Millennials are the hope of the future. Having worked alongside this cohort since they were in high school, I have found them to be intelligent, hard-working, and committed to the kinds of community values that make the world a better place. Millennials are an amazing gift to non-profits in five important ways:

1. Quest for meaning: Millennials are motivated by meaning, by a purpose greater than themselves. Every non-profit needs motivated employees and volunteers who align their personal
   

   Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

   sense of mission with that of the organization.

2. Relational and collaborative: On the whole, millennials attended schools that prioritized group learning. Their parents, though often mocked for being “helicopter parents,” worked hard to forge meaningful personal relationships with their kids. The non-profit sector has all of the demands for collaborative problem-solving and teamwork that the for-profits do and usually operate in a more intensely person-centric environment defined by their mission.
3. Crave feedback and learning: Millennials will continue to grow, adapt, learn and improve, that is, if they are not mocked for seeking too much feedback, accused of wanting a participation ribbon, and chastised by lazy managers who don’t feel they should give clear and adequate feedback. This quest for learning will only improve non-profits over time.
4. Embrace of diversity: Due to the blessings of immigration, millennials are the most diverse generation next to their younger siblings, Generation Z. Diversity is a proven advantage in a globalized world. The more perspectives accounted for in a particular challenge, the greater the likelihood of a positive outcome.
5. Entrepreneurial and innovative: Global connectivity, technological prowess, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for causes incubate an entrepreneurial spirit of innovation that will breathe fresh ideas, inspiration, and approach into the non-profit sector.

Non-profits exist to meet needs in society not adequately addressed by government or business. Non-profit leaders, ignore the click-bait labels placed on millennials. This group has the potential to take our non-profits further than ever dreamed.

-Pat Patterson, General Manager & Chief Operating Officer
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center