MakeGood Blog — Your Source for Corporate Social Responsibility. News. Ideas. Strategies.

Charity Survey for October 2009 - the votes are in!

by Michelle on October 30, 2009

This month, MakeGood was delighted to have received so many suggestions for some very worthy causes this month.

However, there can only be one winner ….and the people have chosen….

*drum roll*

Upwardly Global at 62% of the MakeGood Community vote.

(Thanks for the suggestion @WorldCupCSR)

“Upwardly Global is a nonprofit organization that brings highly qualified immigrants and progressive employers together.”

Basically, they provide services and programs to help refugees, asylees and legal immigrants with a high skill level obtain a job similiar to what they were doing before so that they do not have to start out at an entry level job in a new country.

The MakeGood community is happy to support them! If you feel that this is a cause you want to continue to support, please check out their site.

The great thing about being a MakeGood member and helping to vote is that you get an auto-post every month to your Badge Profile.

Way to go MakeGood Community!

{ 0 comments }

New Model of Corporate Social Responsibility

by Michelle on October 22, 2009

MakeGood is a proud MEDIA SPONSOR for …..*drum roll*……

Talk about practicing what you preach, this summit on social responsibility will be a VIRTUAL one!

The annual summit is intended to:

Expand understanding and visions about the business case for social responsibility globally
Spark more organizations to think out-of-the-box when starting and or evolving their programs
Share ideas and practical, how-to information on managing and communicating social responsibilty programs on a budget that can work for organizations of any size, anywhere.
Build a knowledge resource and avenue for ongoing dialogue and learning that will feed the agenda for future summits

We here at MakeGood think that this event is awesome because:

To minimize the event’s carbon footprint, Communitelligence and Cisco are utilizing the latest web conferencing technology available to host this live summit.

Rick Goossen, Founder & CEO, MakeGood, has personally tried Cisco’s TelePresence and can attest to the fact that it really feels like sitting in a boardroom without having to make the arduous flight.

Who will be involved at the summit?

John Gerstner, President, Communitelligence, Inc.
Kathy Mulvany, Director, Corporate Affairs, Cisco Systems
Keynote: Jeffrey Swartz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Timberland Company
Moderator: Bob Kelleher, CEO of The Employee Engagement Group (Boston, MA)
Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat For Humanity (Atlanta)
Archana Handa, Director, Corporate Communications, Cisco Systems (Bangalore, India)
Moderator: Tim DiScipio, Founder, ePals
Facilitator: Dr. Linda Gornitsky, President and Founder, LBG Associates (Boston)
First Response: Lea Chambers, Global Marketing Leader and Board Member, The Golder Trust for Orphans, Golder Associates
Jeffrey Hollender, Co-founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Inspired Protagonist, Seventh Generation

Want to attend the summit? Check out their website for registration information at www.communitelligence.com

{ 0 comments }

Universities and Engaging the Next Generation of Volunteers

by rickgoossen on October 19, 2009

How does a large educational institution engage the next generation of volunteers? Further, what are the lessons for non profit organizations (NPOs), which face similar challenges? There are both challenges and opportunities as universities grapple with engaging new donors.

Many established educational institutions and NPOs have a bedrock or support, but it is often concentrated among so-called “baby boomers” (1949-1966) and “traditionalists” (1922-1945). Meanwhile, they are missing out on the “Generation X” (1965-1980) and “Generation Y” (1981-present) cohorts.

This is not, however, because Gen X and Gen Y are not a ready pool of contributors. Gen X and Gen Y cohorts are, indeed, service oriented and contribute to causes. Ample proof of online giving is witnessed by www.kiva.org, a micro-enterprise oriented site that cannot find projects quickly enough for its ready lenders. The challenge is how to communicate and engage these cohorts.

I chaired two sessions titled “Engaging the Next Generation of Volunteers” at the McGill Leadership Summit on Thursday, October 15th in Montreal. McGill is in the midst of a $750 million capital campaign; they recently passed the $500 million mark. The Leadership Summit is a gathering of campaign volunteers from far-flung committee outposts throughout Canada, the US and beyond.

The discussion of this panel has parallels for any educational institution or non-profit organization wishing to engage the next generation of volunteers. The panel consisted of two McGill volunteers. One was Jeremy E. Clark, Managing Director, Clark Hetherington Financial Ltd. The other panellist was Mark Hantho, Vice Chairman, Global Head of Equity Capital Markets, Deutsche Bank, New York, NY.

