The need for social change never ends. There’s always an issue or cause that needs our attention. And, often, it’s small grassroots movements that end up changing the world.
While you’re just one person, and it’s easy to feel like you don’t have much of a voice, you do. For one, whether you’re an employee or business owner, you can prompt your company into action and trigger the kind of change that has positive ripple effects.
Here are some ways in which your company can make a difference.
1. Start a Corporate Social Responsibility Program
2. Provide Job Opportunities
Creating jobs is one of the most significant ways businesses can have a positive impact on society. Jobs boost the local economy, provide financial stability for families, reduce crime rates and improve the overall well-being of the community.
3. Donate Money
Nonprofits and charities frequently rely on corporate donations to fulfill their mission. Donations to these organizations make health, housing, educational, after-school care, animal protection and other services possible.
4. Volunteer
Encourage your co-workers and/or employees to volunteer for local nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits frequently hold food drives, renovation projects, beach or park clean-ups and other efforts that rely on the help of volunteers. Consider implementing volunteer days that encourage employees to contribute to the causes they care about the most.
5. Enrich the Community with Education
Businesses can support their communities by providing educational opportunities such as teaching and mentoring students, scholarships, workshops and webinars. For example, if you’re an entrepreneur, you could teach low-income students how to start a business. If you’re a computer wiz, you can teach a beginner’s course on coding. You can also mentor students who need extra attention.
6. Raise Funds
Fundraisers enable charities and nonprofits to provide financial aid and services in their communities. There are three main types of fundraisers:
- Crowdfunding campaigns collect funds from corporate partners, investors, employees and customers to help a particular cause.
- Peer-to-peer fundraising raises money for a variety of causes through multiple fundraising pages and word-of-mouth.
- Third-party fundraiser events are organized by individuals or companies on the behalf of a nonprofit or charity, with all of the proceeds going toward that cause.
These are just some of the ways you can use your status as an employee or business owner to support your community. Remember, be the change you want to see in the world.
