Tips for Engaging Teens
FS: What is some advice you can share with nonprofit organizations looking to engage this demographic?
MS: The best advice we can give nonprofits hoping to engage the teen demographic is:
- No money. We never require money or fundraising for participation in any of our programs or opportunities. Teens work hard for the money they earn in their summer jobs and allowances. There are far better things they can do with their energy and creativity than walk door to door collecting pennies. We want their ideas, their passion and their action! They can have an impact without picking their pockets.
- No cars. Only a third of 16-year-olds have access to a car. As soon as you require a car, you exclude the majority of teens. Engage them in the places they already are or have access to like schools, community centers, sporting events, etc.
- No adults. Don't require adult supervision. As soon as you require an adult, teens know you don't trust them — and you won't get their best.
The application deadline for the Do Something Awards is March 16. According to the Do Something Web site, "five winners will receive a minimum of $10,000 in community grants and scholarships. Of those five winners, one will be selected as the grand prize Do Something Award winner. That grand prize Do Something Award winner receives a total of $100,000 in community grants. The Do Something Award community grant money is paid directly to the not-for-profit of the winner’s choice. All winners have the option of receiving $5,000 of the total money awarded in the form of an educational scholarship."
For more information, visit www.dosomething.org
