a set
of actionable strategies that associations can use to attract
and keep members now and into the future...
popular belief, Generations X and Y workers are in fact likely
to join associations at even higher rates than Baby Boomers —
and they want different things from membership than members
of previous generations. The result of this report is a set
of actionable strategies that associations can use to attract
and keep members now and into the future...
Brooks’ groundbreaking study, Generations and the
Future of Association Participation, found that — despite
popular belief — the workers commonly referred to as Generations
X and Y (born after 1965) show every indication of
joining associations at even higher rates than Baby Boomers
(born between 1946 and 1964). The report found that more
workers, as well as a higher percentage of workers, are
expected to join associations during the next 10 years. It
also concluded that birthrate differences between the Baby
Boom generation and later decades have not translated into
dramatically different sized pools of adult workers.
Sparking Interest
Brooks, associate professor of public administration and
director of the nonprofit studies program at the Maxwell
School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University,
had spent years studying nonprofit organizations
and nonprofit economics. He noticed that professional
trade associations — nearly 10 percent of the nonprofit
world – had not been studied with the same detail as other
sectors. When he saw the RFP from the Smith Institute in
2004 seeking a researcher on generational issues in associations,
he felt it was a good opportunity to study what
was happening in that area, especially in light of the 1995
bestseller Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of
American Community, by Professor Robert Putnam. That
book examined the erosion of “social capital” as a result of
Americans joining fewer organizations. Since that book was
based on data gathered in the mid-1990s, Brooks wanted
to examine the adult behavior of Generation X almost 10
years later.
After receiving the $50,000 grant from the Smith Institute,
Brooks’ study used the largest and most comprehensive
data sets available on civic life in the United States,
looking at 30,000 people in 41 communities nationwide. It
compared the membership rates of several generations and
predicted membership from 2005 to 2015 using population
predictions from the U.S. Census.
As the data emerged showing that younger workers would
in fact join associations, Brooks was at a loss to explain
what appeared to be the exact opposite of what he
expected. The answer came to him while giving a lecture on
social capital to one of his classes.
Someone asked why this generation does not join neighborhood
and community groups, and Brooks pointed to the
fact that they have super-charged work habits. They change
jobs many times, often moving during the process, and so
they do not form community bonds. In addition, they often
move away from their hometowns in pursuit of careers, so
they don’t have roots going back to childhood.
“Someone said, ‘So basically, any social capital should
revolve around their jobs.’ And a light bulb went off for
me,” Brooks says. “The reasons Generations X and Y are
less involved outside of work are the same reasons they are
more involved in trade associations.”
A New Workforce
Brooks believes association participation will get even
stronger as Gen X hits the “sweet spot” of earning potential,
ages 40 to 55, but his optimism comes with a very strong
caveat: This will only happen for associations that recognize
the unique needs of this generation.
“If you look at employment trends over the next 10 years,
the major source of high-end job growth is in the idea economy
— people getting paid to be creative, individualistic and
entrepreneurial. That means the associations most likely to
prosper are those with these kinds individuals. These are
value creators and career owners; the kind of people who walk
out of a movie if they don’t like it. If an organization can tap
into these motivations and assemble these employees, they
can align firm incentives with career ownership.”
Rodney Masney, who serves as an executive vice president
on the volunteer board of the Americas’ SAP Users’
Group (ASUG), says the findings of the Generations report will
be used as ASUG shapes its three-year strategy and supporting
business plans. It also will be used to shape new products
and services for the changing needs of an emerging audience.
“Associations can gain insights from this research to
help shape their vision or strategies based on changing
demographics,” he says. “For example, as Baby Boomers
are looking toward retirement, organizations will become
more reliant on Generations X and Y as the heart of their
membership (or customers) and to be the next wave of volunteers.
It is critical that organizations understand what
drives and motivates these generations in order to engage
them.”
Source: Smith Bucklin website, SmithInstitute News
Franklin Chamber (Indiana) Searching For New Executive Director
Applications accepted at: info@iceaonline.com<mailto:info@iceaonline.com or mail applications prior to May 1 to Indiana Chamber Executives Association P.O. Box 377 Hanover IN 47243
Position Description: This position touches all aspects of business in the Franklin, IN community. With over 325 members, the chamber enjoys a diverse membership base. The Executive Director leads the organization for membership growth; programming; and overall management. Read more: ICEA Online
Funding is essential for existing businesses to expand and new businesses to form - El Dorado Chamber
Funding
is essential for existing businesses to expand and new businesses
to form, and did you know there are federal programs designed to do
just that: Infuse businesses with cash to help them grow! Learn
about some of these programs on Monday, April 28, from 9:00 to
11:00 a.m. at the Chamber. J. Wesley Crum, an attorney in Greenville, S.C.,
will discuss important federal programs, such as New Market Tax
Credits and US Department of Agriculture REDLG Programs.
Reservations are required to chamber@goeldorado.com or (870) 863-6113.
Chamber Best Practices: New Member Orientation
"Discover McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce" Orientation - This Chamber is a membership organization that is committed to helping businesses develop, grow and thrive with our rapidly expanding County. One of the first ways we seek to tie new members into our organization and allow prospective members to view the Chamber is through hosting a new member reception called the "Discover McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce".
The Chamber hosts "Discover McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce" at the Chamber Office, 1257 N. Green St. in McHenry. You will have an opportunity to review Chamber benefits with long term members as well as fine tune networking and marketing skills.