The highly interactive discussion identified the various challenging dynamics. The participants in the discussion ranged from current students to alumni who graduated more than fifty years ago.
Do they wish to be engaged? Yes. But, how is this message communicated? Not through traditional means. Gen Y, and to a less extent Gen X, are likely focused on communicating via Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. They are typically not reading newspapers or watching TV.

Another issue raised was how to find grads who have moved around? Instead of searching an alumni database, a quick name search on Facebook or LinkedIn may yield instant results. In addition, contacting someone via Facebook may yield a quicker response that sending mail to their address or contacting them using their usual email account.

One point discussed is that in today’s generation there may be a greater emphasis on volunteerism. It is common that high schools have a community service element to their high school curriculum. So, universities are receiving a generation accustomed to serving. Are universities tapping into that?

Today’s generation may be more short term oriented. They are willing to contribute to an event or to a cause for a limited time, but less willing to commit long-term. This may be because they are not settled in a career or city, and want to keep options open.

For today’s generation, they think cause before institution, when they are considering volunteer opportunities. Previous generations may have put greater stock in the brand name of a charity or university and have been loyal to the brand. Today’s generation will think more in terms of identifying with a cause and then identify the best means to contribute.

This generation also needs to see the value in what the organization is doing. The tug of loyalty to an alma mater may work for some, but that value may be established over time. So, to engage volunteers within 5 – 10 years of graduation, a university needs to show value. Some ideas include career assistance or networking opportunities in new locations. Jeremy Clark noted how his McGill connection enabled him to get plugged into a group as he established himself in Calgary.

While engaging this generation of volunteers requires an adept use of modern technology, there is still no substitute for the personal touch. Mark Hantho recounted how after graduation from McGill he has not had any contact with the university until someone from the development department arranged to see him in New York. That started to rekindle his connection to McGill after a very length hiatus.

In short, engaging the next generation of volunteers presents both challenges and opportunities for both universities and NPOs. The challenges are that this next generation communicates differently, expects more value and is by nature less loyal to an institution as opposed to a cause. The opportunity is that this generation is service oriented, expects and wants to make a difference, and is interested in contributing to an institution where they can have meaningful input

{ 0 comments }

JUST IN - Bill Clinton Receives Honorary Doctorate From McGill for Global Leadership

by rickgoossen on October 16, 2009

McGill University conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Laws on Bill Clinton today in recognition of his global leadership during and since his two-term presidency. Clinton is only the second US President to receive an honorary doctorate from McGill, with the other being Franklin Roosevelt in 1944.

Clinton’s message was one of spreading hope on a global scale. He spoke of bringing opportunity to all corners of the globe and to eradicate barriers to equality that exist because of economic, health, human rights and other inequities.

Clinton used the term “communitarian consciousness” to describe the approach to solving problems. He stated that humanity needs to solve problems together and that a global commitment is required.

He gave examples of diseases in Africa that could be eradicated or seriously curtailed through strategic intervention with the supply of materials and their strategic distribution. Clinton spoke about the need for rebalancing trade relationships from dependency to interdependency. For example, agricultural policies have been established whereby Western industrialized countries produce food for less developed countries on the basis that they can do it more efficiently through mass production. In the meantime, less developed countries do not develop their capacity for self-sufficiency.

Clinton gave personal examples of how he has seen hope being created around the world, despite tragic circumstances. He noted how post-genocide survivors of tribal warfare in Rwanda are working together to mend the country’s problems. He cited survivors of families that suffered severe losses in the Asia Tsuanami who are dedicated to making a difference in their devastated communities. Clinton referenced the challenges facing Papa New Guinea where much of the country is isolated from the international community, and they maintain their own cultures and languages, and yet are now being ravaged by diseases brought from the outside.

Clinton has adopted what can be referred to as entrepreneurial philanthropy. He is marshalling resources, and entering into an array of collaborate partnerships, in order to tackle huge problems. He has an initiative with Frank Giustra, a mining financier in Vancouver. He also receives significant support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Clinton concluded by cautioning that an unequal world is not a sustainable world and it is not a safe world. He suggested that it is only by addressing these global inequities, and creating a great balance through the world, and spreading hope for a better future, that the challenges of the 21st century will be met. He believes a communitarian consciousness will be build hope in the world.

{ 0 comments }

Companies Build Corporate Value Through CSR

by rickgoossen on October 15, 2009

As the practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is being embraced by more companies, there is a great appreciation of its role in building corporate value. While well-known management thinkers, such as Michael Porter, have written about CSR as part of a firm’s competitive advantage, it can also be a key mechanism for building corporate value.

