While working on volunteering program I often hear confusion volunteering should be by choice, its just engagement how we will measure impact to address this I want share summery of recent summit which I attended and sharing consolidated learning of the discussion. Recently, while attending the Karma Summit—a yearly gathering for like-minded CSR leaders—I had the opportunity to witness the remarkable growth of
Goodera
and its founder,
Abhishek Humbad
, since 2016. His humble approach and vision have turned Goodera into an extended part of our teams.
During a panel discussion, I shared the stage with esteemed CSR and volunteer leaders
Balakumar Thangavelu (Bala)
, Shilpa from
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
, and
Morgan Stanley Investment Management
@Shalini Singh. @venkatesh for
EY Technology Solutions
We discussed long-term volunteering and its role in enabling Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. Here are some key takeaways:
- Long-Term Commitment: Effective long-term volunteering requires specific skills and a steadfast commitment to giving back.
- Selective Participation: Not every employee may be ready for long-term volunteering, leading to fewer participants. However, the impact—whether through mentoring, supporting small entrepreneurs, or aiding NGOs—is profoundly transformative.
- Mutual Learning: Volunteering is a two-way street; while we give back to the community, we gain valuable insights and experiences in return.
- Healing Experience: In today’s demanding work environment, volunteering can be a healing experience. It is crucial to support this with appropriate rewards, recognition, impactful stories, and feedback mechanisms to continually improve.
- Impact Beyond Funding: Community engagement should not solely depend on the size of funding or partnerships. If all corporations contribute their skills, time, and expertise, the impact on civil societies and government bodies will be far greater.
- Sense of Ownership: Frontline workers who volunteer often develop a deeper sense of ownership and belonging.
- Balancing Frameworks: While working within HR, compliance, and legal frameworks is necessary, having the right intentions can empower programs. It’s up to corporate leaders to navigate these frameworks to either facilitate or hinder progress.
- Phases of Volunteering: A co-panelist shared an insightful analogy: volunteering can be seen in three phases—tourist, traveler, and transformer. The "tourist" explores various opportunities, the "traveler" deepens their involvement, and the "transformer" is passionately invested, creating significant change. We should offer opportunities for all three phases.
Founder President Books for All. Providing Better Educational Opportunities to Lesser Privileged & Visually Impaired Children. Committed to Providing a Book in Every Child's Hand. Skilling Urban Youth to Become Job Ready
7 个月#Booksforall is a volunteer driven, Noida based NGO operating in Education sector since 2010. We welcome individual and group volunteers to organize events in our libraries operating in Primary schools.
Training Specialist || Leader- Amazon transportation services If there’s something strange in your performance Who you gonna call? “The Trainers”
7 个月Volunteering plays a crucial role in the success of community programs, allowing them to achieve their goals more efficiently. By fostering deeper engagement and extending the reach of CSR initiatives, volunteers amplify the impact of these efforts. Long-term volunteering, as highlighted at the Karma Summit, has the potential to reshape CSR goals, driving sustainable and meaningful change within communities. It helps organizations not only measure but also enhance the tangible outcomes of their initiatives, ensuring that their contributions lead to lasting positive effects. Through volunteering, individuals and companies alike can make a profound difference.
Senior Consultant at Excellent QHSE Services LLC
7 个月Great Going Manisha !!!!
Sr Director Engagements, Goodera I Sustainability & CSR Leader & Coach I Shared Parenting Champion I Founder Milaap, Support Group for Non Custodial Families I
7 个月Wonderful to have you in the panel, leading conversations and during the Summit
Helping leaders with internal communication strategies and execution to achieve higher agility and action | Ex-Unilever Corporate Communications
7 个月Congratulations and very valid points! Manisha Patil (She/Her/Hers)