This document discusses generational differences between Generation X, Millennials, and older generations, and how to promote Scouting programs to parents from these generations. Generation X parents are likely involved in Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Teams, while Millennial parents are likely involved in Cub Scouts. Both generations value extracurricular activities and want to be involved with their children. The document provides information on work, income, family structure, volunteering preferences, and priorities for each generation to help effectively promote Scouting programs.

1. ADC 721
Valuing Diversity -
Generation X and the Millennials
Dr. Phillip Weiss
Twin Valley District Commissioner
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2. The Generations of Scouting
Currently ~ 35 to 50
years old, likely parents
of Boy Scouts/
Venturers/Teams
Currently ~ 19 to 36
years old, likely parents
of Cub Scouts
Currently > 50 years
old, likely District and
Council level leaders
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3. • Stereotypes abound
• Use information here to benefit the scouting
program
• Gen Y or Millennials are our Cub parents of today
• Gen X are our Boy Scout/Venturer/ Team/Post
parents of today
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4. 4

5. Reaching Generation X and Millennial Parents
(BSA Study, 2006-2010)
• Gen Xers were born between 1965-1980
• Millennials were born since 1980
• Both want their boys involved in extra-
curricular/after school programs and want to be
involved themselves.
• These two generational groups and beyond
represent our multicultural diversity target for
recruitment into Scouting and
mentoring
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6. 6

7. How Does Each Group See
Themselves?
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8. Education
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9. Labor Force Participation
• Four generations
are currently in the
workplace.
• Boomers and
Generation X make
up 85% of the
workforce.
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10. Labor Force Participation
66%
29%
3% 2%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Dual
earners
Husband
only
Wife only Neither
Percent of Married Gen X Couples Who
are Dual and Single Earners
Two-thirds of
Generation X
couples are both in
the labor force.
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11. 11
Labor Force Participation
Most Gen Xers work
full time.
94%
81%
96%
80%
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
25 to 34
yearsof age
35 to 44
yearsof age
Percentage of Gen X Workers
Who Work Full Time
Men Women
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12. 12
Labor Force Participation
More than one in four
(29%) 35– to 44-year-olds
works a flexible schedule.
30%
28%
27
27.5
28
28.5
29
29.5
30
Men Women
Percent of Full-Time Gen X Wage and
Salary WorkersWith Flex Schedules, 2004
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13. Income
The median income for
Generation X is relatively
lower than Boomers and
Millennials
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14. Living Arrangements
More than half of
Gen Xers live in
married-couple
households.
Millennials to date
have a lower rate
of marriage.
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15. Priorities
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16. Volunteering
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17. Volunteering
Types of volunteer work most commonly
performed by Gen Xers/Millennials:
1. Fund-raising or selling something to raise money
2. Collecting, preparing, or serving food
3. Tutoring or teaching
4. Transportation/general labor
5. Mentoring youth
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18. Promoting the Program to Gen X and
Millennial Parents
More family time, less contentment.
Instead of trying to fit family time around
work, they are more likely to try to fit
work around family time. They would
generally like to spend more time with
their kids.
• Selling point: “Quantity time” with their kids as
well as “quality time.”
2003 Generation X study by Reach Advisors – Marketing Strategy Group
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19. Promoting the Program to Gen X and
Millennial Parents
The 50’s style “soccer mom” is history.
Moms have a high level of education,
marry later, and have children later. They
are very diverse in their wants and needs.
Many are stay/work-at-home moms.
• Selling point: Show the variety of moms in your
advertising. They have a great potential to help
in so many ways.
2003 Generation X study by Reach Advisors – Marketing Strategy Group19

20. Dads do more at home.
Dads work to be involved in the daily lives of
their children and are more likely to play a
significant role in their activities.
Selling point: Show dads how these kid’s
activities can help them be more involved.
2003 Generation X study by Reach Advisors – Marketing Strategy Group20
Promoting the Program to Gen X and
Millennial Parents

21. Promoting the Program to Gen X
Parents
Life has not been stable.
Gen Xers were the children of divorce and
dual incomes, and were latchkey kids who
grew up by themselves.
Selling point: Convince them that your
organization is reliable and will simplify rather
than complicate their lives.
Just below the Baby Boom CCc: Generation X; Modern Donor, 2005
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22. What’s in it for me?
Because of the way this generation has been
raised and its job patterns, Gen Xers look for
what is in it for them. They want to see a
direct return on their investment of time and
money.
Selling point: ROI in terms of time and money
Selling point: Help promote education
while volunteering for a good cause.
March 2006, An Opportunity and a Challenge, Successful Meetings
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Promoting the Program to Gen X
Parents

23. Selling to Boomers and Millennials
Baby Boomers
• Many are leaders in their
professional lives; use their
expertise
• Often will volunteer
through religious
organizations
Millennials
• Use their technical skills and
promote tech oriented
activities/jobs
• Promote as a help to
parenting
• Are pack-oriented and tend
to volunteer in groups
23

24. Managing Millennials
Make Training & Mentoring a Priority
Set clear objectives – from the start
Consider the medium
Provide feedback early and often
Pause before reacting
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25. Final thoughts
• Don’t generalize the stereotypes
• Use information here to benefit the program
• Gen Y or Millennials are our Cub parents of
today
• Gen X are our Boy Scout/Venturer/
Team/Post parents of today
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26. References
• Pew Research Report
– http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2010/02/24/mill
ennials-confident-connected-open-to-change/
• “Dude, What’s My Job?” – Webinar by Brad
Karsh, JB Training Solutions
– http://www.trainingmagnetwork.com/welcome/si
lkroad_nov19
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