A reflection of this understanding by some of Canada’s corporate leaders was evident in a a recent article in the Globe & Mail (October 12, 2009). Gordon Pitts interviewed two corporate titans who commented on corporate social responsibility: Paul Desmarais Jr, Chairman and co-CEO of Power Corp of Canada and Charles Sirois, Chairman, CIBC.

Desmarais commented that CSR has captured a lot of attention over the past decade for two reasons. First, “society’s eagerness to scrutinize and criticize behaviour is stronger than ever and is continuing to escalate.” This trend has grown with the evolution of the stakeholder approach to corporate activities; companies have obligation to various groups that are impacted by their actions.

Milton Friedman’s famous “custodian of wealth approach,” articulated in 1970, that corporations exist only to make a profit is long out of fashion. In fact, many companies routinely integrate community commitments into the mission and vision statements.

Secondly, Desmarais noted that “reputation risk has become a much bigger factor in corporate valuations. You’ve got to be a lot more attentive than ever before.” Just ask Nike. Not long ago Nike was being tarred with accusations of exploited sweat shop labourers producing high-priced shoes. The company could not sit idly by. Phil Knight needed to launch a serious and expensive counter-offensive to safeguard the value of his brand.

The second corporate leader interviewed was Charles Sirois. He noted that while the main goal of a corporation is to be profitable, it has to be looked at on a longer-term basis. He explained that a company should take the approach of an “owner” who is involved for the long term rather than that of an “investor” who is treating the shares of the company as a commodity.

Sirois explained that the “owner’s perspective is you need to maximized return over a longer-term basis and for this you need to be socially involved.” Of course, the challenge in Sirois’ position is for management to maintain this long-term perspective despite the demands of shareholders and even other managers who seek shorter-term gain.

Sirois further explains that, “Creating value not just for yourself but for the society around you is a key element of building value for your corporation.” Sirois’ approach reflects the importance of CSR as part of the value-building process for a corporation.

The comments of these two corporate leaders, Desmarais and Sirois, are reflective of a clearer understanding that CSR is vital to the value building process. Not only are these companies doing good, but they are helping their own objectives. As Michael Porter has written, CSR has great potential to be a competitive advantage; but it won’t be for companies that don’t embrace the opportunity.

{ 0 comments }

How Gaming (Video Games) Can Give Back

by Michelle on October 13, 2009

Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society and Vancouver Video Game Industry Team Up to Hold Halloween Fundraiser Ghoulash Bash

This October 29th from 7 PM to midnight, the Metropole Pub at 320 Abbott Street will be hosting Vancouver’s first annual “Ghoulash Bash”, a Halloween fundraiser to benefit Vancouver’s hungry.

The event is organized by a group of game industry volunteers on behalf of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS) and is sponsored by corporate donations from members of Vancouver’s video game industry. It is being promoted as an opportunity to raise money for and awareness of the GVFBS, as a chance for Vancouver’s game industry to give back to the community, and as an opportunity for members of industry and interested parties to network with others in Vancouver’s diverse video game industry.

The theme of this year’s Ghoulash Bash is “Retro ReAnimated”. Guests are encouraged to come dressed up as their favourite “retro” video game character - zombified. Activities will include a retro game costume contest, prize giveaways, retro game competitions and networking opportunities. Partygoers will have opportunities to win prizes contributed by video game companies, including 1-hour mentorship sessions donated by influential members of the game industry, such as Genius Factor Games’ Ted Nugent and Ross Young, Cowbell Games’ James Johnson as well as Industry veteran Adrian Crook.

Guests will be able to buy tickets at their desired level of contribution. Higher-priced tickets will come with prizes, special offers, or additional drink tickets. Corporate sponsorship will also be graded, with higher contributors being offered special billing and other benefits. Participating companies are encouraged to form employee teams to compete with each other to see who is able to raise the most money.

For more information about the Ghoulash Bash, contact Ryan Arndt at 778.988.7780, email at ryan@ghoulashbash.com or visit www.ghoulashbash.com

{ 1 comment }

MakeGood: Which Charity to Support for October 2009?

by Michelle on October 8, 2009

Hello MakeGooders!

It’s time to do the October 2009 Survey.

It will only take you 2 seconds to DO GOOD! Click on this link and vote!

After we gather all responses, the MakeGood Community will make a donation to the charity with the most votes and an AUTOMATIC POST will show up on your MAKEGOOD PROFILE (ie: in your good news feed).

If you do not see a charity on the list that you would like to support, please email info@makegood.com and be sure to let us know.

Thanks for helping us DO GOOD!

{ 6 comments }

MakeGood is giving back 10%

by Michelle on September 30, 2009

We here at MakeGood like to make good ourselves.

