Boards, Move Over - Let Youth Lead!

Let’s keep it real: nonprofit boards that look like they've been carved from granite (i.e., older and less nimble) are missing out. Younger board members—whether Millennials or Gen Z—bring fresh perspectives, digital savvy, and deeper community connections. But they’re often left out.

Ready to change that? Let’s dive in and get your board ready for the future!

1. The Numbers Say It All

• In the 2021 BoardSource “Leading with Intent” report, only 9% of nonprofit board members are under 35, while 69% are aged 45 or older

• Boards are aging—just 30% of board members were under 44 in 2021, and 56% were under 54.

• Yet the U.S. workforce skews much younger—nearly 14% are aged 25–34, and by 2025, Millennials will comprise 75% of the work force.

  
  

Lesson: Younger folks are the future—but boards still aren’t inviting them in. Time for change.

2. Why You Absolutely Want Younger Board Members

Fresh Lenses & Digital Fluency

Younger board members are digital natives who intuitively navigate social media and emerging tech platforms—skills nonprofits increasingly need.

Boosted Performance & Innovation

Did you know that organizations with younger directors tend to be more profitable and adaptive? Boards spanning ages 30 to 75 deliver the most value in decision-making dynamics.

Bigger Network, Bigger Reach

Millennials are the largest generation in U.S. history—about 83 million strong, outnumbering Boomers by 20 million Having them on your board isn’t just inclusive—it’s a no brainer!

3. Recruit Without the “Young Advisory Group” Catch-All

Traditional “junior boards” are often pitched as pipelines—but they can feel like a kids' table. A better approach:

• Let Millennials and Gen Z members serve on full governing boards—not just separate groups where they’re siloed.

• When Millennials are given real decision-making power, the results speak for themselves—some moved from junior board members to chairing the whole board!

  
  

4. Keep Them Engaged…Because They Will Bounce If You Don’t

Give Purpose, Not Plaques

Younger board members care about real impact—not prestige. Use metrics and storytelling to show how their contributions are moving the needle.

Offer Flexibility

Millennials and Gen Z often juggle careers, families, side hustles—so remote participation, asynchronous communication, and mobile tools are a must-have.

Create Leadership Opportunities

Let them own projects—rather than just “sit”—and their commitment will follow. Autonomy and responsibility are top motivators.

5. Start Small: Low‑Commitment Pathways to Trust

Before inviting someone to the board, let them dip a toe in:

• Volunteer for a special project or fundraising event.

• Join a committee or serve as a task force co‑leader.

• Use these touchpoints to both build trust and model your culture before asking for a full commitment.

6. Build Intergenerational Rapport

Workplace studies show that teams composed of Baby Boomers through Gen Z can experience friction—from emoji misunderstandings to style clashes. Only 6% of organizations feel they manage this well.

Solutions:

• Reverse Mentoring: Pair older board members with younger ones for mutual learning (e.g., tech insights for strategic wisdom.

• Intergenerational Workshops: Tackle generational biases head-on and build empathy across age groups.

• Encourage servant leadership, where board leaders uplift and support all voices, regardless of age.

  
  

7. Diversity that Goes Beyond Age

Invite younger voices—and value who they are. Boards are also underrepresenting people of color and those with disabilities. In 2021, only 22% of members identified as racial or ethnic minorities, while Census data show over 42% of the U.S. population falls into those categories.

Power move: Recruit outside your network—think affinity groups, local partners, nontraditional pipelines. This isn’t just fairer—it strengthens your board’s insight and impact.

Conclusion: Boards, Move Over - Let Youth Lead!

If your boardroom looks the same as it did a decade ago, it’s time for a shake-up. The future of nonprofit leadership depends on our willingness to share power, embrace innovation, and invite new generations to the table—not as tokens, but as partners in change.

Younger board members bring energy, urgency, and ideas that move missions forward. They challenge “we’ve always done it this way” thinking and push organizations to stay culturally relevant, tech-savvy, and community-centered.

✨ Here’s the truth: The most sustainable boards are intergenerational, inclusive, and unafraid to evolve.

So, if your organization is ready to future-proof your board with diverse, younger voices who can lead with creativity and conviction—let’s talk. Reach out to me, Christal M. Cherry at TheBoardPro.com to start building a board that looks like the future you’re fighting for.