By: Michelle Ruben
Organizations across the country show their gratitude and appreciation for all the volunteers who serve year round helping others achieve their mission. National Volunteer week, April 23-29, 2017 was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week.
In the United States, Points of Light Hands on Network has 250 action centers where they “put people at the center of change and connect them to their power to make a difference.” Hands on Network is led by a diverse team that blends business smarts, network experience and passion for the sector. Points of Light provides resources for individuals, families, companies and non-profits. Find opportunities in Illinois.
Photo Courtesy of: HandsOn Network – Voluntarios de Panamá at their Annual National Beach Cleanup Day.
Getting Started on Your National Volunteer Week Journey
Another great resource to get started this Spring is to explore this article written in Make It Better which specifies exactly which Chicago nonprofits are eagerly looking for volunteers and donations to help make this world a better place. Some of these amazing opportunities include dining with seniors, empowering young girls, greater Chicago food depository, and environmental Forest Preserve Preservation.
Crain’s Chicago 2016 Giving Guide highlights 5 effective tips for corporations to give back
- Make a donation: The financial crunch for nonprofits is especially tight. State cutbacks have negatively impacted groups such as A Safe Haven.
- Volunteer: Schedule a corporate team building day at the Chicago Food Depository or hands on tasks such as painting with Habitat for Humanity.
- Pro Bono Service: Nonprofits need the help of professionals, such as attorneys, accountants, marketing, website development and other specialists willing to donate time and expertise.
- Sponsor An Event: Nonprofits are best supported when their fundraising efforts are infused with corporate names, dollars and commitment
- Provide Product: Restaurants and retailers provide clothing, food and unused household items. In 2015, the Cubs supplied a bounty of autographed team merchandise and collectible items for fundraising auctions and raffles to nonprofits, raising over $800,000 last year. “We feel we have a social responsibility to help local nonprofits,” says Connie Falcone, director of community affairs at the Chicago Cubs.
Ruben Digital is Actively Involved in Philanthropy
Locally, our founder Nate Ruben, is passionate and actively involved in the Rotary Club of Northbrook. The Northbrook Club is part of the 71 clubs that make up District 6440 which meets weekly in communities throughout Northeastern Illinois. Rotary International is an international service organization whose stated purpose is to “bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world”. It is a secular organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, or political preference. Later this month, District 6440 Conference will be held 4/29-4/30/17 in Lincolnshire, IL. During this event, they are having a 7K run/ 3Kwalk to support End Polio Now and Feed My Starving Children. Read our previous post about Corporate Social Responsibility highlighting additional ways Ruben Digital gives back to the community, such as our involvement with the Hunger Resource Network.
Nate Ruben (Far left) with other members of the Northbrook Rotary at one of their meetings in March 2017.
Social Responsibility is a Must
Social Responsibility is a means of achieving sustainability. Adopting key social responsibility principles such as accountability and transparency can help ensure the long-term viability and success of any organization or business. Today, corporations know that millennials hold the buying power and require transparency. Millennials are very brand loyal but are also very socially conscious and want to know that their buying power is going to companies that are reinvesting in their communities.
April promotes social awareness through its recognition as National Volunteer Month and an entire week dedicated to giving back. We acknowledge those who provide selfless service with gratitude and encourage others to offer their own random acts of kindness. When we open our hearts and help those in crisis, currently less fortunate or make someone’s day a little brighter, it’s the powerful universal message that everything is going to be alright.
