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By Danielle Holly
Lending a hand to help others is imperative during the Coronavirus outbreak, perhaps even more now than ever. But it should be done differently and safely under the current situation. In fact, now is the time to plan and adapt, not pull back as many would believe.
Yes, it would be very easy for each of us to invoke the need for social distancing to keep us from helping, but there is middle ground that will allow people to pitch in.
During this difficult time, the organization I lead, Common Impact, which matches businesses and non-profit organizations for skills-based volunteering, has found, thankfully, that our corporate partners have stepped up to keep their skilled-based volunteering projects going. Many have expanded their commitments and are asking how they can be of additional support, virtually - from the safety of their employees’ homes.
At the same time, our nonprofit partners are re-shaping their needs related to financial scenario planning, risk management and crisis communication. And, they’re communicating them to us so we can find solutions via our skilled-volunteer force.
With that in mind, we’re urging companies and individuals to continue sharing their talent and expertise with nonprofits. The organization this week released resiliency planning and project scoping tools for nonprofits navigating the uncertain path created by the coronavirus, along with updated virtual volunteering models for teams looking for ways to continue to serve during the crisis. The organization, whose corporate partners have stepped up to keep their skilled-based volunteering projects going, is urging companies and individuals to continue sharing their talent and expertise with nonprofits.
Actions You Can Take
Companies, now’s the time to join the movement.
If your company is looking for ways to stay connected to their communities and work and to a shared sense of purpose, Common Impact can be of assistance. The organization, with 20 years of experience in skills-based volunteering strategy, can help you find an effective way forward through these rapidly evolving events.
For Nonprofits, a place to start.
As nonprofit organizations rapidly reevaluate their priorities, they may need assistance with skills like financial scenario planning, information technology, and crisis communications. Common Impact can help you get started. CI’s organizational assessment and project scoping tools can get you pointed in the right direction.
Individuals share your virtual volunteer experiences!
For those who have been volunteering in their communities, CI is asking that you share your experiences and your wisdom – with Common Impact and via your own networks. The organization would like to hear how you’re volunteering virtually.
Over the last few weeks, we have been reminded of the inherent human drive to come together and do good. Now is the time for us to step up. Allow groups like Common Impact to help you help others by clicking here.
About Danielle Holly
Danielle Holly is dedicated to creating previously unseen pathways for individuals to meaningfully contribute to making their communities thrive. She envisions a world where every person is able to bring their values and personal mission to their day jobs, integrate healthy and sustainable personal lives and, as a result, have the drive and energy to make our communities more equitable and vibrant.
She is currently the CEO of Common Impact, an organization that designs programs that direct companies' most strategic philanthropic asset – their people – to the seemingly intractable social challenges they’re best positioned to address. Danielle has supported hundreds of nonprofit organizations on positioning and branding strategies to more effectively scale their models of social impact. In addition, Danielle has helped numerous corporations navigate the new era in corporate social responsibility and skills-based volunteering, including global powerhouses JPMorgan Chase, Charles Schwab, Marriott International, and Fidelity Investments.
She is a contributing writer for Nonprofit Quarterly on strategic corporate engagement. She is a member of the NationSwell Council, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network and Net Impact NYC.
Twitter: @dholly8