The Heart of Our Work

Last year, the Corporation for National and Community Service reported that Generation X had a volunteer rate of nearly 30%–higher than any other generation. Yearly, this group, born between 1964 and 1984 contributed over 2 billion hours of service to their favorite causes. As a person that falls into this demographic, it is astounding that so many of us find those hours to dedicate to charity. Between careers, education, families, friends, and just getting by, one would think the life of a “Gen X-er” is pretty full. Yet, over a third of us find the time to volunteer.

Variety New York, is fortunate to have a dedicate group of young professionals, many of which are from Generation X, who lead our Young Variety group. This group supports Variety New York by volunteering with us and our grantees, raising funds through events and campaigns, and offering feedback and counsel on the organization’s overall strategic priorities. While all of our volunteers are drawn to and want to contribute to Variety New York’s mission to transform the lives of children through the arts, it is also important to reflect upon and understand that there are benefits that come from this type of service for the volunteers.

As a member of a volunteer group, a young professional can reap several benefits beyond that warm fuzzy feeling of doing good. First, joining a network like Young Variety streamlines the process of getting involved in the community for members. Members don’t need to do their own research and or educated guessing about what potential charities to support or volunteer opportunities will be worthwhile. When the groups and opportunities have been vetted by the network and the parent organization, the volunteers are ensured a quality experience. Second, young professionals in these groups have the opportunity to network with their peers as well as potential mentors that can support them in their professional pursuits. Especially during the first 10-15 years of their career, this type of network can be invaluable to helping individuals make the next move. And, finally, young professionals can gain valuable leadership experience by being a part of a committee or board that plans events, volunteer days or other campaigns to help a nonprofit.

Overall, the Young Professional network model is a win/win for all involved. The members gain all the above benefits while contributing to a cause they care about and the charity gets the support of a brilliant, caring group of volunteers, among which may just be a future board member or donor.

If you are interested in learning more about Young Variety visit https://varietyny.org/get-involved/young-variety or contact us at [email protected]!