This month, we have decided to crowdsource a response from our MakeGood members about which charity they would like 10% of their subscription fees to go towards supporting.

This month the winner is……

*drum roll*

UNITED WAY!

The great thing about being a MakeGood member and helping to vote is that you get an auto-post every month to your Badge Profile.

Way to go MakeGood Community!

{ 0 comments }

Doing Good is EASY while Surfing the net

by Michelle on September 28, 2009

How you ask?

Just use Forestle as your search engine of choice instead of Google or Yahoo.

Forestle is an independent nonprofit website with aims to help save the rainforest 0.1 m² at a time.

For every web search you do, you help to save 0.1 m² at absolutely no cost to you!

How does it work?

Well, according to Metro News Vancouver, they use “part of the revenue generated from advertising on their site to purchase renewable energy certificates that are investments in wind, solar, geothermal, tidal and other renewable forms of energy. The rest of their revenue, after they maintain their servers and use about 10 per cent for administrative costs, is donated to the Adopt an Acre program, which is run by the Nature Conservancy to sustainably protect rainforests.”

Their website claims that every new Forestle user will save 100 m² per year. To date, Forestle has already saved 1,706,392.3 m² of rainforest.

So give it a whirl and help save some trees!

{ 0 comments }

NPO’s appear to be Reactive rather than Proactive

by rickgoossen on September 15, 2009

Non-profit organizations (NPOs) are in need of careful strategic planning, even more so than for-profit organizations. NPOs have increasing challenges in terms of raising ongoing support and their value comes from good will directed toward the NPO and its reputation in the community. Yet, NPOs appear to be reactive, rather than proactive.

Many NPOs, even large ones with significant budgets, are hard pressed to allocate executive time and energy or financial resources to the task of strategy. NPOs are often under the carful glare of foundations and supporters to minimize overhead and marketing expenses so that the maximum amount of revenue drops to the bottom line. One way to maximize the percentage of money going to good causes is to eliminate everything else.

Often strategic planning is a casualty. One reason is that it is somewhat intangible. It is one of the things that is important, but not urgent—and therefore gets shunted. It is also time-consuming and drains resources. Finally, there may be unfamiliarity with the tools to assess and implement strategy.

One of the best tools to organize strategy is Kaplan and Norton’s Balanced Scorecard (BSC). One of the themes of their work, and indeed the subtitle of their book on strategy maps, is “converting intangible assets to tangible outcomes.” This is of great concern to NPOs who are more heavily weighted to intangible assets. Much of their value is the good will associated with their powerful brand names.

The brands of the United Way, Salvation Army, YMCA and others are valued in the billions, as was recently revealed by a Cone Industry Report. These brands generate instant recognition and typically elicit positive reactions; they are embedded in the fabric of our society. The Salvation Army, indeed, is so pervasive throughout society that it is referenced in songs from Kris Kristofferson to Leonard Cohen.

Strategy is, of course, determined by working with the strengths of a company and working around it present weaknesses. One appropriate vehicle for an organization to assess its CSR capabilities is through the BSC.

Since the 1990s, the BSC has provided a rigorous way to measure performance by quantifying so-called intangible assets. The BSC draws its strengths from four perspectives: 1) financial measures; 2) customers; 3) internal processes; and 4) learning and growth.

Kaplan and Norton used this four perspective model to provide a visual representation of the organization’s strategy. A strategy map is intended to create a powerful communication tool that enables employees to understand a strategy and translate it into actions to allow the organization to succeed.

Kaplan & Norton talk about the applicability of the BSC to NPOs as “one of the most gratifying extensions” of the BSC (Strategy Maps, p. 429). Since NPOs strive to achieve mission outcomes rather than superior profitability, NPOs need to have a comprehensive system of nonfinancial and financial measures to motivate and evaluate their performance.
Kaplan and Norton use the example in Strategy Maps of the Boston Lyric Opera. The Opera demonstrates how organizational performance can be measured even when the output is as intangible as a musical experience. The BSC provided a clear strategy for the future that could be easily communicated to stakeholders, such as staff, board of directors and artistic directors.

The Opera strategy map outlines desired outcomes and performance drivers for its three key constituents: donors, the national and international opera community and Boston-area residents. The strategy map led to greater input from frontline employees, better alignment of the management and board processes and support for a major opera event in Boston.

In short, the BSC has become a management tool for setting priorities among initiatives, motivating employees, aligning the board, and soliciting external support for the Opera’s production and community outreach activities.
Other leading NPOs should closely consider the relevance of the BSC to assist with their strategic planning process and to demonstrate the value of their intangible assets, particularly in light of the high premium of their brand names.

{ 0 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →