Engaging Gen Alpha to the Silent Generation: Volunteer Strategies for Nonprofits

Volunteering brings people together from all walks of life, strengthening connections in community. Each generation has unique motivations and preferences when it comes to volunteering and understanding these can help nonprofits engage volunteers more effectively.

Last week at the Peer-to-Peer Forum 2025, Points of Light’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Convenings, Beth Pann, gave a keynote address on strengthening volunteer programs from a generational perspective. As nonprofits recruit volunteers to support their programs, here are things to consider when engaging with each generation.

Gen Alpha (Ages 12 and Younger)

What defines them? This group is highly empathetic. They’ve been exposed to global challenges early on, which has fostered a strong sense of empathy.

Tips for Engagement

Connect them with young mentors. While most Gen Alpha volunteers are likely to be volunteering with their families, seeing slightly older peers volunteering will continue to inspire them. Think about other ways in which you can connect these young volunteers with their classmates and/or other Gen Z volunteers who are deeply engaged. Cultivating an interest in volunteering early on can build a lifetime of civic engagement.

Gen Z (Ages 13–28)

What defines them? This generation is the first to grow up as digital natives and saw millennials engaging in more activism than Gen X parents They are driven by causes including social justice, healthcare, mental wellness, environmental causes and more. They prioritize tangible impact, community involvement, and mentorship.

Tip for Engagement

Lead with purpose and authenticity. Volunteering is often a deeply personal experience, and Gen Z has helped to shape this idea. Find the spark to connect your Gen Z employees, community members and patrons in volunteering. For young professionals, integrating volunteering with skill and career development will be highly appealing.

Millennials (Ages 29–44)

What defines them? Millennials have a passion for global causes and learning about social issues on a deep level. They seeing volunteering as a lifestyle aligned with their personal values. Points of Light’s Millennial Perspective research found that personal experience deeply influences the causes they care about.

Tip for Engagement

Offer micro-volunteering and/or family-friendly activities that resonate. As many Millennials are parents, micro-volunteering opportunities that are short-term and flexible, fit well into their dynamic lives. And make sure you get to know them. Millennials are deeply driven by their experiences, and care about making meaningful change.

Gen X (Ages 45–60)

What defines them? Gen X is highly independent and pragmatic, valuing independence, and holds a bit of bureaucratic skepticism. They often volunteer for causes related to children, youth, or health.

Tip for Engagement

Propose hands-on and results-oriented projects. Gen X values leadership; and like Millennials and Gen Z, they value opportunities that fit into their work-life balance. Seek to engage them in fundraising, campaign management, team and/or committee leading opportunities. Make it easier for them by offering toolkits and streamlined communication.

Baby Boomers (Ages 61–79)

What defines them? This group values the social and emotional benefits of volunteering. They bring a wealth of experience, skills and leadership. They see volunteering as a moral obligation and many believe in service as a legacy, passing down the value of volunteering to younger generations.

Tip for Engagement

Involve them in long-term leadership roles. Through board service or committee/campaign leadership, Baby Boomers seek to find ongoing impact as they leverage their personal networks and model civic engagement as an infinite contribution to communities and society.

Silent Generation (Ages 80–97)

What defines them? They see volunteering as a duty to serve the community. They value face-to-face interactions and long-term commitments as a social connection they can uphold and actively contribute to. Many serve faith-based, military and local charity organizations.

Tip for Engagement

Provide structured and reliable volunteer roles. Daytime volunteering is a great option, as most are in retirement. These seniors bring a sense of pride to serving their communities, that stems from their community building after World War II.

The Opportunities of Multi-Generational Volunteering

Rather than seeing generational differences as a challenge, recognize them as powerful opportunities. While some volunteer experiences and impacts are immediate and tangible, like delivering meals or mentoring a student; others unfold quietly over time, influencing mindsets, relationships and even life paths.

Volunteering is dynamic, and that’s what makes it powerful. It not only changes communities but also transforms the individuals who take part in it.

Multi-generational volunteering is a powerful strategy to strengthen capacity, connection and engagement for nonprofits. Focus on what motivates your volunteers. Recognize them, provide incentives, and offer support based on their generational preferences.

It’s imperative to continue adapting programs to meet the evolving needs of volunteers and the communities they serve. Younger generations are primed and eager to co-create the future of volunteering. Engage with them!

By involving volunteers from different age groups, we can leverage a diverse range of skills, experiences and perspectives. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of volunteer efforts but also fosters intergenerational understanding and collaboration, strengthening the social fabric of our communities.