At 77 million, baby boomers have power and non-profits should pay attention to them. That’s what a recent article listed in Nonprofit Charitable Orgs Newsletter, Top 8 Tips for working with Baby Boomer Volunteers points out.

As they begin to retire, many of them are turning to volunteer work in non-profit organizations.

But, the boomers are not like their parents. They are better educated and are knowledgeable about social issues. They want positions where they can make a difference. If you can provide them with a volunteer environment that is challenging and one that they can learn from ---they will dedicate themselves to your organization. They’ll do more than volunteer – they’ll give, advocate, and get involved in many ways.

Today’s boomers also use the internet as one of their primary information sources and that’s a good thing for volunteering. Help them be successful by providing them with the web based tools and resources they need to work offsite. (And make sure these tools are easy to use! Even though baby boomers are getting more tech savvy, few of them would want to waste their time on an incomprehensible software program). (We sure do hope that Wild Apricot tools are easy enough for them - making our membership management, event registration and website tools easy to use is our top priority).

Here are more tips for turning them into your best volunteers and supporters.

1. Respect Their Schedules
2. Treat Them as Colleagues
3. Develop Opportunities That Really Matter
4. Remember That Volunteering Is Optional
5. Make Sure You Are Organized and Professional
6. Train With Relevance
7. Reach BoomersThrough Their Peers
8. Recruit Boomers at Work

 (Read the whole article - it’s worth your time!)