If you are familiar with Aragon Research, you’ve hopefully heard about Aragon Cares, our corporate volunteering program. With this program, we conduct monthly activities that are focused on helping organizations around our community. We established Aragon Cares a few years back when we knew that we wanted to start giving back in bigger ways. No matter where you are, there are always people in need and important causes to support. This blog will dive into the importance of having a volunteering program in your organization as well as some examples of volunteer activities you can execute with your team.
Why Have A Corporate Volunteer Program?
- Help your community: Of course, the most important reason to volunteer with your corporation is to support important causes and help those in need. There are, without a doubt, many people in need within your community and outside of it. There are also many wonderful existing organizations out there that are working to help these causes–but they need more help!
- Bring your team members closer: Gathering members of your organization to volunteer together is a great thing for employee engagement and morale. Working towards the same goal, and especially one that has a great cause, can do wonders for team building. You may also find that some members of your team have a real passion for volunteering and will want to help spearhead your volunteer program!
Help your community while strengthening your team!
Ideas For Volunteering
The great thing about launching a corporate volunteer program is that there are already so many amazing charities and nonprofit organizations out there to partner with and support. You can certainly initiate your own volunteer efforts from scratch, but you don’t have to! According to the National Council of Nonprofits, “America’s 1.3 million charitable nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten, and nurture people of every age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status, from coast to coast, border to border, and beyond.” These organizations need help from volunteers like you.
#1: Monetary Donations:
Monetary donations are a simple yet extremely important way to give back. Find an organization that your team or corporation is passionate about, research what your donation would be used for, and donate the amount of your choice! While simply donating money may feel less personal than other volunteering options, it is crucial for charities and non profits to continue their efforts. Never underestimate the power of a monetary donation!
See how Aragon has participated in monetary donations:
- Compassion In Oakland
- Child Advocates of Silicon Valley
- The East Oakland Collective
- The California Fire Foundation
- City of Dreams
#2: Food/Item Drives:
Many people and animals are in need of basic necessities such as food, blankets, toiletries, and more, but cannot afford them. Gathering important items for those in need is a great way to give back. At Aragon, we’ve even gathered books to donate to a local library!
See how Aragon has participated in drives:
- HomeFirst Services
- ‘Sending Friends’ to Fozzy’s Toy Room
- Morgan Hill Library Drive
- Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
#3: Walk/Runs to Support a Cause
Participating in charity races is a fun, rewarding way to volunteer! Typically, by participating in these races, you’ll be raising awareness and funds for a great cause. This is also a great team bonding experience, and a great way to break up the monotony of a work day! At Aragon, we’ve participated in races to support causes such as cancer research, the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 relief efforts, and more!
See how Aragon has participated in charitable runs:
#4: Participate in Cooking or Distributing Meals or Items
Often, organizations need help from volunteers distributing the items that get donated to them. Consider signing up for a shift at a soup kitchen or passing out supplies to those in need! Getting face-to-face interaction with those you are supporting allows you to see a bit of the impact you can have on others, and is very rewarding.
See how Aragon has participated in distributing meals and items to those in need:
#5: Crafting
Unleash your creativity in your volunteer efforts! There are many ways to give back by crafting with your team. This is a fun activity for team bonding, and items made from the heart go a long way! Some craft ideas include making tie blankets for homeless shelters or animal shelters and writing cards for Children’s hospitals.
See how Aragon has crafted for a good cause:
Bottom Line
It’s time to build your corporate volunteering program! At Aragon, we select one cause per month to support. We’ve found that Aragon Cares has brought us closer as a team and allowed us to meet many great people and support so many wonderful causes. Keep up with our future Aragon Cares activities here!