10 Tips for Engaging Youth Volunteers

It’s true that youth volunteers (age 15–24) make up only a small percentage of today’s volunteer force, but it is crucial to work on your strategy to engage them in order to secure a more sustainable tomorrow for your organization.

It is said that only 7% of all volunteers in America fall under the recognition of ‘Youth Volunteers’. That’s remarkably low, however, it means one thing; there are a number of youths who are ready and able to volunteer. You must look at the positives and focus on calling to attention your organization to those few.

Today, we will look at ways to do just that.

How to Engage Young People for Your Organization

Here are a few of our top nonprofit management tips in terms of engaging today’s youth:

1. Use Social Media to Engage Youth Volunteers

It’s no secret that the youth of today have turned to the internet for most of their communicative needs. It has long been said that recruiting and marketing must all be done over social media mostly. However, how much commitment does your organization make to that?

If you’re not actively looking for new volunteers online, then what are you waiting for? You’re missing out on your biggest market.

2. Meet their Energy

Young volunteers are full of energy but often don’t know what to do with that. Give them an avenue to use their energy to get passionate about your cause. However that is, you must keep that in mind.

They have an extra reserve of energy that others don’t. Give them the resources to use that for good.

3. Give them an Opportunity to Meet Friends their Age

For whatever it is worth, young people want to be around other young people. They are social bees, just as the rest of us are. However, most youth feel uncomfortable or guarded when surrounded by people older than them.