Generations in Scouting

2. Generations in Scouting • Understand generational differences as another aspect of diversity • Consider how these differences impact each generation • Think of generational diversity in the context of the “adult led, youth run” unit • Learn ways to work together across generations for a better future

4. What is a Generation? A group of people born in the same time frame with common cultures and attitudes

5. What Difference Does It Make? Different generations have different values, experiences, learning methods, attitudes, behaviors and motivational buttons

6. We just have celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Scouting in America How has Scouting Changed over those 100 years?

10. Generational Differences Are Another Type of Diversity Within Scouting

11. Three Attributes of a Generation • Perceived membership in a common generation • Common beliefs and behaviors • A common location in history

12. Who Are They? • Greatest Generation Born Before 1928 • Silent Generation Born - 1928-1945 • Baby Boomers Born - 1946-1964 • Generation X Born - 1965-1980 • Millennial Generation Born - 1981-2000 Millennials - A Portrait of Generation Next, PewResearchCenter, February 2010

13. How Are The Generations Different? They Have Different Traits and Core Values Work Ethic Moral Values Religious Beliefs Racial and Social Tolerance Political Beliefs Use of New Technology Music Preferences Respect They Show Others

14. Why Are Generations Different Those in Each Generation Were Shaped By the Events and Experiences that Occurred During Their Formative Years

15. Let’s Look At What Events and Experiences Shaped Each Generation

16. Silent Generation – 1928-1945 • The Great Depression • Roosevelt’s New Deal • Attack on Pearl Harbor • World War II • GI Bill • The Korean War • Radio and Telephone

17. The Baby Boomers – 1946-1964 • Watergate • Cold War • Race Riots, Civil Rights • Vietnam • Woodstock • Space Travel • Assassinations • Credit Cards • Television

18. Generation X – 1965-1980 • Fall of the Berlin Wall • Watergate • Desert Storm • Latchkey kids • Divorce • AIDS • Energy crisis • Video Games

19. Millennials – 1981-2000 • Columbine • Oklahoma City bombing • Princess Di’s death • Clinton/Lewinsky • Social networking • The Challenger Disaster • Technology

20. How do the Different Traits and Core Values Manifest Themselves in a Generation • Expectations • Communication skills and styles • Commitments • Motivation • Diversity • Training background • Productivity • Engagement • Feedback • Evaluation style

21. What Are Their Values? What is Their Mindset?What is Important to Them?

22. Common Characteristics of Those in the Silent Generation • Loyalty • Hard Work and Sacrifice • Respect for Authority • Conformity • Duty Before Fun • Leaders should lead/troop should follow

23. Common Characteristics of Those in The Baby Boom Generation • “Me” generation • Internally driven and Competitive • Question authority • Live to Work • Not always comfortable with technology • Leadership style – consensual, collegial

24. Common Characteristics of Those in Those in Generation X • Independent and self-confident • Resourceful, want to be self-sufficient • Desire a work-life balance • Result oriented, averse to meetings • Look for a personal connection • Leadership style – based on competence

25. Common Characteristics of Millennials • History’s first “always connected” generation • Most racially and ethnically diverse generation • Confident, optimistic, and open to change • Looking for challenges, respect and feedback (high maintenance) • Value free time, Work hard/play hard • Leadership style – inclusive, averse to conflict

26. Why Is This Important To Us? • Scouting never has been more diverse in gender, ethnicity, or age of volunteers • The differences between the volunteers and youth never has been more pronounced • The challenge is to create a cohesive team to address the specific needs of the council, districts, units and scouts

27. Adult Led, Youth Run

28. The Four Generations of Volunteers Brainstorm as a patrol to consider the generational differences

29. Working With The Silent Generation • Capture their wisdom and experience contributions • Help them adapt to and embrace new technologies • Provide flexible ways for them to be involved in scouting • Make them mentors • Recognize and applaud their achievements

30. Working With The Baby Boomers • Offer them opportunities for leadership roles and responsibilities • Motivate them on their terms • Respect their experience • Make them mentors • Give them recognition

31. Working with Gen Xers • Challenge them • Give them structure and direction and let them go for it • Vary their experiences • Support their lifestyles and let them work on their own schedule • Give them respect, feedback and recognition

32. Working With Millennials • Recognize and make use of their technological orientation and knowledge • Take advantage of their willingness to volunteer, give them meaningful assignments and provide a variety of experiences • Foster collaborative processes or efforts • Be specific about expectations and give feedback constantly • Make it fun

33. Value Each Other • It’s not us against them • Communicate!! • Generations are willing to learn from and work with each other • Find a shared vision and work to make it happen

34. Zits Comic Strip Communication!