A big part of my job as Communitech’s Community Relations Manager is working with community groups and charities to create relationships with the tech ecosystem. Some people call this corporate social responsibility; others call it community building, but with so many groups eager to make these connections, I call it a match made in heaven.
For local charities, the value in engaging tech groups is pretty obvious: they get access to an engaged and growing community in their region, and from there, hopefully more support via volunteers, fundraising or general awareness.
The value for tech companies and startups to maintain productive relationships with community groups is equally plain to see. At an organizational level, participation in charitable campaigns is a sign of a healthy and connected workplace culture that helps retain talent and tightens bonds among teams. Volunteerism is a great way for young people who are new to the region to form relationships outside of work, get involved with worthy causes and grow stronger ties to their community. And for people with families or headed towards retirement, it’s an even greater way to shape the legacy you leave for your community.
It can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to giving back. There are so many worthy causes, and only so much time or money to give. It can seem overwhelming, but it’s literally my job to help. To start, we have a couple of great community-building projects going on right now, from Pitch In (a pitch competition meets volunteer fair), to Habitat for Humanity build days, to a growing database of tech professionals that charities can access for professional pro-bono help (email me if you’d like to be added).
If you’re interested in getting more involved with community groups, or deepening your company’s corporate social responsibility, here are five easy ways to make sure you and your company are well-positioned for giving:
- Figure out what you’re able to commit to giving: This may seem intuitive, but often we think about ‘giving back’ in abstract terms and forget that it needs to start somewhere. Maybe it’s a monthly cash donation to a cause, or maybe it’s one Saturday a month that you want to invest. Having a clear idea of what you’re able to give helps you make a sustainable commitment.
- Make sure your team is comfortable flagging community initiatives: You may be surprised to know your closest teammates are already giving back to community groups – but have you asked? Try supporting a cause that already has champions in your organization; you may find that’ll inspire your team even more.
- Give your team incentives: It’s easy to say you want your team to be active members of their community, but if their only options for volunteering are during evenings and weekends, you’re not giving anything as an organization. From recognized volunteer days, to time off in lieu of community service, there are a lot of ways you can systematically support community giving.
- Make sure it’s a two-way street: While being a volunteer or donor is a wonderful gift to give, the relationship is not one-sided. Being a true partner for a cause requires more than lip service, so make sure it’s a relationship that you can champion, and then do!
- Start somewhere and build from there: Generally, all people need is a push in the right direction. Between volunteering for a Habitat for Humanity build, mentoring a child at the library, and participating in a fundraising or clothing drive as a team, there are always simple ways to get started.
Any questions? Please email me!
