Finding baby boomers in your community

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Abstract

Knowing how to recruit the baby boomers — from motivation to marketing strategy — has been written about and studied in great detail. This effective practice, submitted by Temple University in April 2008, addresses the where in this equation. Since the baby boomers tend to be a nontraditional group, programs might not always find them in customary places.

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Issue

Given the size of the Boomer cohort (nearly 78 million strong) it's not hard to find someone in this age group. The challenge is to find people who are over 50 who might have the skills or experiences you are looking for, and are a good fit for your organization.

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Action

Engaging baby boomers as volunteers requires a shift in thinking — including ideas about where to find likely volunteers. The following is a list of places where programs might successfully recruit this population:

Recreational/Cultural

  • Library book clubs
  • Golf and tennis clubs
  • Special interest groups (e.g. Audubon Society)
  • Book clubs
  • Theaters and arts schools and centers
  • Gyms and health clubs
  • Musical venues
Civic Organizations
  • Fraternal organizations (Masons, Elks)
  • Social organizations (Rotary, Kiwanis)
  • Sororities and fraternities
  • B'inai B'rith
  • 100 Black Men, Concerned Black Men
  • Ethnic Coalitions (e.g., Chinese Business Museums Association, African Cultural Association)
  • Knights of Columbus
Educational/Religious
  • Faith-based institutions
  • Adult education classes
  • Lifelong learning programs
  • Alumni organizations
Health Organizations
  • Hospitals
  • Hospice organizations
  • Community clinics
  • Doctor's offices
Work Related
  • Pre-retirement workshops
  • Businesses that allow time off for community service
  • Professional Associations (e.g. Retired Teachers)
  • Unions
  • Chambers of Commerce
IntermediariesAging Advocacy Groups
  • AARP
  • Professional retiree organizations
  • Senior Centers or clubs
Senior Housing Organizations
  • Retirement communities
  • Assisted living
  • 50+ housing communities
Neighborhood/Community
  • Neighborhood Associations
  • Local businesses
  • Community festivals or fundraising events
  • Bookstores and coffee shops
  • Restaurants
  • Grocery stores

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Citation

Tip Sheet #4, Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning, 2007.

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Posted On

April 8, 2008

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For More Information

Training Division
Temple University, Center for Intergenerational Learning
1601 North Broad Street USB 206
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: (215) 204-6970

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Resources

From the Resource Center Library:
Baby Boomer Volunteerism Resources, compiled by Resource Center staff.
Item no. R3147

Related Practices

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