2022 – The Year Virtual Volunteering Gains Greater Prominence
Corporate giving witnessed a leap in its evolution in 2020. The pandemic led to a period of corporate and personal introspection, resulting in greater empathy, more understanding, and a positive bias for action. Virtual volunteering was at the forefront of this paradigm shift. It adhered to lockdowns and social distancing norms, allowing employee engagement.
Virtual volunteering started small in 2020 and, by 2021, turned into a way for 52% of companies to support the causes in which they believe. In keeping with this upward trend, 2022 could be the year virtual volunteering gains further prominence.
Before delving into the ‘hows,’ we must first understand the critical factors behind virtual volunteering’s growth over 2020 and 2021:
- Virtual volunteering offered organizations and individuals the ability to support the causes they believe in without the additional logistics, planning, and scheduling involved in physical volunteering.
- Because virtual volunteering was a remote activity, it provided safety for volunteers at the height of the pandemic.
- Virtual volunteering gave organizations a way to measure and track engagement metrics and give more effectively and accurately.
- Virtual volunteering allowed organizations to support a range of causes and nonprofits worldwide.
- Organizations saved 33% more money using virtual volunteering than with similar physical volunteering activities.
These factors made it easy for organizations to transition from physical models of employee giving to virtual volunteering. In addition, 91.3% of organizations currently using virtual volunteering said they were most likely to continue these activities in the future.
This statistic alone makes a great case for virtual volunteering’s high adoption rate in 2022. But it’s not the only one. So let us examine a few more reasons 2022 will be the year virtual volunteering gathers more significant momentum.
1. COVID-19 is evolving, and so are working models
While levels of infection have dropped and recovery rates have improved, the fact is that there are still new strains and mutations of the virus emerging.
To cope with this ebb and surge, organizations have adopted hybrid and permanently remote models of working. Virtual volunteering offers a common platform to these organizations to continue employee giving initiatives despite any impending lockdowns.
2. Consumer consciousness is growing.
As confirmed by the Edelman Trust Barometer, social responsibility has become an index of a brand or organization’s goodness that influences buyer behavior. Virtual volunteering offers organizations an avenue to augment or improve their social currency.
3. Employee purpose is evolving.
Projections show that millennials will form 75% of the global workforce by 2025, studies
show.
The same study also states that 71% of them think business can do much more to address society’s challenges in the areas of most concern: resource scarcity (56%), climate change (55%), and income equality (49%). These happen to be some of the critical initiatives covered by virtual volunteering.
4. Corporates are leveraging virtual volunteering for employee engagement and retention.
A global talent trends survey found that the highest-performing employees are 3x more likely to work for a company with a strong sense of purpose.
Younger workers are searching for impact-driven companies that champion the journey towards building a better world and take steps to effect positive change. Virtual volunteering has become a way for organizations to engage employees and attract new talent through the alignment of purpose.
5. The rise of micro-volunteering
Micro-volunteering activities are virtual actions that take only 10-30 minutes. They allow employees to partake in volunteering activities as organizations look to ramp up productivity to make up for the effects of the pandemic.
Micro-volunteering tasks can be performed at someone’s desk during lunch or a cab ride and do not have intensive material or training requirements. Apps such as the Karma app, developed by Goodera and Zoom, also facilitate these actions between virtual meetings.
In Conclusion
The pieces that will drive increased adoption of virtual volunteering are already in place. What will tie them together is that our world is in a state of flux. There are emerging crises, catastrophes, and causes to which we are all beginning to pay greater attention.
There is also an increased awareness among corporates that it is time to act. Again, virtual volunteering is helping to bridge the gap between those who need help and those willing to provide it.
If you’re looking to get started with virtual volunteering, a great place to begin would be Goodera’s Karma Hub – the world’s largest repository of virtual volunteering opportunities. Goodera has partnerships with 50,000+ non-profit organizations and has conducted volunteering sessions for 300+ companies.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Karen Chan
Executive / Project Lead, ADAPTOVATE
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I am an experienced Agile Coach and Consultant who helps organizations achieve their business transformation objectives using agile frameworks and methodologies. I have led and coached teams at scale from initiation to execution.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
At heart, I’m still a Quality Engineer – I want to make things better. My job gives me the opportunity to create sustainable, impactful change for clients and I’m able to use these skills in my volunteer work to support and strengthen my community and my profession.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
It’s knowing that the outcome I’m trying to achieve is worth the work, effort and time. For example, I believe it’s incredibly important for there to be more women in STEM and in leadership; how I live this belief is by organizing events like Mathletics, mentoring new graduates and young career professionals through the engineering licensing process, and making sure our hiring processes and candidate pools are diverse and inclusive.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Look at things as an opportunity rather than a challenge. This flip in mindset is incredibly powerful.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Organized. One of my managers told me that he didn’t realize organization was a talent until he met me. I enjoy strategic planning because I love seeing things execute well. Being organized helps me to achieve that outcome.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Sara Bareilles “Brave” has always resonated with me. Be brave enough to be who you are, speak up and speak out for the things that matter to you. As an Asian woman in engineering and now leadership roles, it’s even more important to make sure I create space for others to be brave enough to be who they are.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Personally, I am looking forward to traveling and family vacations again. Professionally, I am looking forward to continuing to grow our ADAPTOVATE Toronto office. In my volunteer life, I am looking forward to continuing to mentor women through the Women for STEM program at Ontario Tech U and mentoring young professionals through the engineering licensing process. I’ve also been invited to join the WAGE (Women and Gender Equity Canada) Procurement Advisory Group so I am looking forward to developing public policy to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Justine Violante
Vice President of Marketing, Appfire Technologies
Zurich, Switzerland
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As a leader in a product-led SaaS company, Appfire Technologies, my role is to empower and enable our product marketing organization with strategy and market growth.
