What do the British Invasion and disco have in common?

Both of these musical and cultural phenomena were embraced by Baby Boomers. These trends couldn’t be more different. And that’s the point.

Much is written about the growth and impending influence of Boomers on our society. Their sheer size and economic power make them hard to ignore.

However, Boomers have been participants in one of the fastest and most profound cultural changes in recent history.

By being part of these changes, Boomers are an intellectually and culturally diverse group, complexity that makes categorizing them into one unique demographic group misleading.

Effective communication with Boomers will be a challenge for nonprofits as they maintain and grow their missions. That will require and understanding the group’s size and unique point of view.

In his presentation “Disruptive Demographics,” James Johnson of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shares insights about the results of the 2010 census, giving a peek at the largest and most rapidly growing segment of the population - the “grey.”

The “grey”

Over the past decade the 45-64 age group (the Boomers) has grown 27 percent to almost 17 million people. This represents the largest age-demographic increase within the past 10 years.

So there are a lot of us. The real challenge is to try to understand the diverse nature of Boomers, or identify some characteristics that can illuminate that understanding.

How different is Baby Boomers’ media consumption?

Most Boomers grew up with limited media options - three or four television stations, more AM than FM radio stations and both a morning and afternoon newspaper.

Today’s media landscape is overwhelming by comparison.

However in July, Nielsen Media Research published a monograph on Boomer consumer behaviors.

Its theme suggested rejecting the conventional wisdom of Boomers as small spenders, resisting technology and slow to adopt new products. Rather, Boomer diversity was showcased by highlighting their media consumption patterns. A few examples:

Boomers comprise a third of all TV viewers, online users, social-media users and Twitter users

Boomers time shift TV shows (record and view at a later time) more than 20-somethings, by almost an hour a week

Eight of the top 10 Boomer websites, including Facebook and YouTube, are the same as 20-something sites

Opera, for example

In a recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts, “Public Participation in the Arts,” opera patrons were profiled in two ways: Those who attended a performance within the past year, and those who participated through media, also known as sampling.

Boomers represented the largest group of samplers, at 43 percent, most of whom sampled through the Metropolitan Opera HD broadcasts and digital downloads.

In other words, Boomers are using technology to introduce themselves to different art forms.

Practical applications

Use the full arsenal of communication tools. Boomers are the most likely group to be reached by all of your marketing efforts, both traditional and digital.

They are the ones who might see your ad in a newspaper or hear it on the radio, visit your blog or website to learn more about you, use search to view other organizations like you, and then to donate or buy a ticket online.

Be open to new things. Despite the current economic situation, boomers will continue to search for value.

In this case value will have at least two dimensions: One of cost-effectiveness, and one that fulfills their desire for personal and cultural growth.

Be consistent. Most Boomers remember advertising slogans from their youth, largely because marketers believed that repetition was a key to learning. And it worked.

Creating a compelling message that speaks to their interests - and sticking with it - will help leverage this important demographic group in the next decade.

Source: Philanthropy Journal

By Carol Gee

My husband loves his job. He likes his supervisor, and gets along well with his colleagues as well as staff that report to him. An assistant director within a department of a local hospital, he thrives on putting out fires and the other daily challenges that go hand-in-hand in his position. What he does not like however, are the ineffectual meetings that occur practically every day and can number as many as four in a single day. While he is sitting in these meetings, his To-Do list is growing and deadlines are piling up. These time-wasters add unneeded stress on him and his colleagues. However, what frustrates him the most is that no matter how many times he and his colleagues complain to their supervisor about this, their comments seemingly fall on deaf ears – leaving them all feeling demoralized and disrespected.

A vast majority of departmental meetings never need to take place. In truth, routine department updates, or meetings held daily or weekly, even monthly are the hardest to get fired up about. A good leader knows that his team members don’t appreciate having their time taken up needlessly. Likewise, an effective leader knows that to waste their employees’ time repeatedly is to lose their respect. Perhaps what my husband’s supervisor and others like her need is a refresher course in meeting planning, sort of Meeting Planning 2.0. Do you suppose there is an App for that? There appears to be one for everything else these days.

Productive or valuable meetings require clear goals. They also require open dialogue. Most importantly productive meetings require a strong leader. By following the tips below management can make their meetings matter.

When proposing calling a meeting, start by determining what needs to be covered. Ask yourself whether a face-to-face gathering is warranted. Scheduling and holding a meeting is expensive when you account for the time of all those attending. Could the information be disseminated through e-mail or via the company’s newsletter? Too often a meeting is called when an e-mail will suffice. By ascertaining that a meeting is warranted, not because you want one – generates better results from attendees.

