Corporate & Individual Social Responsibility
Most of us have the thought, “I want to give back to those in need, but where do I start?”.
Well, I am just going to share my personal experience with you. I promise that there is a message at the end!
My journey with community initiatives, foundations, non-profits and charities started at an early age. My grandmother was very adamant about us making this a foundation of our character. It started with the Ronald McDonald house & then the Friendship Inn and this was at an adolescent age. Then came volunteering at my childhood camp Blackstrap Youth Camp- which is still near and dear to my heart.
Then during high school, I started to volunteer for various events which transitioned (with that same organization - L’Association Jeunesse Fransaskois) into a full-time job at a non-profit. Now, let me tell you…the amount of work vs pay was DRASTICALLY different. Seeking out funding with grants is a rigorous process. Ensuring that you draw as much awareness as possible for the organization is also crucial.
Then came the Canadian Red Cross. Then in 2005 Katrina hit and I decided to start the process of becoming a National Disaster Management Volunteer and Instructor. Followed by that is when I started my journey as a First Responder (and now that is a long story that I will not bore you with at the moment).
From there, I became completely infatuated (perhaps unhealthily) with making volunteering part of my everyday life. I was volunteering with Habitat for Humanity locally and then ended up travelling to El Salvador to build there as well.
After that trip, I noticed that my emotions started to become more heightened, enhanced and intensified. I became anxious that I WASN'T doing enough. Especially after my trip to El Salvador I became angry. I mean pissed off to A-T. I had left before Christmas, taking a whole month including a trip to see my mother in South Carolina, only to return to a “ra-ra” of Christmas shopping fiascos. Hence, I was very upset This affected my work, family and social life. Instead of focusing on spreading the goodness and greatness of giving back to those in need and praising the teams I was part of…I was angry at the materialism of our modern North American world.
Most of my friends did not understand the frustration and change in attitude, and frankly - neither did I.
I finally decided that after all of my “giving back”, it was “taking away” from my life. Volunteering should be a joyful and rewarding experience. It should not be a catalyst for your personal emotions to spiral into anger, self-doubt, social isolation, etc.
So, I took a break. I felt guilt, shame, and anxiety over something I took such pride in for so many years. I was a participant, leader, employee and promoter of these amazing causes.
So where did I go from here? After quitting my federal job, I started a company and made corporate and social responsibility part of my mission by hosting fundraisers. This brought me joy and still does. Changing initiatives and non-profits for each event, allowed me and my partners involved in the event, to learn about what the organization does and how they need help. Was I still angry, anxious, shameful, or guilty - hell no!
Yes, this may be long winded but what I am trying to get at is….you can give back personally as well as corporately but you can also make a huge impact utilizing your business as well as your personal and professional connections to give back within your community or outside your community. My challenge to everyone - entrepreneurs or not - find an initiative or cause that is near and dear to your heart. That aligns with your values. Reflect on how YOU can contribute to THEM. And if you are experiencing those emotions that are not as healthy as I did….talk it out! If you want some shameless examples of this, click on the button below.
As Nike says - “JUST DO IT!”