Be firm with me and I will lay the
world at your feet. Be easy with me and I will ruin all. What am I? I am a
habit!
-Roberto Blake-
Many of the established not for profits groups are run by
the older generations and this is a good thing for they can give wisdom and
insight but it can also be a hindrance. To my surprise when I was in the middle
of creating an online directory for the community, I was shocked to find out
that some of the not for profits did not have a website or a social media
presence; therefore, I went on a mission
to find out why. It was – habit. Many were still using standard mail and phone
calls to promote their events; the concept of Eventbrite was unknown or
discouraged.
I did attend some of their events and as suspected, they had
mostly older people in the audience.
Nothing is wrong with that but how can an organization remain relevant
for the next generation without creating incentives to have them in attendance
to these cultural events? Why is everybody protecting their turf but not
including gen x,y and z? I am not disrespecting my elders but one cannot move
forward by maintaining old habits. New ecosystems will have to be created in
order to attract a younger crowd.
Here are some recommendations:
1.
Don’t feel threatened with new ways of
communicating. Young people are attached to their phones and that is the way to
get their attention. Use social media and create websites.
2.
Have relevant performers at the events. Yes, the
vintage ones can be perform but have some current artist perform as well.
3.
Don’t hate on younger people with fresh ideas
invite them to join the boards or involved in the planning committee. In other
words: no poison mouth, bad mind or red eyes. The youth bring something to the
table, which will keep your organization alive.
4.
Know your worth. Complement and don’t compete;
this is the best expansion concept one could ever move towards for your legacy
depends on it.
