PROMOTING THE DREAMRecruiting the Next Generation of Soroptimists

[Speaker name and title]Soroptimist International of the Americas

Revised May 2013

Our objectives

Understand and acknowledge generational differences

Learn how to adapt messages and communication methods

Review Soroptimist’s generational profile Discuss the importance of diversity Determine action steps

Which generation are you?

Before 1925 From 1925-1941 From 1942-1964 From 1965-1981 From 1982-2000

*First time in history to have 5 living and working generations

The Generations Dynamic

Values Attitudes

Decisions

It’s not all about the numbers!

Generations are only one way to gauge differences within your club

No group fits one person exactly

The Silent Generation

Born between 1925-1941 Least studied group “Mature” or “swing” generation Came of age during World War II

The Silent Generation

Strong human relations skills Cautious and quietly assertive Very involved in cultural issues Team players Some of the first women to aggressively

move into the workforce

Marketing Soroptimist

Emphasize experience and wisdom Do not use loud or brash imagery Frugality, responsibility and caution

We are an established organization.

We are well respected in our community.

We are fiscally sound and our programs are proven to make a

difference.

Methods of Communication

Face-to-face Formal social events Recognition and tribute events Direct mail Telephone Internet

The Baby Boomers

Born between 1942-1964 Represent largest single sustained period

of growth Shaped the culture of the 1960s and ‘70s Enjoyed unprecedented employment and

education opportunities Most influential generation

The Baby Boomers

Value creativity Evaluate achievement in terms of

personal fulfillment First generation to discover that lifetime

employment no longer exists Tend to be more permissive More inclusive than prior generations Tied to workforce more strongly

Marketing Soroptimist

Demanding consumers - provide courtship Position brand as the choice of winners Simple, nostalgic messaging

We are women at our best,helping other women to be their

best.

Methods of Communication

Social and recognition events Direct mail Face-to-face conversation Internet Email

Generation X

Born between 1965-1981 Originally given this name because they

were seen as searching for identity Independent - first generation of

“latchkey kids” Savvy consumers “Life is short. Eat dessert first”

Generation X

Redefined loyalty in the workplace Demand balance of life and work Commitment to quality Problem-solvers Goal-oriented Immediate and ongoing feedback

Marketing Soroptimist

Skeptical of the “hard sell” Want things mapped out Sense of passion and adventure Attitude, humor and fun Test your message!

Methods of Communication

Email Internet Multi-media Word-of-mouth Social events/peer gatherings

The Millennials

Born from 1982-2000 “Echo Boomers” or “Generation Y” Members range from 7 – 25 Represent the future workforce – and

membership

The Millennials

Techno-savvy - first generation to grow up with the Internet

Easily bored Expect to change jobs frequently Respect must be earned vs.

based on title Team players

Marketing Soroptimist

Media-savvy Treat with respect Focus on the positive Emphasize action

Methods of Communication

Email Text messaging Internet/online communities Multi-media Word-of-mouth

The Silent Generation 1925-1941

The Baby Boomers 1942-1964

Generation X 1965-1981

Millennials 1982-2000

Generational Recap

Silents Boomers Xers Millennials

Good of the community

Personal fulfillment

Uncertainty What’s next

Experience and wisdom

Optimism Personal Focus On my terms

Respect authority

Crusading Live for today Just show up

Save for the next generation

Buy now/pay later

Save Earn to spend

Do what is asked

Work efficiently Eliminate tasks Do what is asked

Generational Themes

Quiz: Your generational story

What is your club’s generational story?a. We have only Baby Boomersb. We have some Silents c. We have only Generation Xersd. We have some Millennials e. We have a blend of all generations f. Other

Our Landscape2009 survey of members in all languages

2013 survey of U.S. members

Our Ideal Landscape

The Gen X Volunteer

Personal developmentImmediate resultsFlexibilityFreedom

How Can We Deliver…

… opportunities for personal development? Mentor/Mentee relationships Emerging Leaders Program Leadership positions

How Can We Deliver…

… immediate results? Well-planned meetings that accomplish set

goals One-day service projects Early involvement in club activities &

leadership

How Can We Deliver…

… freedom and flexibility? Embrace technology

Send materials via email Develop a club website Offer “virtual” meetings Utilize social media

Guide with feedback and suggestions, not step-by-step instructions

Value overall participation and contributions over attendance at meetings

Everything associated with an organization

Must fulfill a unique niche

Our brand is what we do for women and girls

Clubs must back up our promise!

The Soroptimist Brand

Live Your Dream

www.LiveYourDream.org

What’s Next?

Have an honest conversation Perform a “health check” Talk to former members Identify two to three issues Develop an action plan Materials in members area of

www.soroptimist.org

Our Objectives

Understand and acknowledge generational differences

Learn how to adapt messages and communication methods

Review Soroptimist’s generational profile Discuss the importance of diversity Determine action steps

Parting Advice…

Lead by example Manage expectations Communication is a two-way street Nobody is as smart as everybody Treat others as they want to be treated Challenge members – they will step up!

Be grounded by experience,but open to change

Questions?

Members area of www.soroptimist.org Region membership chair Region leadership SIA headquarters