Enticing and Engaging the Modern Volunteer
When you think of United Way, or possibly any nonprofit for that matter, one may immediately think that the topic up for discussion is "will you make a monetary donation to our cause?" While monetary gifts and investments are how nonprofits (of all sizes) stay operating and can help those in need ... much more is required to be successful, sustainable, and impactful.
United Way of the CSRA prides itself on being an important part of our surrounding communities for 83 years now. Outside of the traditional donation sense, we look to provide and help create year-round engagement opportunities to local residents and employers. Whether you are part of a workplace who already runs a fundraising campaign for United Way, or a small group of citizens looking to give their time and talent, we recognize that volunteering is the engagement activity modern employees seek.
"Volunteer activities bring a modern sense of humility and warm fuzzy feels to our next generation of advocates - if done correctly."
Brittany Burnett; President & CEO - United Way of the CSRA
As we think of how workplaces are evolving - so are their employees. Take for instance the term "community service" ... which nowadays comes across as so 1980's. We are focusing on changing the stigma and perception of what was once called community service (or a labor of love) to now "year-round engagement." There isn't just one big volunteer activity a year anymore ... we must create a culture of year-round community impact to remain relevant and significant to our community - and donors.
"With over 35% of today's American workforce being millennials (those ages 21 to 36) we must evolve how we engage and invite them to participate in activities."
Jeanette Settembre; Marketwatch.com - April 2018
So what have we done to evolve our impact through volunteer activities? Great question!
Over the past few months, United Way of the CSRA has engaged closed to a dozen employers (and their employees) through on and off-site activities. Whether it be making snack packs, putting together blankets, or getting dirty and putting muscles we didn't know we had to work, we are changing the way people see and read the word "volunteer".
Here's just a quick recap of our latest partnerships paving the way to new, modern engagements:
Over this past summer, Textron had 100 employees volunteer in our office, helping with marketing material packets and special event decorations. Several interns wrote over 150 "Notes for Success" cards that went to local 5th grade students in need of an encouraging and positive note.
Outside of our office, several employees visited our partner agencies, such as the Ronald McDonald House, Boys & Girls Club, and SafeHomes, helping to organize their supplies, sanitize and fold laundry, complete light maintenance tasks and more.
Additionally, Textron and their RPM program participants volunteered for our Stuff the Bus - School Supply Collection Drive. There they helped unload, organize, and count over 30,000 items that were collected by area residents, companies, and even themselves!
Between Plants 1 - 4, employees collected ten boxes of school supplies for our annual Stuff the Bus - School Supply Collection Drive in July.
This month, approximately 11 bags worth of jackets, blankets, and socks were dropped off at our office for the less fortunate and homeless after a month long collective drive on-site.