Not many people know April is National Volunteer Month, and this is a great opportunity for us to thank those volunteers who dedicate their time and reflect on how much volunteerism impacts not just our local communities but the volunteers themselves.
While corporate contributions and individual donations are vital for nonprofits, volunteer hours can go much deeper than just writing checks. When we volunteer, we are able to experience first hand why and for whom these nonprofits exist. Understanding this makes it easier for us to share their mission with others who may also want to give their time to a cause that makes our neighborhoods better and stronger.
When a student from Cal State Fullerton thanks you for supporting college students’ financial well-being by teaching financial workshops and supporting the university’s programs such as “RENT: A Financial Literacy Movement” student production, it is truly an amazing feeling. It is a reminder of how small things can make a big difference.
Volunteerism does not just affect those who we are helping, but can positively impact the individual who is volunteering as well. It helps expand internal relationships, partnerships, collaborations and build personal networks, while boosting confidence and social skills.
These are just some of the reasons why many corporations, including my employer Bank of America, encourage volunteerism among their employees and establish internal volunteer programs. Last year, Bank of America employees in Orange County contributed more than 36,000 volunteer hours. Across the country, our volunteers donated 2 million hours.
This high-level of commitment to volunteerism is growing. According to the 2014 Giving in Numbers report, 59 percent of the 261 world’s leading companies, including Bank of America, provided paid-release time to volunteer programs in 2013, up from 51 percent in 2010. Half of those companies also provided pro bono service programs in 2013, up from 34 percent in 2010, to meet direct needs that donations often don’t cover and provide employees a meaningful way to utilize their expertise. It’s an especially powerful way for employees to help strengthen their local communities and gain personal satisfaction at the same time.
For example, law offices often provide lawyers to help families with legal counsel while tech companies can be found hosting computer skills workshops led by their technicians. At Bank of America, our employees serve on 83 nonprofit boards in O.C., conduct financial education workshops and help with veteran career training.
We know that volunteering profoundly impacts the people and communities served, but volunteers may be surprised by how the experience positively impacts them as well. With April being National Volunteer Month, as well as Bank of America’s Global Service Month for its employees, I encourage not only my colleagues, but also everyone in O.C. to give back. It’s a win-win proposition. Thank you for making a difference!
Adelena Lopez is co-chair of Bank of America Community Volunteers Orange County.
