Giving Back. Getting More. Getting Connected

- RI’s Businesses filling the gaps through
Employee Volunteer Programs & Skilled Based Engagement -

Does the company you work for-or the one you manage-have an employee volunteer program (EVP)? That is, does it have a planned, managed effort to motivate and enable employees to effectively volunteer in Rhode Island? If not, then your company is behind the curve and missing a chance to meet their goals for success.

An executive survey of the Points of Light Foundation (POLF) & Volunteer Center National Network (VCNN) (now known as Points of Light Hands On Network), reports that nearly 70 percent of top U.S. companies have an employee volunteer program. EVPs can provide employees the opportunity, often on paid time, to clean up litter, collect and distribute food to the hungry, build houses for the poor and displaced, coordinate and assist at athletic competitions for the physically challenged or teach children with learning disabilities how to read. More recently, a Summit on Corporate Volunteerism convened in New York City in early February of this year and focused on taking that concept one step further - encouraging employees to use their professional skills in volunteer work.

Rhode Island’s workforce is very talented, and when companies engage them in volunteer service with local nonprofits exciting things happen,” says Janice Pothier Pac, executive director of the Volunteer Center of RI. “It’s a prime example of a ‘Win-Win’ relationship -- the companies benefit and so do our communities.”

With so many of RI’s nonprofit and social service agencies facing increasing challenges to addressing key social and economic issues and meeting the needs of the community, the benefits of having companies willing to donate people, perhaps with critical skills is obvious.

Surprisingly though, the benefits that a business can realize are even greater. First, being involved in your community is part of being a good corporate citizen. Its helps establish an account of good will that enhances your company’s reputation. Other benefits include:

• Improved employee morale, commitment & productivity
• Reduced absenteeism & tardiness among staff
• Cost effective leadership training, team and skill building tool
• Reinforced ties to the community in which business is being done.

 
The POLF/VCNN study suggests that the trend toward greater corporate civic responsibility is seen in leading companies in all industries and in all regions of the country. Nearly three out of four of the Fortune 1000 companies have EVPs, leading the way for smaller businesses. Here in RI both, large scale corporations and smaller family owned business are following the trends AND setting examples both locally and nationally.

Washington Trust Company received national recognition for their employee volunteer program at the annual conference on Volunteering and Service held in Washington DC in 2005 and were honored locally by the Volunteer Center of RI. Exemplifying the model of a good employee volunteer program by matching the needs of the company and its employees, as well as the community, throughout its 207- year history, Washington Trust has exhibited its commitment to the communities it serves by providing assistance to those in need through both financial and voluntary contributions. Employees are encouraged to give back through such programs as “Reach for the Stars”, “Care Days” and their annual Peanut Butter Drive which supports the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

“Community service is more than a program at Washington Trust,” said Elizabeth B. Eckel, senior vice president, marketing. “It’s an essential part of who we are as a company and as individuals. Our employees take pride in their volunteer efforts and enjoy helping those in need. In 2007, 60 percent of the Bank’s employees volunteered, serving more than 14,000 hours of their time.

Koch Eye Associates, the leader in eye care services throughout Rhode Island also leads by example in the community with its long history of volunteerism. “I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility to be actively involved in community projects and encourage my employees to do the same,” said CEO Peter Koch.

One of the most extraordinary benefits of working with Koch Eye Associates is the opportunity to participate in Koch Eye Care Days. This annual event, organized by the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island, matches employees with volunteer opportunities in over 25 nonprofits in the state.  “There are so many nonprofit organizations that must rely heavily on volunteers and the donations of corporate philanthropists. I wholeheartedly believe that it’s our responsibility to help them achieve their goals and thereby, help ourselves and the community in which we live.”

Arpin Van Lines, specializing in family and business relocations as well as storage, has been “Creating Customers for Life” in Rhode Island for over 100 years. “Here at Arpin Van Lines, we feel it is our duty and privilege to give back to the communities in which we live and work. Its our way of saying thank you for allowing us to make this place a home for our growing national and international business”, said David Arpin, president and CEO of Arpin Group, Inc., the parent company of Arpin Van Lines, Inc. Employees stay connected to the community throughout the year by transporting food and gift donations to families during the holidays, participation in monthly “dress down” days for charities, and educating children about the importance of recycling.  The company has also been providing storage and a distribution point for Scouting fundraisers.  

Those are just a few examples of the successful employee volunteer programs making positive impacts in RI’s communities. Businesses such as Hasbro, Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, Fidelity, CVS, UPS and others have been successfully engaging their employees and other company resources each and everyday to improve the quality of life here in the state that they do business and the communities in which they rely on to make them successful and strong as well.

If your company doesn’t have an employee volunteering program, don’t be too upset; it is easy to get one started. To learn how or for more information on the benefits to businesses who engage their staff in service of this kind, contact the Volunteer Center of RI directly by calling 401.421.6547 or visiting www.vcri.org . It’s never too late for your company to expand its ability to Give Back, Get More and Get Connected to the community.

 

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