Millennials and community engagement are reshaping how change happens today. In this episode, Lindsay discusses how millennials prioritize authentic relationships, values-based action, and social responsibility. Their approach is transforming leadership, philanthropy, and the way organizations connect with their communities.
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How This Generation Uses Community Engagement and Philanthropy to Drive Their Goals and Social Activities
“Part of our DNA and our role on this earth is to take off the blinders in order to look around and spend time with other individuals.” Share on X
Last week, we explored micro-donations, instant gratification trends, and the reality of our ultra-connected world.
Now, with the great transfer of wealth underway, millennials are revolutionizing philanthropy.
This generation is weaving volunteerism into everyday life—for passing time, corporate team-building, and even setting personal bests (PBs).
Importantly, millennials see themselves as teammates in the fight for change. They co-own hopes, goals, and visions for individuals, communities, and, ultimately, the course of history.
When you combine these ideals with their rally-cries for engagement, you get a generation poised to reshape the social, environmental, racial, and political spheres. Millennials are set to lead the next wave of humanity’s future.
A Conversation Rooted in Real Stories
In this episode, Lindsay sits down with her cousin Michaela—a true example of a millennial who does good while having fun.
Together, they dive into a real human story. They talk about ideals, motivations, and peer behaviors around volunteer engagement. They also discuss shifts in giving since COVID-19, corporate employee engagement, and micro-acts of kindness.
Michaela Colbert, now Vice President of Life Sciences and Healthcare at Silicon Valley Bank, grew up deeply connected to her community.
Her family instilled a sense of responsibility, awareness of privilege, deep empathy, and a strong desire to take meaningful action.
Today, fueled by those early lessons and her own aspirations, Michaela volunteers and fundraises for causes that ignite her mind, body, and spirit.
The Millennial Impact
Are all millennials deeply caring and committed to changing the world?
Of course, it’s impossible to say for certain. However, those who are engaged are doing so loudly and proudly—cheerleading the way for others to follow.
The real question is: how do we engage them—and how do we keep them engaged for the long term?
In this episode, Lindsay and Michaela talk about millennials’ natural attraction to philanthropy.
They explore why virtual events have become—and will likely stay—an effective strategy for nonprofit organizations. They also dive into why corporate volunteerism and giving opportunities matter more than ever.
Tune in for an inspiring and personal conversation that highlights millennials at their best.
This is a joyful, motivating episode that will leave you with a newfound admiration for this dynamic, impact-driven generation.
“I think my peers have a really intense desire to play a big role in philanthropy and the community, but don’t always know how to.” Share on X
Key Takeaways:
(02:08) – How Michaela’s upbringing transformed her into a passionate and conscious leader of her generation.
(07:51) – Is kindness a common value among millennials? How the genuine wish to make a difference motivates individuals to impact their communities in creative ways.
(10:28) – Passion is a vehicle for philanthropy: falling in love with a cause and finding the right organization.
(18:56) – How the migration to virtual models has transformed frameworks, boosted creativity, and led to more honest and genuine conversations within the nonprofit ecosystem.
(25:41) – A work-life integration: a model for corporate encouragement of service as an employee retention strategy.
(32:03) – When in doubt, plan it out: how nonprofits can keep the virtual lifestyle sustainable and relevant in the uncertainty of COVID-19 with a calendar of events shared with engaged volunteers to opt into for long term commitment.
Connect with Michaela
Connect through LinkedIn
Episode Resources
The Seven Faces of Philanthropy by Russ Alan Prince
Michael’s brother Matt’s “Internal Health Check” from a CSER standpoint
Our Cook cousins’ organic farm in Maine: Skylandia Farms
Our cousin Rivera Sun’s social justice best selling books (acclaimed as a must read for youth in National Geographic, July 2020; and Silver Nautilus Award, recipient May 2020)
