Experience at Work: Volunteering and Giving Among Americans 50 and Over

GENERAL

Research Abstract
Experience at Work: Volunteering and Giving Among Americans 50 and Over

"The American Baby Boom generation represents the largest untapped pool of potential volunteers for the nonprofit community in recent history, according to a new study entitled Experience at Work: Volunteering and Giving Among Americans 50 and Over, by INDEPENDENT SECTOR and AARP. As Baby Boomers begin to approach retirement age, nonprofit organizations will be faced with unprecedented opportunities and challenges to engage this population."

"Experience at Work" gives an analysis of the over-50 population in the by examining the current giving and volunteering patterns of this age group and comparing the philanthropic habits of Americans still in their working years, aged 50 to 64, and those who are retired, aged 65 and over."

"The report, released during the 2003 Independent Sector's Annual Conference that the working population aged 50 to 64 are more likely to have graduated college, volunteered in their youth and had parents who volunteered; these are all indicators of higher levels of adult civic involvement. This age group has the highest income level, gives the most, and has the greatest potential to increase volunteering and giving for years to come."

"The retired population over 50 is less likely to have graduated from college, has the lowest level of income and gives the least amount of money to charities. While they tend to volunteer at a lower rate than their working counterparts, retired Americans give more hours on a regular basis."

  • The over-50 population is expected to grow by 18.3 million people over the next ten years;
  • Those in the 50 to 64 age group will show the largest increase of 13.9 million people. These 50- to 64- year-olds will still be employed, earn the most and become the most generous givers;
  • Nonprofits can expect an increase in the number of high givers from this age group; and
  • More of this population will be available to volunteer more often.

"While the report offers good news for the future of volunteering, INDEPENDENT SECTOR and AARP also caution nonprofits to tailor volunteer programs and fundraising efforts to meet the needs of the over-50 population."

Nonprofits would be well served to customize their approach to recruit these volunteers and demonstrate the value of their service to the individual volunteer and organization he or she serves, said Diana Aviv, president and CEO, I NDEPENDENT SECTOR. Experience at Workgives us one recommendation, it is that nonprofits ought to seize this opportunity to engage older Americans, added Ms. Aviv.

"A second component of the report, written by AARP, presents case studies on how some nonprofits and companies engage older Americans. It also offers methods and systems nonprofits can employ to prepare to work with this group. AARP recommends nonprofits:

  • Create a climate respectful of older adults;
  • Recognize and work to overcome barriers to volunteerism (such as time constraints) by offering more flexible hours;
  • Provide opportunities for volunteers with disabilities and health concerns; and
  • Provide more accessible volunteer opportunities such as virtual volunteering."

CONTENTS
Experience at Work.
Introduction.
Overview.
Volunteering.
Charitable Giving.
Conclusion.
Tapping a Lifetime of Experience
Engaging 50+ Americans.
The Benefits of Involving 50+ Volunteers.
Designing Work for 50+ Involvement.
Case Study 1: Programs Engaging 50+ Volunteers in Their Communities.
Recruiting 50+ Volunteers.
Designing Recruitment Messages.
Retaining and Recognizing 50+ Volunteers.
Overcoming Barriers to 50+ Volunteerism.
Philanthropy.
Case Study 2: Utilizing the Skills and Interests of 50+ Volunteers.
Conclusion.
Case Study 3: Engaging Corporate Employees and Retirees.
Additional Resources.

"The American Baby Boom generation represents the largest untapped pool of potential volunteers for the nonprofit community in recent history, according to a new study entitled Experience at Work: Volunteering and Giving Among Americans 50 and Over, by INDEPENDENT SECTOR and AARP. As Baby Boomers begin to approach retirement age, nonprofit organizations will be faced with unprecedented opportunities and challenges to engage this population."
BIBLIOGRAPHY

Periodical (article)
Toppe, Christopher; Adler, Kimberly A.; Kirsch, Arthur D.; Green, Gordon W.; Michel, Jocabel
Independent Sector Giving and Volunteer Signature Series
0-929556-29-1
48 p.
December, 2002
PUBLISHER DETAILS

Independent Sector
1200 Eighteenth Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington
DC, 20036
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