Colorado continues to outpace the nation with the number of nonprofit organizations per capita. Over the past year, these groups have struggled along with the economy and are feeling the pinch to an even greater degree as individuals have limited their charitable contributions in lean times.
Drastic cuts resulting from the current state budget crisis have only compounded the issue. In fact, in Colorado’s child welfare arena alone, at least 25 residential treatment programs have had to shut their doors over the last two years due to a lack of adequate funding. As a result, the remaining programs have had to stretch to accommodate more kids – often those with the most severe needs and behavioral challenges – with fewer resources.
Against this current backdrop, it is arguably more important than ever for the corporate community to step forward to support these vital community organizations. If companies are in a position to continue making financial donations, that is, of course, a wonderful way to help.
However, there is another way that the business community can contribute – through volunteers and time. In fact, in many cases, time is just what community groups, be they residential treatment programs, homeless shelters, community health clinics or animal rescue organizations, etc., need to ensure their continued viability and success. Time to plan, time to do, time to care.
Volunteerism offers community groups an influx of new ideas and energy. Leadership and staff alike look to volunteers for their expertise and input, as well as their extra feet on the street. Whether it’s physical labor, such as rebuilding a playground, painting a fence or cutting down trees, mentor support or board involvement, giving time provides countless benefits. Or a group of volunteers can get together to plan a fundraising event of their own – resulting in the donation of both time and funds.
What are the biggest obstacles toward giving our time? Routine and commitment. Our daily lives are riddled with habits and expectations that preclude us from reaching outside our normal schedules to accommodate the needs of others.
But, it is just when we feel like we don’t have another moment available or priority to accommodate that we need to give the most – not only for the benefit of the selected group, but also for ourselves.
Giving time is not easy. But volunteering provides untold emotional, physical and community benefits. Stepping outside routine behaviors and infusing our days with a sense of giving yield positive results for organizations and individuals, as well as their families and businesses.
Employees need to be encouraged to volunteer, and corporations should provide the internal culture and policies to make this possible. Now, more than ever, we need to think differently about our commitments and values in and out of the workplace.
Ted Brown is a partner at Lockton Companies. Also signing this commentary were Nick Schubert of PCL Construction and Bob Cooper, president and CEO of Tennyson Center for Children. Lockton and PCL employees worked together on a fund-raiser for the Tennyson Center in October. EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an online-only column and has not been edited.
