Bridging the Masonic Generation Gap

Sources: A. Gustafson, AAUW Membership Committee ChairC. Jones, AAUW Director – Membership-2005MWB R. Conley PGM MI - Stick ball to star warsMWB N. Neddermeyer PGM , MN

Bridging the Generation Gap

The Goal of this session is to identify: Who are today’s potential “new

brothers”? How do you reach them, get them to join and ultimately keep them?

What membership resources are available to help you? How do you show the “value of belonging” to our organization

Bridging the Generation Gap

Targeting new audiences for membership growth Who’s out there? How do you understand them? How do you use that knowledge to

communicate with them? How do you get them to join?!

Reaching out to different generations is a key to growth, our largest “new” audience is vast.

Who are they? How do we understand them better? How do we communicate with them so they

see the importance of being a Mason?

Bridging the Generation Gap

Bridging the Generation Gap

Who’s out there? The Silent or Greatest Generation

Baby Boomers or Baby Busters

Generation X

Generation Y: otherwise know as “Nexters” or “Millennials” or “Generation Next

Bridging the Generation Gap

The Silent or Greatest Generation

Born before 1946; strong traditional views of religon, family, and country.

Focus: include respect for authority, loyalty, hard work, and dedication. Security, stability and now health care are their main issues.

Known as “joiners”, Many joined Masonry Like the written word in a formal format (few

pictures) and Came through the ranks (ie paid their “volunteer

dues”) to ultimately take leadership.

Bridging the Generation Gap Baby Boomers or Baby Busters

Born between 1946 – 1964; did not experience the same difficulties as their parents.

Were influenced by the civil rights movement, women's liberation, the space program, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War.

They are known to place a high value on youth, health, personal gratification, and material wealth.

Baby Boomers are optimistic and believe their generation changed the world. Personal values, respect and success - main motivators.

Bridging the Generation Gap Generation X

Born between 1965-1980 Tend to be nontraditional, interested in new concepts and

products and have a global mindset. Called the “misunderstood” generation.

Often thought to be lazy, selfish and “don't want to get involved.”

In reality: need personally relevant value – the answer to “What’s in it for me?” and want active participation as problem solvers.

Key motivator is an enjoyable experience.Main sources: Cynthia D’Amour, “Engaging Generation X Members,, and Phyllis I. Pieffer, “Globalization, governance and generational issues”, American Music Teacher, Dec04 Music Teachers National Association, Inc

Bridging the Generation Gap Generation Y

Born between 1980-2000; have no recollection of the Reagan era, do not remember the Cold War, and have known only one Germany. Their world has always had AIDS, answering machines, microwave ovens, and videocassette recorders.

This generation includes more than 81 million people, approximately 30%, of the current population - and are greater in number than the Baby Boom generation.

They will influence changes in the work environment, just as the Baby Boomers did in the past.

They will join us but they need to be listened to. They demand input.

Source: Sherry L. Clausing, Doris L. Kurtz, Judith Prendeville, Janet Lynn Walt, “Generational diversity—the nexters”, AORN Journal, Sept, 2003

Main sources: Cynthia D’Amour, “Engaging Generation X Members, and Phyllis I. Pieffer, “Globalization, governance and generational issues”, American Music Teacher, Dec04 Music Teachers National Association, Inc

My generation is viewed positively by other generations.

30% of Boomers said NO

24% of Traditionalists said NO

And for Xers 60% said NO

Source: When Generations Collide, by Lynne C. Lancaster and David Stillman published by Harper Press

What can be done?

Change focus of “us” to “them”Learn that Membership is the

only reason for our existence.Focus on important things, not

extemporaneous things.Give them what they want.

Bridging the Generation Gap

Communication Tips: Mature Generation: Build trust; face-to-face; written; more formal Baby Boomers: Speak in an open direct style; answer questions directly

and expect to be pressed for details Generation X: Learn their language and speak it; use e-mail as your

primary communication tool; talk in short sound bytes to keep their attention; share information with them immediately and often

Generation Y: Let your language paint visual pictures; use e-mail and voicemail as primary communication tools; constantly seek their feedback

Source: S. L. Clausing, D. L. Kurtz, J. Prendeville, Janet Lynn Walt, “Generational diversity—the nexters”,

Bridging the GapWhat challenges & opportunities do these

differences bring?

New ways of doing business

Have younger members chair committees usually reserved for the elder

Use of ad-hoc committees for short-time commitment

The new meeting – high tech gadgets on site; CD’s to take back with them; what to offer if they can’t attend?

Source: C. W. Zust, M.A., “Baby Boomer Leaders Face Challenges Communicating Across Generations

New Member Bonding Steps

Listen to the new member No man stands alone Make it personal Concentrate on the right things

Understanding the Difference

40 years ago “Top Down Management” was expected and respected

Today “Servant Based Leadership” is expected and respected.

Understanding the difference in peopleMakes the difference