If you are contemplating using your Web site to communicate here are some numbers to check out before you send out that Web address.

• 62% of people surveyed about their Web site use said they become frustrated if a site takes more than 30 seconds to load.
• 34% of those who are frustrated give up and go elsewhere
• Slow loading graphics, like frames, increase the frustration.
• Most people stated they preferred sites with fewer and smaller images and gimmicks.

Fifty-one million Americans were born between 1964 and 1978. They were dubbed the Generation X. And the "slacker" stereotype was applied. There are widespread misconceptions about this generation. Increasingly these people are bristling at being classified by those old ideas. Here are the myths and why they aren't true.

• Xer's are disloyal. Not so, say Bruce Tulgan, author of Managing Generation X. As this group of people entered the workforce, big business and government were downsizing and re-engineering. There were lay-offs galore. These shrewd folks know that you can no longer rely on established institutions for security. They prefer short-term positions that allow them to act independently and with realistic view of the future.
• Xer's are arrogant and don't want to be told what to do. For this generation there was a great deal of time alone. Parents were often divorced or both working outside the home. They also tended to be more permissive as parents, than their parents. The young Xer's learned to fend for themselves. It made them independent problem solvers and quite entrepreneurial.
• Xer's have short attention spans. This generation lived through the information revolution. Name the technology; cell phone, computer, Internet, Web, fax, and the Xer's learned to use it to communicate. They are quite often voracious learners who sort through masses of information at a fast pace and know how to use technology to help them do that.
• Xer's demand immediate gratification. The world of the Xer has changed more rapidly than any preceding generation. So fast it is dizzying. The only thing this generation can rely on is that things will change. They constantly check and monitor things and seek regular feedback. Raised in a culture of immediacy and uncertainty, they expect quick response or input.

• Do not select people as volunteers who will not fit the personality of your organization. They will grow frustrated and you will be, too. Don't try to change people once you have brought them on as volunteers. Capitalize on what they do best and let them go to it!
• Tell volunteers exactly what you expect---outcomes-not "how to's." Then get out of the way and let the volunteer perform.
• Inspire individuals, not groups. No amount of kudos in the monthly newsletter or online update can substitute for knowing volunteers and what motivates and moves them.
• Not everyone can succeed. Sometimes all the coaching, training and mentoring are just not enough. Help a volunteer understand that it is a mis-match. Help them find the right job, maybe in the same organization, but a different department. Or maybe in a setting more suited to their personality and motivations.

DAILY POINTS OF LIGHT AWARD FORMS AVAILABLE

The Points of Light Foundation has forms available to nominate volunteers and volunteer organizations for the Daily Points of Light Award. It is designed recognize individuals and groups that demonstrate unique and innovative approaches to community volunteering and citizen action, with a strong emphasis on service focused on the goals for children and young people set by the Presidents Summit for American's Future.

The award is given five days a week, excluding holidays. If you would like nomination forms, contact Crystal
Hill at 202-729-8000.

1-800-VOLUNTEER

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Copyright by Nancy Macduff.

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