 2008 National Conference on Volunteering and Service
The 2008 National Conference on Volunteering and Service was a major success as more than 4,500 change-makers came together in Atlanta to explore ways to expand the ranks and effectiveness of volunteers across the United States. During the three-day conference, attendees shared best practices, connected with peers, and learned the latest information on volunteer management and civic engagement. With 175 workshops, six immersion-learning sessions, several special events, a large interactive exhibit hall, and two community "hands on" service projects, there was something for everyone at conference!
The theme of the 2008 conference, "The Urgency of Now," served as an ever-present reminder of the need for bold civic action. With energy and enthusiasm, attendees learned that "now" is a time of big challenges for our nation and our world. With these challenges comes a time of profound opportunity. With growing recognition from Congress, the campaign trail, and corporate America, it is clear that service and volunteering are the keys to tackling our nation’s toughest problems.
Within the National Conference, there was a Corporate Track where more than 400 corporate partners and key business leaders demonstrated the positive benefits of marrying social responsibility with business goals, proving that pro-bono service improves their communities and strengthens their bottom line. CEOs of major corporations—including Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, Ben & Jerry’s, ChoicePoint, and Manning Selvage & Lee—gathered for a CEO Roundtable to discuss the importance of inspired corporate leadership around civic engagement. Moderated by CNBC’s Trish Regan, the “CSR Now!” roundtable set the tone for one of the most robust business tracks in conference history. In addition, attendees were exposed to a variety of workshops and forums, including an in-depth conversation hosted by Jean Case, Chair of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, on “The Evolution of Corporate Engagement.”
Pro Bono Roundtable
The Pro Bono Roundtable was held on April 16th and 17th in Chicago, IL. The co-hosts of the event were the Taproot Foundation along with Laysha Ward, Vice President Community Relations at Target, and Evan Hochberg, National Director for Community Involvement at Deloitte. This was an opportunity for committed companies to shape the direction of the pro bono movement in the United States and to be known as a catalyst of this critical effort. Some of the topics discussed at this two day Roundtable were:
- Defining the top 2-3 challenges to expanding pro bono in the next two years and defining an action plan to mitigate these challenges.
- Identifying the mechanisms necessary for measuring, quantifying and evaluating pro bono efforts.
- Identifying the top 2-3 challenges facing intermediaries working to scale and mature their pro bono efforts.
- Identify collective efforts to address these issues.
In conjunction with the Pro Bono Roundtable, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley held a reception the morning of April 17th, for all of the attendees. For more information, visit the Pro Bono Action Tank at www.doitprobono.org.
The Summit on Corporate Volunteerism, February 2008
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, together with several key private and government partners, convened The Summit on Corporate Volunteerism in February 2008. Bringing together more than 150 top corporate, government, and nonprofit leaders, the Summit helped to:
- Create a new definition for pro bono service that directly addresses nonprofit groups’ most pressing needs, including:
- financial management
- technology
- organizational development
- communications and marketing
- human resource management
- fundraising assistance
- Identify the benefits to companies of providing pro bono services, and expand the pro bono ethic among the corporate community
- Share best practices in providing pro bono services
Participants at the Summit also kicked off the three-year campaign to leverage $1 billion in skilled volunteering and pro bono services from the corporate community.
Related Press Releases:
The 2008 Pro Bono Awards
Six companies and nonprofits received Pro Bono Awards from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for their leadership in engaging business professionals in pro bono service to meet community needs. The Ad Council, General Electric, Harvard Business School Community Partners, McKinsey & Company, Monitor Group, and Pentagram Design were recognized at an awards ceremony featuring Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy and White House officials at the Harvard Club.
“These awardees are setting a powerful example of corporate citizenship that we hope others will follow,” said Jean Case, Chair of the President’s Council. “Embracing a pro bono approach is good for employees, the community, and the bottom line. America’s businesses have an extraordinary pool of skilled talent, and engaging corporate volunteers on a large scale could make a profound difference in the well-being of our communities and our country.”
Related Press Release:
|
Printable Page