Despite comprising 22% of Waterloo Region’s population, young individuals are notably underrepresented on various Boards. Statistics Canada reveals a stark contrast: while 65.8% of local non-profit organizations cater to youth, the median age of board members typically ranges between 50 and 54.
The Gen Z on Boards project, funded by the Astley Family Foundation, aims to bridge this gap by offering training, mentoring, coaching, and aligning youth with boards that align with their interests and directly impact the community. By integrating youth onto boards, they can offer invaluable perspectives to address the issues that deeply concern them. Simultaneously, organizations focused on youth services will gain enhanced tools and skills.
One of the highly anticipated sessions at the BootCamp – Transformative Impact of Gen Z on Boards – was focused on understanding Gen Z, their impact on non-profit boards, and the different strategies organizations can use to recruit and retain Gen Z board members.
“I hope attendees walked away from this session with a deeper understanding of the generational shift that will take place on boards and an enthusiasm to engage and hire Gen Z board members,” stated Erika Hornsey, Capacity Canada’s Executive In Residence.
The session included a panel discussion with four participants of the Gen Z on Boards program. They talked about their journey, learnings and what they hope to do next.
By involving youth in governance training, the project aims to imbue solutions with a youth-centered lens, particularly in governance approaches and frameworks. This approach will empower youth and boards to collaborate confidently, working collectively to address the pressing issues that resonate within their community.
Fatima Awan, who has been part of the Gen Z on Boards project and is involved in advocacy and outreach work, says her work is a way of giving back to the community. “My goal is to empower other young adults so they have the leadership skills and knowledge to be part of a non-profit board. Gen Z on boards can bring transformative change, which is imperative.”
A driven and passionate individual, Tanner Bergsma’s commitment to community service and aspiration to effect meaningful change led him to embrace the opportunity to be a part of the Gen Z on Boards program. “I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to learn about being on the board. To be honest, it’s kind of daunting and I had no idea of how to approach an organization and offer my skills. I knew this program will help me get my foot into the door but I did not realize I would learn so much!”
With a background in accounting and finance, Ben Van Wart is on a mission to leverage his skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on his community. “For the last couple of years, I have been planning to join a board when I graduate, but I was unsure how to do so. When I saw the Gen Z on Boards program, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to foster my skills and help me achieve my goal.”
Ben hopes to achieve multiple objectives through the Gen Z on Boards program. “By the end of the program, I hope to not only be placed on a board but to have also refined my governance knowledge and soft skills that will make me a valuable board member.”
Allen Mathew Joseph joined the program to connect with like-minded individuals. “I heard about the Gen Z on Boards program through the Conestoga College website. The idea of gaining experience in board governance and understanding how non-profits operate piqued my interest. I wanted to connect with like-minded individuals and expand my professional network,” said Allen, who is pursuing a Strategic Global Business Management program at Conestoga College.
To learn more about the Gen Z on Boards project, visit our website.
