Generation Z Looks to Get Involved With Relief Efforts

As the crisis continues, we’re seeing its impact increase all over the world. DoSomething.org has been conducting weekly surveys to learn more about how Generation Z, those who are between the ages of 13 and 25, are handling the crisis. While these young people are consuming information related to COVID-19, many are hungry for a distraction, looking for content that is funny (63%) and wholesome and feel-good (52%). However, two out of three Gen Zers believe that going back to “normal” activities would feel too risky.

Fifty-seven percent are feeling a sense of frustration, 49% are feeling nervousness and 93% are feeling concerned. Yet, this generation is still taking action. In fact, Gen Zers are taking social distancing seriously (83%), changing their consumption habits (63%), buying local (53%), fostering connection through reaching out to someone who may be struggling (68%) or creating a virtual event to bring their community together (48%).

Further, many are looking for ways to make a difference. Only 8% aren’t looking to get involved in efforts to make a difference in light of COVID-19. Interestingly enough, over half of Gen Zers want to get involved with nonprofits on the front lines of relief efforts, while 40% are also concerned about issues not getting enough attention and want to engage with nonprofits addressing issues non-related to COVID-19.

“Maybe it would show people who are ignorant of environmental issues that humans are the root cause of those issues, and after the outbreak is controlled and quarantine is lifted, we can take action to help the environment around us by reaching out to authorities to pass laws.” — a 17-year-old from New York.

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Editor's Note: This "Survey Says..." column was originally published in the May/June print edition of NonProfit PRO. To see the original article, click here.