Re-envisioning corporate support for voluntary action in the SADC region
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Transcript of Re-envisioning corporate support for voluntary action in the SADC region
Sabine Strassburg
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Re-envisioning corporate support for voluntary action in the SADC region
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Conceptual FrameworkThe Opportunity We Are Addressing
Contextual Issues What We Want to Accomplish
ApproachesHow We Will Achieve Results
Benefits and BarriersWhy We Get Involved
ConclusionsThought and Questions
Conceptual Framework
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InterdependenceDynamic where companies and
communities share common values and are mutually responsible
Business Community
• Business thrives in stable communities and growing markets
• SADC context: concept of Ubuntu
Understanding arguments for CSR…
•Moral•Reputation•Obligation•Sustainability•License to operate
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Conceptual FrameworkThe Opportunity We Are Addressing
Contextual Issues What We Want to Accomplish
ApproachesHow We Will Achieve Results
Benefits and BarriersWhy We Get Involved
ConclusionsThought and Questions
• CSOs operate under difficult circumstances, providing services in poor communities, but demonstrate resilience and innovation
• Often corporate support for volunteering is designed to fill gaps in service delivery
• Companies can do more to raise the profile of voluntary action and affirm its value
• Coordinated corporate action can increase impact• Joint planning between companies and beneficiaries can help reduce power
imbalances and dependency
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Contextual Issues
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Conceptual FrameworkThe Opportunity We Are Addressing
Contextual Issues What We Want to Accomplish
ApproachesHow We Will Achieve Results
Benefits and BarriersWhy We Get Involved
ConclusionsThought and Questions
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Approaches to Corporate Support for Volunteer Action
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Corporate Partnerships/AlliancesCommunity Business PartnershipsPublic Private Partnerships and Business Associations
Employee Volunteer Programmes (EVP)Employee Community Involvement (ECI)
Donations
Other ApproachesIV
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Corporate Partnerships / Alliances
Community Business PartnershipsRally to Read (South Africa)Food Bank (various SADC countries)Unilever Tea Tanzania (Tanzania)Indigenous Trees for Life (South Africa)
Public Private Partnerships and Business Associations
Pan African Business Coalition on HIVBusiness Action for Africa
• Positively influence policies needed for growth and poverty reduction
• Promote a more balanced view of Africa• Develop and showcase good business practice
Employee Volunteer Programmes
TimeFull-time vs. part-timeWorking hours vs. outside working hoursOnce off versus long-term
MoneyPaid versus un-paid
Type of Activity
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FirstRand Volunteers Programme • Community building across all
division• Range of activities
Deloitte Foundation South Africa • e.g. Project Siyakhula - trainee
accountants to assist learner and teachers
Standard Bank • Over 700 Wellness Champions in
17 African countries
Accenture Voluntary Service Overseas• Collaboration with VSO
• Matching employee with community job• Released time / time banks• Volunteering outside working hours• Loaned personal• Development assignments• Secondment• Trustees and Board Membership• Mentoring• (Local) once off event• Targeted programme• Charity of the year• International corporate volunteering
Employee Volunteer Programmes
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Donations
Financial contributionsTiger Brands and Unite Against Hunger
Give-as-you-earn scheme and matched givingHelping Hands Programme from Deloitte
Contributions in-kindConnectivity for a university for disadvantaged students in South
Africa: CIDA City Campus & Internet Solutions
Pro-bono assistanceFree legal support for a CSO: Bowman & Gilfillin and Cell-Life
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Other Approaches
MediaMedia promotion of social development initiatives: Kaelo Stories of Hope
Volunteer AwardsRecognition of business contributions to the MDGs: Business in the Community Annual International Award for Excellence sponsored by Coffey International
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Conceptual FrameworkThe Opportunity We Are Addressing
Contextual Issues What We Want to Accomplish
ApproachesHow We Will Achieve Results
Benefits and BarriersWhy We Get Involved
ConclusionsThought and Questions
Benefits
COMPANY
Community & customers• Improved community perceptions • Positive image• Networking opportunities• Improved communication
Operational• Employee fulfillment• Lower staff turnover / attracts good employees
• Productivity increase• Skills and ability increase• Reduced absenteeism• Personal and professional growth
EMPLOYEE
Skills gain•Reporting•Organisational & time management•People’s skills
Attitudinal changes•Increased social contact, awareness •Personal fulfillment / job satisfaction•Affirmation of personal capabilities•Social cohesion•Innovative response to difficulties
COMMUNITY
Needs•Targeting of community needs•Improving community health and development
Other Benefits•New talent & energy in the community•New resources•Fresh perspective•Social cohesion•Trust
Barriers
COMPANY
• It is easier to make financial donations
• Lack of resources and infrastructure
• Lack of information and lack of internal communication
• Lack of time • Lack of support from top
management• Staff members might be treated
differently because of their volunteer engagement or lack thereof
• Lack of enabling legislative environment and policy frameworks supporting volunteerism
EMPLOYEE
• Lack of discretionary time• Opportunities only available
during working hours• Lack of information• Wouldn’t consider it unless asked• Individuals might resist
volunteering on their own • Feeling that one person can’t
make a difference• Voluntary action is not valued• Not aware of benefits• Lack of transport• Security and safety issues• Language barriers
COMMUNITY
• Lack of resources and infrastructure
• Negative experiences • Sustainability• Lack of trust• Not aware of benefits
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Conceptual FrameworkThe Opportunity We Are Addressing
Contextual Issues What We Want to Accomplish
ApproachesHow We Will Achieve Results
Benefits and BarriersWhy We Get Involved
ConclusionsThought and Questions
Questions: Is corporate support for volunteering just a marketing tool? Is employee volunteering really volunteering? Is corporate support for volunteering only for big businesses? How can companies identify priority areas? Are communities ready for volunteers?
Conclusions
• A lot of opportunities for companies to support volunteer action in the SADC region BUT we still have a long way to go (awareness, infrastructure, enabling legal environment etc.)
• Lack of substantial research on corporate support for volunteering undermines the development of good practice and policy