Gen Y become Gen We

Generation Y are the givers not takers, according to a new report by Optus RockCorps.

According to the report, Gen Ys are the most giving of generations, as 67% are getting involved through grassroots volunteering.

See full release and infographic below:

04.03.14: The first ‘Optus RockCorps Generation We Not Me Report”, released today – is a piece of annual research examining the motivations driving Australian Gen Ys to volunteer.

The report is released in conjunction with Optus RockCorps 2014, the global movement that rewards four hours of volunteer work with money-can’t-buy-tickets to see exclusive live concerts with some of the world’s biggest music acts.

While Australian Gen Ys historically get a bad rap, the findings in the report show they donate more than 16 million volunteer hours per month, valued at $260 million each month. Most volunteers (58%) have maintained or increased their volunteer work over the last year.

Jan Owen, CEO of the Foundation for Young Australians said, “Despite common misconceptions about their apathy, young people today are generous, passionate and socially-minded. They not only want to give back to society but, crucially, want to give back in a way that’s effective.” 

“Whether it’s starting a social enterprise or pursuing volunteering to further their career, young people are leading the biggest social change movement we've seen for decades. By identifying what motivates them to volunteer we can continue to support and inspire young people for years to come.”

Through research, case studies and interviews, the report unearthed five new distinct Gen Y volunteering tribes, and identifies changes to society, technology and culture that are creating a shift in the way these tribes contribute their time and money.

The Five Gen Y Volunteering Tribes – what motivates Gen Ys to give back and why?

Tribe 1. The RAWs (The Ready and Willing): Keen to literally get their hands dirty, RAWs don’t shy away from hard work.

·         67% of Gen Ys get involved through grassroots volunteering compared to 62% of Gen Xs and 64% of Baby Boomers.

·         The most popular volunteer places are community groups (37%), educational institutions (30%), charities or non-government groups (29%) and environmental organisations (22%).

Tribe 2. The New Philanthropists: This group is keen to donate to charity and has high expectations of what their money can achieve.

·         One in five young people (20%) regularly donate to charity, but the way they give and what they expect in return is changing.

·         Gen Y philanthropists are using crowdsourcing platforms to access capital and create new products and services that benefit the environment and society.

·         Even those from low income households dig deep, with 17% donating regularly and 39% occasionally.

Tribe 3. DIY Change-makers: If DIY change-makers don’t like something, they’ll use their ingenuity and technology to try and change it.

·      More social enterprises are starting to emerge as young people create jobs for change. This isn’t surprising given 46% of Gen Y volunteers feel strongly about helping a particular organisation.

·      It’s not about self-promotion either, only 3% of volunteers are looking to share the experience on social media.

Tribe 4. The Passions Pursuers: This group volunteer for causes they are passionate about.

·      53% are professionally motivated by giving something back and making a difference.

·      32% volunteer because it enhances their CV or career prospects and 31% volunteer to gain experience in a particular field.

·      Gen Ys are also independent thinkers, only 7% volunteer due to influence from their parents.

Tribe 5. The Loudspeakers: These Gen Ys aren’t afraid to speak up for what they believe in and align with organisations that empower them to do something different.

·      With access to fast and effective ways of communicating, Gen Ys can galvanise vast numbers of people quickly to campaign for change.

·      49% follow at least one not-for-profit organisation online and 65% receive emails and newsletters from non-profits

·      What’s more, 75% ‘like’, retweet or share non-profit content on social media, and 46% donate online.

Helen Maisano, Associate Director CSR at Optus said, ‘The ‘Optus RockCorps Generation We Not Me Report’ uncovers that Gen Ys are motivated to make a positive impact in our communities, but in different ways to in the past. From strategic corporate philanthropy and funds management, right down to the most grass roots of activities, these are the initiatives that inspire Gen Ys to make a real difference.

“Through the Optus RockCorps program we want to reach out to Gen Ys who have a willingness to help, but may not know where to start. We empower them to become the next ‘DIY change-makers’ or ‘Passion Pursuers’ of the future.”

This year’s Optus RockCorps concert, presented by Nokia will be held at Luna Park on March 12.

For more information visit www.OptusRockCorps.com.au