Follow a detailed agenda. An effective agenda serves several important functions: a) First, it provides a blueprint for the meeting to follow, b) it forces the meeting leader to think out what needs to be accomplished, and c) if provided ahead of time (as it should be), an agenda lets people know what to expect and allows them to prepare as necessary. Simply stated, an effective agenda serves as a guide to make participants’ meetings more efficient and productive. Starting meetings on time is also imperative. This is perhaps the number-one way to get people to show up. Frequently, my husband laments on how their meetings start late because his supervisor and other participants tend to discuss everything but the meeting topic. Equally important is ending a meeting on time.

Once you’ve decided that you absolutely need to hold a meeting, invite only the people who have something to contribute; team members who work directly on the specific project in question, stake-holders who have the clout to move an idea forward, or technicians or specialists who have knowledge and insight that the group needs in order to fully understand an issue.

Let staff members whom feel overwhelmed with other projects know it is okay not to attend, but that some decisions may be made without them. If they can live with the consequences, then it’s their call whether or not to attend.

If you’ve asked people to do some kind of homework and they haven’t done it, reschedule the meeting. Does it does not make sense to continue? Continuing sends a strong message to participants that preparation is optional or unimportant.

By making an effort to determine that a meeting is the best way to resolve a problem or convey pertinent information improves the process. Supervisors who do this will not only reduce wasted time, but restore employees’ belief that the meetings they do attend are indeed necessary.


About the Author
Carol Gee, M.A. has worked in education for 28 years in positions ranging from teaching to administration. Currently she is an editor and business writer at Goizueta Business School at Emory University. She is also the author of books, The Venus Chronicles and Diary of a ‘Flygirl’ Wannabe (Life Lessons of a Cool Girl in Training)
www.venuschronicles.net

If your nonprofit is developing some resolutions for the new year, you might want to take a good and realistic look at your volunteer program. Are you in touch with the “new” volunteers? The ones who are both young and older, who want to volunteer as a family, who want to change the world, who look for ways to use their skills, who want to use the newest tools to do that work and to communicate about it?

A recent report on volunteerism in Canada revealed surprising discomfort among volunteers. An article in the Vancouver Sun provides an overview of that study and what it suggests volunteer coordinators might do to make volunteering more attractive.

In short the study revealed that:

Nearly two-thirds of surveyed volunteers reported at least one “negative experience” when trying to do good for their community.

Many volunteers felt their skills weren’t being adequately used. Others were discouraged by organizational politics and a lack of support, or felt their efforts weren’t making a difference.

There are considerable gaps between what Canadians are looking for in a volunteer experience and what in fact organizations are offering as volunteer opportunities,

Families surveyed suggested there simply aren’t enough opportunities to volunteer together.

The young and tech-savvy often feel discriminated against because of their age.

Young people are also concerned because many volunteer opportunities are only available during business hours, while they are in school. In addition, transportation to and from volunteer positions can be problematic, especially for the young.

Volunteer jobs are often administrative in nature, lacking real responsibility, and provide little sense of actually making a difference.

Volunteer tasks are many times not connected to the volunteer’s interests and skills.

Organizations should get to know their volunteers better, offer flexible opportunities, and be more sensitive to sex, culture, language and age differences. Recognition of where volunteers are in their life stage is important as is the ability to modify volunteer roles as volunteers move from one life stage to another.

There is a need for more online volunteer opportunities and for volunteer coordinators to follow up with volunteers to let them know how their support has helped.

Although the study surveyed Canadian volunteers, there is little doubt in my mind that the results would be similar in the US. Although we enjoy a very high level of volunteerism in this country, we can only wonder how much better those experiences could be for both volunteers and organizations with the proper care, creativity, and dedication to providing meaningful experiences for volunteers.

Here is a cluster of articles about how to provide a good volunteer experience and/or how to avoid a bad one.

Six Reasons Why You’ll Never Volunteer Again and 3 Reasons Why You’re Finding It Hard to Find And Keep Volunteers - And What To Do About It, by Chris Jarvis of Realized Worth.

7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Volunteering and 10 Ways to Make Volunteers Happy, from About.com.

Source: About.com

1. Job seekers should present a concise, mistake-free resume clearly conveying their work history and qualifications. If not, they will likely have ongoing issues with composition, spelling and grammar.
2. Candidates should always be prepared to take a phone call from a potential employer and intelligently discuss their background and career goals. If not, will they be prepared for the unexpected on the job?
3. Presentation skills in a face-to-face interview should be impeccable. If there is anything lacking in appearance or communication that cannot be written off to nerves, watch out. This is as good as it gets.
4. The interviewee should not dominate the conversation nor should it be difficult to pull information from them. Too much information usually leads to negativity and not enough is a waste of time.
5. Follow-up after the interview should be a timely, well thought out but brief overview of the candidate’s qualifications and desire to come to work. If not, follow-up skills in general are probably lacking.
6. When it’s time for an offer, there should be no change in salary requirements. If the original stated salary is fair market and in line with the candidate’s qualifications, he or she should not try to negotiate.

