Apparently we oldies – over fifty-fives – aren’t volunteering enough.
In a damning survey of charitable attitudes among different age groups, a third of Britons said nothing would persuade them to leave the comfort of the sofa or the warmth of the pub in order to make a difference in their community. This figure rose to 47% of over-55s – compared with just 12% of 18-24s.
Given that the charity sector takes money from me by force and then gives fat salaries to its executives or kleptocracies in the third world, my sympathy is measured in minus figures.
Dan Jones, director at the innovation charity Nesta, which carried out the research, said the notion that the “baby boomer” generation wouldn’t volunteer was a “real worry” for the sector. “The voluntary and charitable sector really relies on those over-50s with a bit more time on their hands,” he said. “If people now hitting that age range aren’t going to be helping in their community but just thinking about themselves and going to Alicante, or whatever, we’ve got a challenge ahead.”
Um… Tough, frankly. I apply the same litmus to this as I do to donations. If they cannot get people to give then there is not enough enthusiasm for their product, so it goes under. This is as it should be.
As for me, I work five or six days a week, travelling the length of the country, getting up at dreadful hours in the morning and getting home late in the evening. I have neither the energy nor the inclination to give to my community. They get my taxes. That is sufficient. Their challenge is no concern of mine and I won’t be losing any sleep over it.
“Dan Jones, director at the innovation charity Nesta, which carried out the research, said the notion that the “baby boomer” generation wouldn’t volunteer was a “real worry” for the sector.”
But a quick look through your accounts, Dan, reveals that Nesta’s a charity in the same way a career criminal is a businessman.
In fact, I’d imagine putting people off helping charity wouldn’t be considered a bad thing by many as they could use it as an excuse to increase government spending.
As you say, they’re getting it from taxpayers and, indirectly, too: many +55yr olds act as carers for parents and grandchildren, and isn’t a large percentage of +65 yr olds still working? Like you, I work long hours – my leisure time now amounts to spending a little time reading blogs and making short comments!
Jay
You also have to remember that charities have made themselves past of the ‘Social Justice’ section of society. They are populated with 99% of Guardian reading Lefties. Thus they are completely inhospitable environments for anyone of a less socialist leaning. And given the old are generally more right wing (or as I would say, just more sensible) its not surprising that they don’t want to get involved with ‘charities’ whose main aim is not the alleviation of poverty, or helping animals or whatever, but rather political action based on promoting socialism.
What’s an “innovation charity”?
“If people now hitting that age range aren’t going to be helping in their community but just thinking about themselves…”
Well, it seems the younger generation only think that way. Why should we be different?
There was a time when I innocently assumed that any contribution to charity was automatically a good thing. The reason that I am much more reluctant to support Charities now is that I know much more about them. Many are not charities at all as they are funded with taxpayer’s money. Many have objectives that are somewhat questionable, the phrase ‘more harm than good’ is one that comes to mind. I also resent the comment “just thinking about themselves”. Actually I do think about myself and those closest to me first and foremost. That means that I support myself and my family by my own efforts. As a result I am a net contributor to the society that I find myself in. As I see it, it would be a lot more prosperous society if everyone who is able did the same.
I’m 57 and won’t be able to retire for about nine years. After I do, if I do feel the need to volunteer to fill my time, I will probably want to support the sport of triathlon. This is because it has given me so much in terms of enjoyment and better health and I would love to give something back. I doubt very much that I will be giving any time or money to Dan Jones and the innovation charity Nesta.