Tag: connection

Jerry Swon Mendham New Jersey Virtual Volunteering

How to Become a Virtual Volunteer

On May 19, 2021

The pandemic has forced many people to remain indoors and suspend their regular activities, including community engagement and volunteering. Depending on location and relative risk, it may not be possible for many people to go back out in public for some time. If you still want to volunteer, virtual volunteering may be a great option. It’s also an excellent opportunity for those who have limited time to spare but still want to engage with their community or help introduce children and teenagers to volunteering gradually.

What is it?

Virtual volunteering is precisely as it sounds; it allows people to volunteer in a non-traditional manner through online participation. This allows more flexibility in terms of time and capability while still offering an opportunity to help and interact with other community members. All you need is a computer, the internet, and the desire to help.

What kind of virtual volunteer opportunities are available?

Whatever your passion, you can probably find an organization that needs some assistance online. The United Nations Volunteer website can provide opportunities to use specialized skills like writing and artistic ability. Those fluent in multiple languages can donate their time at Translators Without Borders. Anyone interested in contributing to collective knowledge and scientific discovery should check out Zooniverse and the Smithsonian Digital Volunteers website. As with all volunteering, the most essential part is to choose a cause you’re passionate about.

The benefits of virtual volunteering

Virtual volunteering is an excellent option for those feeling lonely or isolated by the pandemic. It provides an opportunity to talk and work with other people constructively. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the positive mental health benefits of community engagement, so not only will you be helping others, but you’ll be practicing a form of self-care, as well. It can also be a great way to learn new skills and practice ones you already have; experience is one of the best teachers, and working on your abilities in a way that directly helps people can be highly motivating.

If you have some extra time and want to help, consider virtual volunteering as a quick and easy way to contribute your time and try out a variety of different opportunities.

How a Philanthropy Program Can Help Business

By Jerry Swon

On November 20, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Philanthropy programs in business involve financial contributions to society, donations to a specific cause, or employees volunteering their time to help or drive a cause. Many companies have embraced corporate social responsibility and are continuously dialing up their procedures to prioritize the activities. This factor is businesses have seen corporate philanthropy’s benefits for them, their employees, and the community. Here is how philanthropy is beneficial to a business.

Promote Company Image

Most people tend to align positively with companies that give back to the community that gives them business. They, therefore, develop a good impression of the company and will trust its services. In most instances, the result is more business from the community they support as they have built a bond of trust.

Happy Employees

Companies that involve their employees in philanthropy enjoy the benefits of a team with high morale. Enthusiastic employees are more productive and willing to be team players. Besides, the importance of corporate philanthropy is that it brings meaning to their staff showing them the organization cares about their personal needs and the community.

Excellent Recruitment

People always want to work for companies with a good reputation, and corporate philanthropy is a perfect mirror of this attribute. Philanthropic companies have an excellent resource of well-abled applicants in the communities they give assist. Individuals with a knack for giving back to society will be attracted to such businesses, bringing with them diverse talents.

Increase sales

People tend to spend more on brands that give back to society and support good causes than brands that do not have any social responsibility. Therefore, with a philanthropy program, businesses enjoy benefits such as high sales and profit margins and are likely to get more customers who support the same cause.

Brand Marketing

Since Corporate Social Responsibility has become significant in businesses, philanthropy is an excellent way to promote their brands in wider regions. Getting down to the community level and reaching out to customers to find out what matters to them and what changes they would like can market a business brand cost-efficiently. Philanthropy programs are ways for a business to present a unique identity that resonates with their clients and potential customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an excellent philanthropy program is beneficial to the business, employees, and the community. It is a win-win for everyone if the intent is good and the ultimate goals are transparent. For a business, this is an investment that pays off in the long run.

The 4 Factors Behind Creating A Community

By Jerry Swon

On November 8, 2018

In Blog, Community

Have you ever wondered why people participate in communities? Or how that community came to be in the first place? Social psychologists, McMillian and Chavis explain that a sense of community is formed when members feel that they belong, matter, and share the same faith. McMillian and Chavis explain that there is more that goes into a community than just a simple definition. The following are four factors that contribute to creating a sense of community. As you read, reflect on whether your own community posses these factors.

1. Membership

When you have a membership to a group, you have a feeling of belonging. The people within your community should share similar interests or views as the other members.McMillian and Chavis state that communities often come with boundaries. Boundaries help to create a higher level of trust between members and to make sure that anyone who joins is a good fit.

2. Influence

The second factor of community is influence or rather a sense of mattering. Members of an organization should feel as though they have influence over the community and vice versa. As you create a community, form an environment where your members have a say in what happens. The community should be something that its members care about and adds value to their lives.

3. Fulfillment of Needs

By joining a community, a member should receive what they hoped for by joining. Like any product, your community should solve a problem or provide a purpose for its member to make it worth their time and dedication.

Members should feel rewarded by participating in a community in order for them to continue to be active. A reward could range from a support network to conversation to inspiration.

Be sure to talk to your members to get the best idea of who they are and how the community can best serve them.

4. A Shared Connection

When looking at a healthy community you will notice that there is often a story on how they formed or what hardships they have experienced. Shared experiences have the ability to form a strong emotional bond between members. Often when a community goes through a crisis, they rely on one another to make it through the tough time.

After reading what four factors create a community, do you find that your own community posses these factors? If not, utilize this knowledge as you build and develop your community.