Source: Nashville Business Journal

By Chelle Shell

Saying goodbye to 2010, I’m sure we can all agree, will not be difficult. I’ve already graciously handed him his hat and coat and kicked his ass right out of this decade’s door. To say the least, Mr. 2010 has tested and tried us all.


Two of the many lessons I’ve learned from my dear mother over the years is that you’re never handed more than you can overcome and you NEVER give up. Everything happens for a reason and there are always lessons to be learned from unforgiving events throughout your life that do nothing but make you stronger.


Below are some items we all should know and live by, but sometimes people like Mr. 2010 come along and we may need a little reminder. So, that’s what I’m doing. Reminding myself and all of you of things we can do better in 2011 to make our job search, our talent search, and most important of all, our everyday lives better.


I am providing you with some famous quotes along with my version and/or interpretation of these ordinary rules we should all try to live by. If we promise ourselves to pay more attention to these everyday aspects of life there is no doubt that 2011 will be the start to a new decade of hope, confidence and prosperity.


Work on Your Patience Skills
“Patience is a virtue.” – Unknown


I’m glad whoever said this is unknown because if we ever met, he for sure would get the ol’ stank eye! Some may have been born with this trait but many, including myself, are patiently-challenged. Never the less, it’s something we all need to possess and strive for.


Be a Better Communicator
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw


When two people speak to one another it doesn’t always equal a true conversation. I say,
“Be a better listener and then when you speak, what you have to say will mean much more.”


Be Accountable
“My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” - Oprah Winfrey


Ms. Winfrey is one of the richest women on our planet, an extremely intelligent business woman and a world-renowned philanthropist. I’d say she knows a little somethin’.


Networking and Meeting People Face to Face
“The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person’s needs ahead of their own.”- Bob Burg


I say, “Networking is not about exchanging business cards, fake smiles and shaking hands. It’s about building relationships and what you do with them.”


Manage Your Time
“Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else.” - Peter F. Drucker


Saying that you don’t have time is a total cop-out. I say, “You have time for what you WANT to make time for.” You are the only person standing in the way of yourself and your time.


Respect Other’s Time
“Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” – Unknown


Now this unknown person is someone I would proudly be friends with! Sometimes you must teach others to also respect your time. Nothing else needs to be said on that, you get it.


Slow down and breathe. You must take time for yourself.
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” - Proverb


Well I say, “All work and no me-time makes me insane.” You have to make time for yourself and your loved ones. We all deserve a work-life balance and it’s up to you to make sure you have it and/or give it.


Have Respect
“Never take a person’s dignity: it is worth everything to them, and nothing to you.” – Frank Barron


This one is just plain and simple. Mean people suck and there’s no reason for it.


Value Others Opinions
“…we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” – Anthony Robbins


This quote was last on my list but probably the one I struggle with the most. I say, “Not everyone thinks the same way as you do and that doesn’t make them bad, it just makes them different and we’re all entitled to our own opinions.”


Yep, 2010 is almost gone but let’s bid good riddance and look forward to 2011 with a positive attitude about ourselves and others. After all we are the do-gooders, right?


So people, either grab the bull by its horns and steer it in the direction you want to go or get kicked off. Buck off 2010! We’re ready for a New Year and decade!


What have you learned this year that you would like to add to this list? Feel free to comment below.



About the Author
Michelle “Chelle” Shell has worked in management for over 14 years in positions ranging from recruitment to public relations. In her current role as Client Development Manager for Opportunity Knocks she assists national nonprofit organizations and recruitment agencies connect with talented, qualified nonprofit professionals and HR management solutions. Chelle is active in her transitioning neighborhood association as well as local tennis associations. She is also a Board Member of ANP, Atlanta Nonprofit Professionals.

For questions and/or comments for Chelle please click on “comments” below and start typing away. Many of you have the same concerns and this will allow you to read what others have to say as well as help the masses. And don’t worry, you don’t have to identify yourself if you would like to remain anonymous.

Comment below on your thoughts and perspective on 2010.

With the recession hangover still plaguing cities and towns across the U.S., more municipalities are looking to nonprofits to help plug budget gaps, a new study says.

By seeking “payments in lieu of taxes,” cities and towns aim to recoup some of the revenue they otherwise would collect from landowning nonprofits like hospitals and universities.

