Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: What Does It Take to Mobilize Gen Z into Changemakers?

Host: Dr. Rob Harder
Guest: George C. Addis
Release Date: January 6, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harder engages in a profound conversation with George C. Addis, the founder of The Resolution Project. The discussion centers on mobilizing Generation Z (Gen Z) as effective changemakers within nonprofit organizations and broader societal movements.

Mobilizing a Global Movement with Gen Z

George Addis begins by emphasizing the foundational elements necessary for building a successful movement. He states:

“Once you realize that you have that common purpose, you have that spark building a movement, it's, yes, about motivating and energizing groups of people, but it's also about giving some real thought to how the systems need to move and change and evolve to help people move beyond that.”
(04:43)

Addis highlights the importance of not only galvanizing passion but also ensuring systemic changes to sustain and advance the movement. He underscores the significant appetite among Gen Z for public service, noting that:

“About 70% of Gen Zers are open to public service. That’s a huge number.”
(04:43)

This statistic underscores the potential impact Gen Z can have when properly mobilized.

Dispelling Misconceptions About Gen Z

Addressing prevalent stereotypes, Addis challenges the notion that Gen Z lacks grit or resilience. He shares his firsthand observations:

“We find Gen Z students with energy, drive, push ideas, brilliance really.”
(05:43)

Addis explains that instead of viewing Gen Z as complacent, their drive to seek better solutions and innovate is a testament to their strength and determination. He further elaborates:

“They're some of the toughest people out there.”
(06:47)

Overestimating Experience vs. Embracing Youth Innovation

Addis discusses the common bias where experienced adults may undervalue the fresh perspectives of younger generations. He posits:

“The best power that we have as a community... is when we bring those things together.”
(07:06)

He advocates for a collaborative approach where the adaptability and innovative thinking of Gen Z complement the seasoned expertise of older generations, creating a synergistic effect in tackling societal challenges.

The Importance of Youth-led Innovation

Highlighting the critical role of youth in driving innovation, Addis encourages stakeholders to actively engage with young minds:

“Innovation is sometimes born from just a brand new perspective and letting go of a lot of the things that we assume that we know or that we assume that we understand.”
(10:23)

He emphasizes that providing Gen Z with resources and support can unlock transformative solutions, as evidenced by young leaders achieving significant milestones at early stages of their careers.

Maintaining Hope and Investing in the Next Generation

When asked about sources of hope, Addis attributes his optimism to the proactive engagement with youth:

“Investing in young people can take a lot of forms... from a kind word to a big gift or donation to an investment in a business.”
(13:02)

He believes that small acts of support can collectively foster an environment where Gen Z thrives as changemakers, thereby sustaining a hopeful outlook for the future.

Overcoming Barriers to Engaging Young People

Addis identifies societal polarization and post-pandemic social reticence as barriers to meaningful engagement with youth. He advises:

“Don't assume... be curious, be kind, be generous in your thinking.”
(15:36)

By approaching interactions with openness and curiosity, organizations can bridge gaps and foster genuine connections with Gen Z.

Scaling a Nonprofit Organization

Reflecting on his journey with The Resolution Project, Addis shares insights on scaling a nonprofit:

“We never set out to start a nonprofit. We set out to really galvanize a community around this.”
(19:16)

He attributes their growth to community-building and strategic partnerships, transforming competition into collaboration. The integration with Enactus, enhancing their reach to 50,000 students annually, exemplifies this strategy.

Leadership Development for Young Social Entrepreneurs

Addis emphasizes the cultivation of self-awareness, accountability, and continuous learning among young leaders:

“Encourage them to build self-awareness, to build accountability mechanisms, and to really spend a lot of time building learning into every aspect of their work.”
(23:53)

He underscores the reciprocal nature of leadership development, highlighting that even nonprofit leaders must invest in their growth to effectively mentor the next generation.

Supporting the Next Generation in Policy

Looking ahead to political support for youth, Addis advises future administrations to:

“Talk to young people... involve young people... create resources, create opportunities.”
(26:54)

He insists that engaging Gen Z as active stakeholders and partners is crucial for addressing future challenges and unlocking their potential.

Recruiting Gen Z into Nonprofits

Concluding the discussion, Addis offers actionable advice for nonprofits seeking to integrate Gen Z into their teams:

“Lead with purpose... embracing people for the fullness of themselves... recognizing their potential and their agency.”
(28:41)

By fostering a purpose-driven environment and valuing the holistic contributions of young individuals, organizations can attract and retain Gen Z talent, enriching their missions and operations.

Conclusion and Contact Information

George Addis encourages listeners to connect and learn more about The Resolution Project:

“Visit resolutionproject.org... follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.”
(29:55)

Dr. Rob Harder wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of integrating Gen Z into leadership roles to amplify nonprofit impact and drive societal change.

Key Takeaways:

• Gen Z Possesses Significant Potential: Contrary to negative stereotypes, Gen Z is driven, resilient, and eager to engage in public service and social entrepreneurship.

• Community and Collaboration are Essential: Building movements requires fostering a sense of community and leveraging strategic partnerships rather than competing for resources.

• Youth-led Innovation Drives Progress: Gen Z brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions crucial for addressing complex global challenges.

• Investing in Youth Fuels Hope: Providing support, resources, and opportunities to young changemakers sustains optimism and facilitates meaningful societal transformations.

• Purpose-Driven Leadership Attracts Gen Z: Nonprofits that emphasize purpose and value the holistic contributions of individuals effectively recruit and retain Gen Z talent.

For more insights and resources, visit resolutionproject.org and follow The Resolution Project on Instagram and LinkedIn.

This summary is based on the podcast transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the core discussions and insights shared by Dr. Rob Harder and George C. Addis.