by Giovanni Mozzarelli

20 May 2009

This event was designed to help representatives of several Ukrainian NGOs to enhance their understanding of Corporate Volunteerism (CV) through conceiving Employee Volunteer Programmes (EVP) in a way that would meet associations, community and private sector needs. This first workshop of launched Corporate Volunteersim campaign aimed to provide representatives of non-for-profit associations with an overview of general principles and strategic approaches to Employee Volunteer Programs. The meeting gave also the chance to discuss possible steps to improve cooperation between NGOs and Companies especially while there is a cut of private sector financial investments in socially responsible activities.

As Anna Danylyuk, Global Compact Focal point, stated,

“In the times of economic recession, companies are less likely to provide direct financial donations to the non-governmental organisations. However decline in cash flow can offer an excellent opportunity for non-monetary contributions of the private sector and namely through corporate volunteers committing their time, knowledge and expertise for the social benefit.”

By encouraging employees to participate in community activities through company sponsored volunteer programmes, a business contributes to building better communities. It is a fact that companies need stable, healthy communities in which to prosper, but many fail to acknowledge that volunteers play a key role in developing and maintaining healthy communities.

Another challenge that NGOs might face while tapping into EVP is to know how to fulfil requests and expectations of the private sector. Thus, in order to be successful, the offer of possible corporate volunteerism schemes should be formed according to companies’ goals and business models.

However, programs of corporate volunteerism can effectively meet companies’ interests on several levels. Well-designed “employee volunteer program” can bring a significant impact on various social challenges, contribute to the well-being of local communities and it can also present employees with a service learning opportunity or give them new and additional avenues for professional development. Companies’ engagement can range from individual volunteer effort to team or whole-of-company involvement.

For these reasons, the Corporate Volunteerism campaign is conceived to tackle this subject with two different approaches. On one hand, it aims at raising private sector’s awareness on the benefits of Corporate Volunteerism for companies and theirs employees. On the other hand, UNV Programme and Global Compact efforts are focused to support NGOs to prepare and present offer for EVP in line with companies’ requirements.