The power of people: Part I.

The United States is a nation of givers. Americans donate their time and money to a multitude of causes and charities. The average individual donates 4.2 hours per week and gives because they feel they owe something to their communities. Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of Points of Light Foundation, said, "Volunteering isn't simply something nice to do, it's necessary for the health of our democracy. America runs on the spirit of volunteering."

Yet, in spite of our history of service, volunteerism is a growing issue for organizations such as MTNA. The majority of Americans find themselves living in insecure financial times that require two incomes. As mothers have joined the workforce, the traditional volunteer base has declined. In addition to economic changes, we are experiencing generational changes. The Pre-Boomer Generation is disappearing fast--the generation that believed in service and self-sacrificing for a higher cause, and supporting the institutions they believed in. The upcoming generations put a dollar value to their time and ask, "What is in this for me?" And they don't jump behind a cause unless it directly benefits themselves or their children. They are working for balance, setting priorities and making time to have a life outside of work. So, while most Americans are willing to volunteer, and are volunteering for specific causes, they have much less time and want to place it where they see the greatest benefits.

This profile can be discouraging to an organization in need of many willing hands, but once we understand why our old methods may not work in today's world, we will be able to devise new solutions that will allow our organization to continue to flourish. Let's take a look at yesterday's model compared to today's paradigm.

Old Model

* People had time to serve.

* People served for altruistic reasons.

* Women were home and available.

* Men worked; women volunteered.

* People had more time than money.

* People served wherever needed.

* Recognition and praise were sufficient.

* All work was done by volunteers.

* Time commitment was open-ended.

* Large volunteer pool allowed for leadership by committee.

* Highly skilled people were often used as "stamp lickers."

New Paradigm 

* People have limited time.

* People will volunteer if it benefits themselves or their children.

* Women work, limiting their options.

* Both genders work; both volunteer.

* People have more money than time.

* People ask "WIIFM?" (What's in it for me?).

* People need personal rewards.

* Some jobs may require paid positions.

* Time commitment must be defined.

* Smaller volunteer pool may require one

* leader and a task force.

* Volunteers are used in their highest and best capacity.

Recognizing the changing nature of volunteerism is the first step in succeeding in the new world paradigm. We must face the reality that our organization must adapt to the changing times. New times require new methods. In the next issue, we will explore specific techniques for attracting and retaining volunteers.

Geri Cheney, NCTM, is an independent music teacher, adjudicator and lecture. She is MTNA's Southwest Division president.

This is the first of a two-part series about the changing world of volunteerism. This column focuses on traditional volunteerism as compared to today. The second part of this series will appear in the February/March 2004 AMT.