Rather than demand such payments, municipalities should collaborate with local nonprofits to craft optimal arrangements, says the study of 117 cities and towns with alternative-payment programs, conducted by Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

Nonprofits in all 50 states are exempt from paying property taxes, which typically are used to pay for city services like fire, rescue and police forces, and street maintenance.

To recoup some of those costs, particularly from larger institutions like universities and medical facilities, many municipalities are asking nonprofits to kick in or are charging user fees.

Payments in lieu of taxes, known as PILOTs, can provide much-needed revenue for cities and town, the report says, but they must be used carefully.

“PILOTs are often haphazard, secretive and calculated in an ad-hoc manner that results in widely varying payments among similar nonprofits,” the report’s authors say in a statement. “In addition, a municipality’s attempt to collect PILOTs can prompt a battle with nonprofits and lead to years of contentious, costly and unproductive litigation.”

To maximize success of PILOTs, the report says, such payment programs should be used where there is a good fit between the municipality and the nonprofit.

Cities and towns that are highly dependent on property-tax revenue, and that also have a high percentage of their land owned by nonprofits, are good candidates for PILOTs.

And nonprofits that own large amounts of tax-exempt property, but provide “modest benefits to local residents relative to their tax savings,” are better targets than other nonprofits, the study says.

State governments should consider providing grants to municipalities that host nonprofits, as is done in Connecticut, to compensate for the lost tax revenue.

Source: Philanthropy Journal

The nonprofit world is stewing over the ban Apple has put on making donations on the iPhone via charity apps.

No one, including Apple, has data on how many nonprofits have created apps for the iPhone. Organizations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and American Cancer Society have them, but none can be used to make gifts. Prospective donors instead are directed out of a nonprofit’s app and to its Web site, which the organizations say makes the process of contributing more cumbersome.

“When you’re popped out of an app, you then have to go through a whole bunch of clicks to make a donation,” said Beth Kanter, co-author of “The Networked Nonprofit” and chief executive of Zoetica, a consulting firm. “It’s cumbersome and it doesn’t have to be.”

In protest, Ms. Kanter said she planned to replace her iPhone with a phone that used Google’s Android operating system, announcing her decision on Twitter, where she has more than 366,000 followers.

She also has started an online petition invoking the Grinch and seeking to draw the issue to the attention of Steven P. Jobs, Apple’s chief executive. As of Wednesday afternoon, it had attracted more than 1,600 signatures.

An Apple spokeswoman, Trudy Muller, declined to explain the rationale for banning charitable solicitations via apps, saying only, “We are proud to have many applications on our App Store which accept charitable donations via their Web sites.”

Ms. Kanter and others acknowledge that allowing donations through apps might present challenges. “One of Apple’s major objections has been that if donations were to go through its payment mechanism, it would have to be in the business of managing and distributing funds and verifying charities as well,” said Jake Shapiro, executive director of Public Radio Exchange, or PRX, an online nonprofit marketplace for licensing and distributing public radio programming.

PRX has developed iPhone apps for many public radio stations and programs, like WBUR and “This American Life,” and Mr. Shapiro said apps had the potential to become a “core revenue source” for those organizations.

He said he and a group of other executives from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting met with Eddy Cue, the Apple executive in charge of iTunes, the umbrella under which the App Store operates, three years ago. “We heard there were really serious internal discussions about this at Apple after that, but we haven’t gotten any traction,” Mr. Shapiro said.

Earlier this year, in the wake of the earthquake in Haiti, Apple itself solicited donations for the American Red Cross through iTunes, establishing what some regarded as a precedent for iPhone-assisted donations. That increased speculation that the real issue was money.

Apple takes a 30 percent slice of purchases made from the App Store, an amount that would be frowned upon if it were to be taken out of a charitable donation.

In August, eBay’s PayPal unit introduced a donation feature that enabled charitable gifts through its app for the iPhone, teaming up with MissionFish, which helps nonprofits raise money on eBay. MissionFish handled all the administrative chores required to ensure donations received proper documentation and went to the right, properly vetted nonprofits.

Just two months later, Apple demanded that PayPal eliminate the donation system from its app.

Clam Lorenz, vice president of operations at MissionFish, said roughly $10,000 had been raised in that time in the United States, Canada and Britain, in donations averaging $10. “We proved it’s a solution that offers the user choice and flexibility and provides a dramatic cost benefit for nonprofits compared to what’s available in text-based giving,” Mr. Lorenz said.

Anuj Nayar, a spokesman for PayPal, said it was on the brink of introducing a similar feature - for its Android app.

Source: The New York Times