Millennials. Generation Y. No matter what you call them, the big-dreaming generation loosely categorized by birth years ranging from the early 1980s to the early 2000s is motivated to make a difference.
Indeed, a four-year study by Achieve and the Case Foundation indicates that – given their collective drive to get involved and give – Millennials are poised to become the Next Greatest Generation. As a result, there are many efforts underway – both nationally (e.g., the Knight Foundation’s numerous projects to tap into and mobilize Millennials) and right here at home – to engage this wave of changemakers.
Take Elliot Forsyth, a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors who once managed Brasserie Ten Ten and The Mediterranean in Boulder. “I’m not a fan of the word ‘philanthropy,’” he said. “There’s a stigma around that word. It sounds like charity that’s too big for the average person to tackle, and connotes financial giving only.
“For me and most people I know, terms like volunteering, giving back and a passion for helping are more grounded, and more relevant to the breadth of ways to get involved – from donating time, energy and money, to just being active and helpful in your community, your neighborhood and at home, maybe offering emotional support to someone in need.”
As a member of Bolder Young Professionals who’s looking forward to serving on the Foundation’s grants committee this fall, Forsyth’s giving mindset is second nature. “We [Millennials] want to make the world a better place, and I’ve learned that nonprofits are usually the way to go.
“With the two restaurants, we did a lot to support culinary students. We were also involved with the American cancer and liver societies, and Rocky Mountain Chefs. But there are other ways to give back, not just through organizations…on a smaller scale, sometimes it’s a matter of being there for someone who’s going through a divorce or a medical challenge, or needs help paying their bills.”
For example, Forsyth helped create the Danan Schufman Fund. “Danan was a sommelier with Frasca Food & Wine, and one of my good friends,” Forsyth said. “In his memory, the Fund awards scholarships to those seeking a career as a sommelier or in the culinary arts. Those sommelier tests can get pretty pricey.”
As a changemaker himself, Forsyth also believes in personal mission and duty. “As a standup contributor in society, I believe we all have a duty to help people who are in some way needier than ourselves. And I believe that it’s important to be forward-thinking, and to realize that investments of time, energy and donations today will benefit our children, and our children’s children. Being involved in your community isn’t just about today, it’s about having a meaningful impact down the road.
“That’s why, after leaving the restaurant business a couple years ago, I wanted to get more involved again. The Community Foundation is well-run, and I like the variety of giving options it presents.”
Similarly, Nate Samek – who supports Children’s Hospital and the National Gay Pilots Association, and serves on The Open Door Advisory Committee – prefers to roll up his sleeves to make change happen. “I’ve always wanted to give back to the LGBT community,” he said. “I’m gay myself, and have found that being directly engaged in something you care about is the most rewarding.
“Previously, when I was in college and didn’t have money, I donated my time and experience to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Now, I also donate money. But I’m an emotional person, so seeing the direct results of being directly engaged is still my preference.”
As a Registered Client Relationship Specialist at Baird Private Wealth Management, Samek, who turns 30 in November, is proud of the firm’s commitment to philanthropy. “We have the Baird Foundation and our annual Baird Gives Back Week in which the entire firm participates, and many of our clients, too. Giving is a big part of our culture.”
Through Baird, Samek’s charitable activities also include support of A Precious Child and Imagine!.
“In my generation, it’s about personally reaching out and giving time,” he continued. “It’s also a matter of how you were brought up, and whether giving was part of your early learning. I know that some schools are trying to focus on getting kids out there, actively learning what it’s like to help others…and teaching them that you can help and make a difference, even if you’re not really well off.”
Interestingly, both Forsyth and Samek prefer direct phone calls, texts and email communications as a means to stay connected to their giving activities and interests. “Twitter, Facebook and other channels have gotten too cluttered and time-consuming,” said Forsyth. “Technology has its place, but in-person engagement is better.”
Here at the Foundation, we’re excited to tap into the talents and advance the aspirations of local Millenials in a variety of ways, including our partnership with Bolder Young Professionals, our Leadership Fellows program, EFCO, and opportunities to serve on our grant committees; as well as through social media engagement. For more information about giving and serving in Boulder County, contact Maegan Vallejo at Maegan@commfound.org.
