I recently had a conversation with a colleague of mine who asked me what the best form of communication was to reach me. I immediately responded with, “Texting.”
Any guesses on their response? I’ll spare you the gory details, but let’s just say it included an eye-roll, followed by a lecture on the importance of face-to-face communication, and concluded with “You are such a millennial, just answer the call.”
I open with all of this not to talk about whether or not being a millennial is a blessing or a curse, or to reiterate the fact that they asked me what the best form was; but rather, to emphasize the last three words of that conversation: Answer the call.
We millennials – totally a blessing to be one by the way – have somehow developed a notorious reputation for being entitled, tech-addicted, and lacking the communication skills to carry on a live conversation with another person. There is a stigma that we avoid confrontation and live in an unrealistic world . . . that we don’t answer the call.
As much as I hate to admit it, there is a tiny bit of truth in that last statement.
This month’s Communique featured an article calling for AWC members to join the National Board of Directors. As a communications professional, would you consider serving on a Board?
A recent online article from ProInspire stated that less than 2% of nonprofit board members are under 30 years old, and 57% are 50 and over.
Less than 2%? C’mon Millennials, we can do better than that!
There is a myriad of articles that stress the importance of board diversity and reasons why you should join a board. But for me, the real question is why are young professionals not chomping at the bit to serve on a board? I mean, we are literally half of the global workforce and we claim to want to be a part of things greater than ourselves. Yet, we take no action.
In a recent CNBC article, John Ryan, President and CEO of the Center for Creative Leadership says that it is a common misconception that millennials are too young for board positions and that some of his greatest board hires have been young people. Ryan immediately follows that statement with “more people need to throw their hats into the ring”.
I think we are active contributors to this misconception. Had it not been for a member of my local chapter previously serving on the board and encouraging me to serve, I too would have been extremely apprehensive at the thought of serving on a Board. She sat me down and gave me the necessary loving push to throw my hat in the ring. And, my life is truly better for it.
So, consider this your loving push, from one millennial to another – answer the call.
About the Author
Yvonne is a Marketing Director for Lee Lewis Construction, Inc. As a Director on the National Board for the Association for Women in Communications, she currently serves on the Marketing Communications Committee. A native of Lubbock, Texas and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Lubbock Christian University, Yvonne earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, with an emphasis in Visual Communications. Specializing in digital media, graphic design, and brand awareness, her passion is bringing stories to life and building relationships. Outside of work, Yvonne serves on the Board for the Volunteer Center of Lubbock and the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts.
3 thoughts on “Answer the Call”
If it’s any consolation, this boomer had the same idea of serving on a board when I was in my 20’s. I thought I was too young and didn’t have the life experience. I did serve on a number of committees, though, to gain the experience I thought I needed and it did indeed help. So, if you feel you are not quite ready to serve on a board, I would highly recommend getting your feet wet by serving on a committee of an organization that represents a cause where your passion lies. I know Yvonne had such experience before she joined the AWC National Board and it made her a good candidate!
It’s important to have diversity on boards to keep things fresh and introduce different points of view. It’s especially important to have that younger generation’s point of view as that speaks to the future of any organization and its survival.
Excellent article, although my millennial years have long left me I do know that I began my volunteer life right out of college serving on several fundraising committees and became involved the Chamber as well. I truly believe my skills as a salesperson were honed due to my ability with “cold calls” we all know as volunteers how many asks we make, I currently serve on two boards Komen and the Downtown Chapter of Ambucs. So yes, answer the call in return you will have new friendships, a warm feeling in your heart and awesome contacts gained.
As a millennial board member myself, I would love to have more of my peers join us. I’ve learned so much from working on the AWC national board that I apply to my job ALL THE TIME – AND I get extra “street cred” with my colleagues.