To engage the next generation, start by meeting them where they are—online. Gen Z and Millennials value digital interaction, so use social media platforms to tell your organization’s story through compelling visuals, videos, and short, impactful content. Go beyond the standard appeal by creating peer involvement opportunities—whether through digital advocacy, crowdsourced fundraising challenges, or immersive experiences that allow them to engage directly with your cause. They are deeply committed to causes like climate change and social justice, so align your mission with their passions. Most importantly, remain authentic—this generation values transparency and real-world impact. Engage them as partners, not just donors.

Connecting with younger stakeholders in your nonprofit? Easy! First, ditch the formalities—this generation thrives on authenticity. Engage them through social media (yes, that means TikTok too!). Share real stories, not just stats—make them feel the impact of your mission. Don’t forget: Gen Z loves collaboration, so ask for their input and let them contribute in ways that matter to them. And hey, a meme or two never hurts to lighten things up! 😉 The key? Be genuine, keep it fun, and show them they can make a real difference. They'll be hooked before you know it! 🎯

Use our active listening skills without judgement. .

It seems so simple but complex. One thing I do is listen and ask questions. What do you want? What are your needs. What resonated with you? I was at a college conference and one of the participants made a request using something I never heard of. I got out of my way and am learning so we can implement the request.

Bridging intergenerational knowledge is essential for fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and achieving long-term outcomes within the development ecosystem. The insights, wisdom, and experiences of the older generation will always serve as a vital foundation for mentoring younger professionals, promoting continuity, resilience, and strategic thinking in tackling complex challenges across sectors. When experienced leaders actively engage in knowledge-sharing, they not only empower the younger generation to build upon established frameworks but also challenge them to think critically, adapt to emerging trends, and capitalize on the vast opportunities offered by technology and digital solutions.

A women's land rights project I worked on focused on engaging young stakeholders as one of the key components. What I found helpful was to engage young facilitators on my team and train them to lead community outreach initiatives. This proved to be very effective as the young facilitators easily connected with young stakeholders and introduced innovative mobilisation strategies. I was there in the background to provide technical support and to mostly just marvel at the great work.

Show them that you truly value their feedback and contributions! Publicly recognize and thank them for their input and ideas. Everyone wants to have a voice and be heard, no matter how big or small. Make sure you highlight how their feedback has influenced decisions or changes within the organization. Don't forget to follow up with them: Share updates on how feedback has been both acknowledged and implemented. This demonstrates that you take their opinions seriously and encourages ongoing dialogue.

Realize that younger stakeholders bring a multitude of experiences. Those experiences include educational, travel, and technological gifts. Encourage mentees and help them understand what they bring to the table. Additionally, this generation is not only laden with leadership in the future but currently also.