NextGen Nexus: A Peek Inside the Millennial Mind
What if you could have a young person sit in front of your board and authentically share their viewpoint about your social issue and cause? What would they say, and how can you learn from it to better engage the next generation of supporters for your organization?
Creating such an opportunity has been our goal for the last 10 years. Now, 150,000 millennials later, we know the conversation would go something like this:
1. Everything I have to offer is equally valuable to me.
Whether it’s my money, time, what I am good at, or even my friends, I don’t consider one more significant than the other—and I don’t want you to, either. I may not have $5,000 to give right now, but I have a lot of other ways I can help what you’re working on.
2. I’m creating change every day. Are you?
I share about causes on social media. I give to friends’ fundraisers. I donate used clothes and do 5K walks. I choose reusables. Being involved in issues is in my DNA. What have you done lately? Don’t just talk to me about abstract goals; give me a short-term win to help you meet your next milestone.
3. I believe in activism.
Waiting for things to change doesn’t work. We have to be ready to get out there and march, vote, petition, and do whatever it takes to shift the status quo. Sometimes we have to help others understand the big issue—money and volunteering don’t do that.
4. I care about issues, not your organization.
I get involved in lots of causes—to find a cure for cancer or get guns off the streets—but I’m not as concerned about supporting specific organizations. I go anywhere where I see the opportunity to make a difference. So, the bigger question is, why should I work with you when I can do good on my own?
5. My voice is powerful.
When millennials join forces, we can get companies to change the way they do business, pressure politicians to change laws, and tell America they should pay attention to an issue. What are you working on that my voice can help manifest?
6. I focus on the problems and the people affected—even if I am not directly impacted. I care little about which side of politics you are on.
I’m so over partisan bickering! It’s getting us nowhere. Let’s keep our eyes on who needs help and what needs to change and come together to make it happen. What are you doing with other partners to address the issue? Remember I don’t really care what kinds of entities you collaborate with (companies, cause, government, faith); I care that you are out there doing work with others.
7. We are more than just social. We’re doers.
Older people tend to put us in a box, as though without our phones and social media, we’re unable to express ourselves. To see the reality, all you have to do is look at the events we’ve created to raise support for causes and the organizations we now lead. What can I do to move your work forward and help you realize something positive for an individual that needs help, besides just giving money?
8. My support is big and small. Does it matter?
I devoted a whole day to a protest, and I almost thoughtlessly “rounded up” to make a tiny donation at a thrift store. Like I said, change is in my DNA, so you may not even notice some of my actions. But to me, they’re all important. How are you recognizing my contributions, both big and small, direct and as amplified through my network?
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NextGen Nexus: A Peek Inside the Millennial Mind
by Derrick Feldmann on September 16, 2019
Categories: Current Issue| Marketing and CommunicationsTopic Tags: Diversity
What if you could have a young person sit in front of your board and authentically share their viewpoint about your social issue and cause? What would they say, and how can you learn from it to better engage the next generation of supporters for your organization?
Creating such an opportunity has been our goal for the last 10 years. Now, 150,000 millennials later, we know the conversation would go something like this:
1. Everything I have to offer is equally valuable to me.
Whether it’s my money, time, what I am good at, or even my friends, I don’t consider one more significant than the other—and I don’t want you to, either. I may not have $5,000 to give right now, but I have a lot of other ways I can help what you’re working on.
2. I’m creating change every day. Are you?
I share about causes on social media. I give to friends’ fundraisers. I donate used clothes and do 5K walks. I choose reusables. Being involved in issues is in my DNA. What have you done lately? Don’t just talk to me about abstract goals; give me a short-term win to help you meet your next milestone.
3. I believe in activism.
Waiting for things to change doesn’t work. We have to be ready to get out there and march, vote, petition, and do whatever it takes to shift the status quo. Sometimes we have to help others understand the big issue—money and volunteering don’t do that.
4. I care about issues, not your organization.
I get involved in lots of causes—to find a cure for cancer or get guns off the streets—but I’m not as concerned about supporting specific organizations. I go anywhere where I see the opportunity to make a difference. So, the bigger question is, why should I work with you when I can do good on my own?
5. My voice is powerful.
When millennials join forces, we can get companies to change the way they do business, pressure politicians to change laws, and tell America they should pay attention to an issue. What are you working on that my voice can help manifest?
6. I focus on the problems and the people affected—even if I am not directly impacted. I care little about which side of politics you are on.
I’m so over partisan bickering! It’s getting us nowhere. Let’s keep our eyes on who needs help and what needs to change and come together to make it happen. What are you doing with other partners to address the issue? Remember I don’t really care what kinds of entities you collaborate with (companies, cause, government, faith); I care that you are out there doing work with others.
7. We are more than just social. We’re doers.
Older people tend to put us in a box, as though without our phones and social media, we’re unable to express ourselves. To see the reality, all you have to do is look at the events we’ve created to raise support for causes and the organizations we now lead. What can I do to move your work forward and help you realize something positive for an individual that needs help, besides just giving money?
8. My support is big and small. Does it matter?
I devoted a whole day to a protest, and I almost thoughtlessly “rounded up” to make a tiny donation at a thrift store. Like I said, change is in my DNA, so you may not even notice some of my actions. But to me, they’re all important. How are you recognizing my contributions, both big and small, direct and as amplified through my network?
If you could get inside a millennial’s mind, this is what you’d see and hear. Stop thinking about how you categorize millennials from the outside. Get into their heads, speak the language they want to hear, and lean in and watch the activation unfold!
This article is based on the nation’s largest body of millennial research, culminating in the latest (and final) report of the Millennial Impact Project, a joint venture by the Case Foundation and research teams I’ve led. Download Understanding How Millennials Engage With Causes and Social Issues: Insights From 10 Years of Research Working in Partnership With Young Americans on Causes Today and in the Future today.