Volunteerism, Beyond The Baby Boomer Generation
Posted October 21, 2007
The impending retirement of the baby boom generation is either going to be an unparalleled boon for nonprofits or its impact on volunteerism has been over-hyped. There’s no arguing, however, that by 2030 the number of people in the U.S. over 65 years old will double from its current 37 million.
What will happen to these baby boomers after they turn 65 is a question stakeholders from AARP and the Lions Club to the federal government have explored. Local nonprofits and communities also have a big stake in the answer. Key organizations that recruit volunteers are banking on baby boomers to be the largest volunteer cadre in U.S. history.
If true, their impact on volunteerism could be tremendous. In anticipation, the federal agency that oversees Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, VISTA, NCCC and other national service and volunteering programs has set a goal of engaging 75 million Americans in volunteering, up from 65.4 million in 2005. Far from being ripe for picking as volunteers, baby boomers will have to be encouraged to volunteerism in ways that consider their motivations and interests.
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