Chronicle Chat Follow-Up

I had a wonderful time chatting on the Chronicle of Philanthropy website yesterday. The interest was so high that I wasn’t able to answer all the questions. So, I wanted to get to a few more here so as not to leave folks out!

Q: In my blog socialcitizen.wordpress.com I write a lot about generational differences and how as a Millennial I am working on social entrepreneurship in the nonprofit sector. What can I share with my Millennial readers about connecting with other generations in the workplace? Sometimes I feel like older employees of organizations are almost scared to talk to Millennials or have so much distrust for us, they just ignore us. How, as a Millennial, can I break through that barrier? How can I prove I can do the job?
(Tera Wozniak, Johnson Center on Philanthropy)

A: Hi, Tera, I’ve heard this complaint before, and frankly, some of it is Millennial-related and some of it is just a reflection of being a younger member of a staff. One thing that you can do to break down the distrust is perhaps run a seminar or two for the older staff members on social media tools — what they are and how they can be used in philanthropy and social change efforts. This would bring out your natural strengths, be informative for folks, and provide a common language for you all.

Q: What is your opinion of the value of YouTube, MySpace. and Facebook for attracting Millennials to nonprofit causes?
(Chris Smith, American Green Cross.net)

A: There is huge value in both social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook, and using video to share stories about causes. Of course, these aren’t the only sites where these activities are happening, but they are the most trafficked now. But, as I’ve said before, the venue is less important than the content of the conversation. What is it you want to talk about, with whom, and then where and how can we best have that conversation. The old axiom “form follows function” still holds true!

Q: Hi Allison: We are developing a large-scale survey of low-income high school students regarding their experiences and perspectives on how to improve their schools. We want to make the survey engaging and interactive and reach youth in ways they are already comfortable interacting. Any thoughts on how to best use technology to engage this diverse group (recognizing they may have limited technology access in schools in many cases)? Appreciate your perspectives!
(Valerie Threfall, nonprofit)

A: This is a tough one, Valerie, as I’ve already mentioned the disdain that Millennials have for forms and surveys (being overfed on both since birth)! Obviously the survey has to be up online using a tool like SurveyMonkey. Then, I would announce it in lots of different places — by email, on Facebook and MySpace, on any other sites where these teens are gathering and interacting (e.g. entertainment sites). The goal is to provide as many different, easy access points as possible. Good luck, let me know how it goes!

I’d be happy to hear back from any of the folks who asked questions. I’m open to a challenge or follow up. And thanks again for inviting me to participate in the conversation!