How Generation Z Can Get Involved and Make an Impact

Generation Z, commonly nicknamed Gen Z, Zoomers, centennials, and the internet generation, is a diverse population of individuals born between 1997 and 2012. As one of the Gen Z employees, I am very much aware of the expectations that come with the “Gen Z” title. We are the people older generations count on when they need to figure out their Apple ID password (P.S. we all know figuring out other people’s passwords is almost impossible), decipher the meaning of a popular phrase they keep seeing on the internet (phrases like “lit”, “sus”, “sip tea”, “cap”, “low key”, and “hits different”), learn how to order a Starbucks coffee right from the app, or figure out why everyone is so obsessed with TikTok.

At United Way of Palm Beach County, we know the importance of ensuring that younger generations like ours have as many opportunities as possible to get involved with us and serve our community as our organization continues to grow and evolve. We want our current and new Generation Z supporters to be able to combine their one-of-a-kind Gen Z qualities with their passion for serving the community.

Here are reasons why Generation Z should get involved with United Way of PBC:

1. Our principles and values align with yours. A survey found that 51% of us would ensure that a brand was aligned with our own values before making a purchase or commitment. If you’re anything like me, your private investigator mode goes into full effect when you’re scrolling through a brand’s website and social media to see if they have done or said anything you find problematic (or “sus”) before you decide to give them your time and money. United Way of PBC’s guiding principles and values are: Caring, Inspiring, Innovative, Approachable, Trustworthy, Dynamic, and Results-Oriented. These principles and values guide us in everything we do as we serve our community every single day. Wouldn’t you want to be known as these things too? If you are someone who shares our values and feels it is important to give your time and money to an organization you can stand behind, United Way of PBC is the perfect choice.
2. We value diversity and inclusion just like you. A study that surveyed 630 Americans found that nearly 80% of us Gen Zers said it’s important for brands to address diversity and inclusion. Our generation values knowing that a company or organization we support employs and serves people who look just like us. I know that when I walk into the United Way of PBC office to begin my workday, I am going to see and interact with people of diverse backgrounds. Our diversity allows our team to have the firsthand perspectives and knowledge necessary to truly fight for our diverse community. Through our influence in Palm Beach County, United Way of PBC seeks to bridge equity gaps to build an open and inclusive community. We are committed to celebrating individuals and amplifying every voice. For more information on how we implement diversity and inclusion at our organization, click here.
3. We make it easy to engage with us face-to-face and digitally. Generation Z isn’t called the “internet generation”, or “iGen” for short, solely because we love browsing the internet looking for memes when we’re bored or pretending to work (don’t tell my boss this). Many Gen Zers participate in social media advocacy and want to raise awareness to the brands and causes they care about the most from the convenience of their phones. A 2019 survey found that 75% of Gen Z responders said being politically or socially engaged is very important to their identity. In addition, 63% said they primarily informed themselves about social and political issues through social media. United Way of PBC is active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok so members of our community can always see what we’re doing and see how they can get involved. As both a Gen Zer and the marketing manager operating our social media platforms, I am constantly implementing new ways to better engage with and inform my generation. For those of you ready to volunteer, we also offer opportunities to volunteer with us in-person and virtually throughout the year. For a list of all our upcoming events, click here!

Now that you know why getting involved with United Way of PBC would be a great way to serve our community and make a difference in the lives of Palm Beach County residents, we want you to know how you can take the next step.

1. Register for our next volunteer opportunity! Whether you’re volunteering alone, with friends, or with family, we have plenty of volunteer opportunities available to fit your schedule. Click here to reserve your spot.
2. Sign up to become a mentor! Our mentor program is looking for people 18 and up to become a mentor for kids in Palm Beach County. It takes 1 hour a week to impact a child’s life! Click here to apply.
3. Donate to help us serve the needs of our community! Every dollar counts. Click here to donate.
4. Join our newsletter email list! Our newsletters are a great way to stay informed and get involved. Click here to sign up!

As Generation Z, we make up approximately 23 million people. That is 23 million voices to be heard and 23 million people who can make an impact in our community. Let’s show the older generations what we can do!

Footnotes

Stahl, Ashley. “How Gen-Z Is Bringing a Fresh Perspective to the World of Work.” Forbes, www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2021/05/04/how-gen-z-is-bringing-a-fresh-perspective-to-the-world-of-work/?sh=62f8011a10c2. Accessed 7 Oct. 2022.

Carrasco, Mario. “Council Post: Gen Z: Brands Need to Prioritize DEI and Gender Liberation.” Forbes, www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2022/03/01/gen-z-brands-need-to-prioritize-dei-and-gender-liberation/?sh=35d1c0c874ab. Accessed 7 Oct. 2022.

MacColl, Margaux. “These Statistics on Gen Z & Activism Will Make You Wish You Did More as a Teen.” Bustle, 2 May 2019, www.bustle.com/p/statistics-on-gen-z-activism-show-they-want-to-get-involved-they-just-need-to-know-how-17179280.