Here are three statements and a cluster of questions, all confirming and extending what I said in The triple whammy of an ageing boomer cohort and the need for generational change in voluntary societies, published here on this blog a year ago. The first has been edited from a local club newsletter (I have chosen not to identify the club) and the others were responses to my blog post.
Phil (Townsville) said…
In early 2010 I joined the committee of The Club as Vice President. Although asked about serving a higher office I believed it to be inappropriate for a Johnny-come-lately to do that: it might injure toes of longer-serving members of the Club. From the lofty role as our VP I moved to the role of Secretary in either 2012 or 2013. … Almost a year ago at our AGM I became the President. This has been an honour and a privilege…
Since I am no longer resident in Townsville, I am soon to be the immediate-past-President of the Club. Not only that, I am the outgoing Secretary as well. Occupying the dual roles has also made things difficult for me and the Club at this time.
It is a pity that there was insufficient interest shown by the body of our Club in filling the executive positions at our last AGM. This means that the Club will have essentially a new Committee this year. Some of us have been on the committee for 12 years or more, and some have been on the executive for 5 or 6 years as well. I think it will be good to have some continuity on our committee, whilst bringing in new ideas, although I do have some concerns about the future directions our Club may take. …
David (country Victoria) said…
In Gippsland, there have been a number of volunteer organisations (sporting and cultural) that have gone into recess in the last ten years due to no younger people taking on the work, and lots of talk about problems in attracting younger volunteers/members.
As for gender balance, it’s about the same here at 4 or 5:1 except for the sports that are typically male dominated such as football and cricket.
Margaret’s choir’s gender balance is closer to 3f:1m, and the average age would be 55. She doubts there are any choir members under 40 and there are several over 80.
Marg and I both stepped down from positions in Lyric Theatre we had held for many years in the hope or expectation that younger people would step up. Both positions have remained unfilled for the last three years. I think that experience is pretty common.
Neil (suburban Melbourne) said…
Clubs and committees and participants and volunteers. All very interesting and valid observations. I would like to add another.
Over the past 30 years there has been an increase in Government and national and state controlling bodies demands for compliance with regulations and qualifications to be a volunteer helper at your club. The post-baby-boomers have been encouraged to pay-to-play and they are doing the same for their children. Clubs have become commercialised and the sub-40-year-olds treat them like the 24/7 gym. With flexible 24/7 work hours and social media and huge choice in activities the club structures of the past are under stress.
Sorry for the delayed response but I was busy being President and Coach and First Aider and Treasurer’s assistant for canoe club and volunteering at a school Easter fete.
David again…
Further thoughts/questions without answer: Have young people (18-35 year olds) turned their energies to forms of engagement other than the traditional sport or cultural clubs? Such as Extinction Rebellion, Save The Koalas, Greening Australia, save The Brumbies, Sea Shepherd, or just being more selfish and partying or backpacking overseas more? Or is the answer simply that more of them have to hold down multiple jobs in order to pay the rent/mortgage, and are too tired to contribute as a volunteer?