Building Morale and Publicity of Schools Through Volunteerism

Francisco Galindo, Assistant Vice President of Public Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at Lincoln Tech

Francisco Galindo, Assistant Vice President of Public Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at Lincoln Tech

Francisco Galindo’s career at Lincoln Tech started in 2002. He became the High School Marketing Manager before joining the Compliance and Regulatory Department as Director of Marketing Compliance. After graduating from NJIT in 1998 and earning an MBA from Michigan State University in 2020, Frank is currently the AVP of Public Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, advocating for Lincoln Tech. Here, he promotes access to short-term career and technical education and training.

Businesses are constantly seeking new avenues of engagement to boost their social responsibility. Volunteerism is an effective initiative to achieve the goal of improving the workplace through employee participation. Encouraging this noble cause, Francisco Galindo believes in the mutual growth of the schools, employees and their community. Carefully placing this objective, he highlights the many paybacks of volunteerism. As the term suggests, it is crucial to keep it optional and not force individuals into supporting a cause, emphasizes Galindo. Results from this genuine approach keep Galindo motivated, further strengthening his interest in communal collaborations.

What is employer-sponsored volunteerism?

Employer-sponsored volunteerism is an initiative where schools actively encourage and support their employees and students for volunteer activities. This can include offering paid time off for volunteering, matching donations to causes supported by employees, or simply helping them find volunteer opportunities, whether hands-on or virtual. Companies can also recognize employees and students who excel in their community efforts.

Why is this beneficial for organizations?

Supporting volunteer programs is not only a way to give back to the community, but it also offers significant benefits to employees and students. Honest volunteerism can lead to a happier and more well-rounded workforce and students. Research indicates that such programs can boost productivity, keep employees and students engaged, and enhance the school’s attractiveness as an employer or place to continue one’s education. A well-designed volunteer program creates a win-win-win-win situation: benefiting the community, the employees, the students, and the school’s image and culture.

Community benefits of employer-sponsored volunteerism

Institutions that sponsor volunteer programs can make a significant impact on their communities in several ways:

1. Increased human capital: These programs provide additional hands to help with social causes, enabling non-profits and community organizations to undertake more projects.

2. Access to professional expertise: Employees can bring valuable skills to community projects, such as skilled tradespeople assisting in building initiatives.

3. Financial support: Some programs match volunteer hours with donations, providing capital assistance to non-profits.

4. Improved infrastructure and services: Companies can sponsor volunteer days for activities like park cleanups or building projects, enhancing community infrastructure and services.

5. Raising awareness: Businesses can leverage volunteer engagement to promote the work of nonprofits, increasing their visibility and support.

How volunteering helps employees and students

1. Empowerment and engagement: Volunteering allows employees and students to support causes they care about, fostering a sense of empowerment. This is especially important for younger generations, like Gen Z and millennials, who value societal impact. Institutions offering volunteer opportunities attract and retain employees and students who seek a greater purpose, leading to stronger commitment and potential growth for both the employee and the student.

2. Improved well-being: Volunteering is linked to reduced stress, increased life satisfaction, and better overall health. By supporting mental health through volunteerism, companies can create a more positive and productive work and learning environment.

3. Skill development: Volunteering offers a chance to develop new skills or hone existing ones. It can build soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are valuable in the workplace and the classroom.

4. Leadership potential: Volunteer programs often involve leadership activities, providing employees and students a platform to discover and develop their leadership abilities.

Enhancing institutional brand and culture

School-sponsored volunteer programs strengthen organizations in several key areas:

1. Building brand reputation: Engaging in a social program demonstrates a school’s commitment to social responsibility, enhancing its reputation and fostering positive public perception.

2. Boosting employee & student engagement: Working together on meaningful causes fosters camaraderie and a sense of shared purpose. This boosts morale and motivation, leading to a more productive workforce and student body.

3. Attracting and retaining talent and students: Volunteer programs pull potential employees and students, especially those who value purpose and alignment with personal values. Institutions offering these opportunities are more likely to attract and retain top talent and the best students.

4. Community and stakeholder engagement: Volunteer programs can attract the attention of local officials and stakeholders, opening up dialogues that benefit the community and the school.

Creating an impactful volunteer program

To create a successful employee volunteer program:

1. Assess community needs and employee & student interests: Align volunteer activities with community needs and employee and student passions.

2. Align with business goals: Ensure the program supports the school’s mission and long-term goals.

3. Leadership buy-in: Secure support from upper management to encourage participation and demonstrate commitment.

4. Partner for impact: Collaborate with local organizations and other stakeholders to amplify the program's impact.

5. Recognize volunteers: Acknowledge and appreciate employees' and students’ contributions to instill and maintain motivation.

To avoid common pitfalls in volunteer programs:

1. Avoid copycat programs: Ensure the program aligns with your institution’s mission rather than mimicking others.

2. Avoid executive-driven initiatives: Focus on causes that employees and students are passionate about rather than those favored by upper management.

3. Avoid mandatory participation: Volunteering should be a choice, not a requirement, to maintain its positive impact.

The value of meaningful volunteerism

A well-designed corporate volunteer program offers employees and students a chance to discover their potential, make a real difference, and build stronger connections with their institution. This leads to a more positive brand image, an engaged workforce and student body, and a culture that attracts top talent and students. Careful planning and sincere implementation are key to creating a program that delivers genuine value to the community and the campus.