Consumers' access to information is increasing – and, with it, the demand for products, services and whole organizations that make a positive (or at least neutral) impact on employees, communities and the environment. Robert Levine, of leading volunteering organization Projects Abroad (http://www.projects-abroad.ca), says the businesses that will benefit most are those able to create value by embracing transparency, authenticity and CSR policies that have moved on from simple philanthropy.
"We know that North Americans are generous with both their giving and their time – almost 85% of Canadian adults make charitable donations and 47% of them take part in some kind of voluntary activity," said Robert. "As consumers, employees and business owners it is therefore natural that CSR is an important consideration."
The benchmark for successful CSR, however, is changing. "The traditional concept of CSR was based around philanthropy. Now it is more about what we call shared value – which means working together to grow economic progress and competitiveness as well as advancing social conditions in the communities touched by any given business," explained Robert.
"The development, charitable and education sectors are areas in which CSR flourished naturally. So now it makes sense that organizations such as ours help others to implement meaningful programs. That's why we introduced our Corporate Social Service program."
The program involves working flexibly with businesses to develop a tailor-made, overseas volunteering project for employees that takes into account time, skills and budget. It is centered on a concept of pro bono, or that of a partnership between the business, the employees and Projects Abroad, who organizes the project on behalf of its partner organization in the chosen destination.
Toronto-based childcare network Peekaboo sent a group of 10 employees on a CSR trip to Tanzania last year. Armed with 28 suitcases of toys, clothes, shoes and cloth diapers, the group spent their days working at the Nkoranga Orphanage and Faraja Women's Shelter for victims of rape, abuse and trafficking. The participants went to Africa with differen women's coats t skills, but all came away feeling enriched by the experience.
One volunteer, Monica, said the best part of the trip was "making a difference to a child's life, even for a day," while another, Stephen, said the best part was "having the opportunity to mentor and teach some much needed trade skills to a young man who will hopefully be able to carry on some basic maintenance at the orphanage." Others commented on learning about another culture, taking classes in Swhali and the amazing wildlife.
"Education plays a key role in the shared value model of CSR, and of course it goes both ways," said Robert. "The Peekaboo trip to Tanzania was successful because the volunteers, although working in an area in which they are experienced, took away new understandings and experiences. We work hard with every company who approaches us about CSR to achieve the same in their area of expertise."
About Projects Abroad
Projects Abroad is a leading volunteer abroad organization. We offer a diverse range of international service projects, from corporate group trips to opportunities for individual volunteers who might be career breakers, students on a gap year or retired seniors. Our continuous presence overseas and unparalleled in-country support from international staff ensure that your experience will be far more worthwhile and genuine than that of the average tourist, whatever your age and skills.
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