Engaging Young Adults in Nonprofit Governance
Today, youth more than ever want to impact and shape the future of the world they live in.
Who are the younger generations of today? Young Adults are between the ages of 18 and 22 who may have been engaged in the organization’s programs or projects as well as college students and other young adults in your community interested in non-profit leadership, internships, or potentially career opportunities. Young Professionals are between the ages of 22 and 35 who are community members just starting their careers with local businesses, partner organizations, and public and private institutions. These are two incredible resource groups for your board to consider when identifying prospective members for board service.
What are the benefits of engaging young people and young professionals on governing boards? Here are a few:
Young people bring unique viewpoints and experiences, leading to more creative and dynamic decision-making. Their diverse perspectives can challenge assumptions and drive impactful change.
Younger generations often prioritize issues like sustainability, technology, and social justice. Their inclusion allows nonprofit organizations to address these concerns effectively and connect with new stakeholders.
Including young people fosters understanding and connection with younger generations, ensuring the organization remains relevant to evolving demographics and communities.
Board service offers valuable learning and development opportunities for young people. They gain exposure to board operations, leadership practices, and diverse perspectives, contributing to their personal and professional growth.
While numerous benefits exist, boards must acknowledge some of the potential challenges. They include:
Preconceived notions about young people's lack of experience, knowledge, or maturity can create unconscious bias against their board candidacy.
When nonprofit organizations attempt to involve young people in governance, they may expect them to assimilate to the “adult” culture and practices of the boards instead of creating opportunities for younger board members to shape and strengthen board culture.
Even the typical board agenda needs to be more inclusive of generative discussions and less “sit and get” agenda items.
The importance of having diverse perspectives such as young adults serving boards is increasingly recognized as a crucial element for organizational growth. Boards that actively engage young voices are better equipped to understand and address the needs of younger stakeholders, consumers, and employees—a critical advantage in today's rapidly evolving VUCA world.
Investing in cultivating and recruiting young individuals for governance roles is not simply about inclusivity, but about ensuring long-term sustainability and relevance of your nonprofit organization.