Western Bay Volunteering with Theo Ursum Volunteer WBOP centre manager

The ageing society already has a large effect on local not-for-profit organisations.

The rural organisations, in particular, heavily rely on this experienced and dedicated group.But the voluntary sector has a lot of work ahead if it is to retain their goodwill and their time.

Older volunteers feel strongly about the causes to which they give so much time, and sometimes they can be wary that their loyalty might be taken for granted.

As our society gets older and the baby boomers retire in greater numbers, this will become more evident. Will volunteers with expansive, often challenging careers behind them settle for sitting at supermarkets to fundraise, or will they expect and demand more?

And how will not-for-profit organisations adapt to attract a retiring generation which is more confident, more experienced and knows exactly what they want?

At the other end of the spectrum, young people are looking to volunteer shortly and sharply. They want to give their time in exchange for something – for example Curriculum Vitae merits or work experience.

They want immediate results, and most likely they move on after this short burst. Organisations have the challenge of managing this approach next to a volunteer that's been dedicated for years.

Which poses the question: When coordinating both generations, how will organisations mix and manage the elderly with the younger generation? Who will be the future volunteer generation?

I believe our society is changing and evolving, and volunteering trends will change with it.

In my opinion, organisations need to adapt volunteer programmes to suit generational volunteer requirements rather than assuming that it will all fall into place.

Volunteering Western Bay of Plenty refers volunteers to local not-for-profit organisations, assists organisations with their volunteer programme, and promotes volunteering in the Bay in general.