53. The Truth About Millennials and How to Engage Them In Your Mission - Dominique Calixte

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Overview

Meet Dom. She's diving deep into the motivations and mindsets of millennials, and believe us, you want to hear this. You see, millennials more interested in causes, not your nonprofit. But they could be a perfect match for your nonprofit, because they’re going to demand much but hustle hard. Dom breaks down how to find ways to partner and tips for engagement. We know we shouldn't be speaking to all audiences the same, and today, we'll learn why.

Today’s Guest

Dominique Calixte, Associate Director of Annual Giving and Special Events, YW Boston

“Millennials are the perfect match for your nonprofit. They keep you thinking and innovating. They have a deep rooted desire to make an impact, and that drives how they’re engaging.”

— Dominique Calixte, Associate Director of Annual Giving and Special Events, YW Boston

7 real truths about millennials
Find ways for millennials to partner with you, and be extremely intentional
Dom’s dreams about leveraging this particular generation
Dom’s tips to begin greater engagement with millennials
Dom’s One Good Thing: Genuinely get to know people.

Powerful Quotes:

“All millennial have aged into the work force. I like to say that millennial are from 1981-1995.” -Dom

“Millennials want someone to listen. We want there to be a mutual understanding.” -Dom

“We want to have a conversation about we’re seeing work, and what innovations can be made.” -Dom

“Millennials are the perfect match for your nonprofit. They keep you thinking and innovating. There is a deep rooted desire to make an impact that drives how they are engaging.”- Dom

“If you aren’t giving me the opportunity to be on a committee, young advisory board, or something else that is valued, then I’m not going to be as interested in your organization because I don’t see that you’re adapting and growing with the times.” -Dom

“Organizations are so focused on this archaic system that we have, and not moving forward. This turns millennials off.” -Dom

“There is a big gap with how Gen Z and Gen X’s are going to engage with your nonprofits. There is a happy medium there with millennials. Use millennials as the opportunity to really shift the thinking.” -Dom

“We are entering a time when millennials are all in the workforce. How are we thinking about engagement?” -Dom

“If you believe in the long game, this really is where we should be putting our time. Allow these people to help you move your organization further. Make them believers.” -Dom

“Millennials treat all of their assets as equal. They value their time, and their money, and their network. Get them in your door.” -Dom

“Find your fans, and let them do what they do on behalf of your mission.” -Jon

The real truths about millennials

Millennials want someone to listen
Millennials value building relationships
Millennials care about social issues rather than institutions
Millennials use their collective voices
Millennials support a greater good
Millennials are looking to be a partner, not a transaction
Millennials are influenced by their peers

Find ways for millennials to partner with you

How are you asking them to engage? Are you only focused on the financial need of the organization? We have to build relationships with engage donors. Millennials want to give their time, talents, and treasures - make sure you are engaging with each.

Be intentional.

This starts at the root. Start internally and be intentionally about recruiting the people on your team. Everyone in your organization is apart of a fundraising team. Also be intentional of those who are coming into your sphere. Don’t just tap the same businesses who you have always been connected to. Many millennials are interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion and that we are holding companies accountable. If you are not being intentional about how you are bringing people into a sphere. Think about who you are engaging with. Build relationships with new people. Value diverse opinions.