I am responsible for a portfolio of 185+ products across 8 solution categories, and lead a team of 13 talented marketers; working closely and cross-functionally with senior leaders managing the channel, product development, engineering and business operations.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
In my time at Appfire, the rapid and constant growth has been the most exciting part of my job, and having the opportunity to scale and shape a talented team that is diverse and inclusive has been the most rewarding experience so far.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
My family – I have three daughters and I strive to give them a strong, confident and positive role model, always.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
It’s all about perspective – listen, ask questions and think laterally
What does generosity mean to you?
Sharing, giving, doing – with no strings or expectations attached.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Be the change they seek.
I admire the founders of Atlassian who are committed to philanthropic causes not only with words but with action and activism. Mike Cannon-Brookes, the co-founder of Atlassian and climate change advocate, has placed a bid on Australian energy giant AGL to pursue net zero electricity generation, potentially one of the biggest decarbonisation projects globally to be achieved by 2035.
Also, Melanie Perkins (and Atlassian Alumni)and Cliff Obrecht, co-founders of Canva, pledged to donate the majority of their 30% equity to philanthropic projects when they reached their $40billion valuation.
Similarly, at Appfire, all employees have time to give back to our chosen causes. With our commitment to Pledge 1%, we are encouraged to share stories and engage in efforts of generous giving – the most recent example being the rehousing, relocation and assistance team members offered to our colleagues and their families affected by the Ukraine Crisis.
Growth is awesome. Greed is not
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Dynamic
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
(please read the lyrics)
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Meeting my team physically for the first time, celebrating our growth; and exploring new places around the world again.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Semonie Kong
Contingent Workforce Program Specialist, Atlassian
Orlando, FL
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
Advise, educate and support on a wide range of Contingent Workforce issues. Collaborate with cross-functional partners such as Employment Law, HR Operations, Brand & Marketing, Procurement, and Talent Acquisition on Contingent sourcing initiatives, solutions and issues.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working with different people and building relationships.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I am motivated by my family and knowing that what I do matters and makes a difference.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Always be true to who you are and remember your values.
What does generosity mean to you?
Generosity to me means being willing and available to help as needed. Just being kind.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
I think businesses can start by being more inclusive and open. By this I mean, businesses should display this in their day to day operations not just saying it. These are 2 areas in society that cause a disconnect amongst people.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Selfless – I am constantly putting others and their needs ahead of my own. Always thinking of others.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
To finally taking a trip out of the country – having a real vacation/break.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Brenley Brotman
Vice President, Global Recruiting at Lookout & Chair, Lookout Foundation
San Francisco, CA, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I lead the talent acquisition team at Lookout, and am responsible for hiring world class talent across our various regions. In addition, I am the Chair of the Lookout Foundation, and we are proud to be part of Pledge 1%.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Everyday, I get the honor of working with “wicked smart people” who are fundamentally really kind. I am delighted to Chair our Lookout Foundation, where we are supporting non-profits in the places where we live and work. Today in fact, we launched a Global Campaign for our sisters and brothers in the Ukraine. Within one hour of launch, we exceeded our goals. I am humbled by my colleagues each and every day.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I am driven to make a difference. During these difficult times, people need a reason to feel inspired, to be valued..to be heard. Every day I strive to bring out the best in my team and my peers. Empathy is my secret sauce, and lots of humor doesn’t hurt.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Behind all anger is fear. If you can wander about without scaring others, you will win at the game of life”. How true that is. Best performance comes from a place of emotional security.
What does generosity mean to you?
There is an old story about two women who are breaking bread together. One of the women held a loaf of bread, tore off a large piece, and handed it over to the other woman. The 2nd woman declined the bread and said, “with a full heart, you will toss the bread to me. When you release the bread into the air, you are releasing the expectation of anything in return”. A truly generous person asks for nothing in return.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Every single company should have a Foundation, or at least a group of people that want to formalize efforts around “giving back”. In our Lookout Foundation, one of our themes is to support women interested in getting into the field of cybersecurity and other STEM areas. We co-founded “Day of Shecurity“, a place for women to come and learn about cybersecurity. We started small – bringing 25 women together at our Lookout offices in San Francisco. We provided a full day of Cybersecurity training.
At the end of the day, we held a “Capture the Flag” competition. The winner was awarded an all expense paid trip to Defcon (cybersecurity conference).
Fast forward 3 years and 6 events later, 2021’s Day of Shecurity conference attracted over 1700 women from 52 different countries for two days of free training, networking and collaboration (90+ Women Speakers). Just this week, Lookout hired another woman from our last Day of Shecurity event. It’s exhilarating to watch this free program grow in such a meaningful way for women around the world.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Driven. I have internal horsepower that drives me to make a difference in the relationships I build and the opportunities I seek.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
“Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’d like to launch a free “Day of Shecurity” Conference for women in India this year. Perhaps 3000 attendees? Let’s do it.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Elaine Abery
Director, Unravelling Red Tape
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences
I deal with complex government requirements on behalf of small and medium sized organizations allowing them to focus on what they do best. I stand with them to develop position statements and advocate for them, their professions, and industries to access high quality government decisions.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
The first meeting with most of my clients usually lasts for a long time and they are often very distressed – sometimes in tears. A few months later, our conversations are much quicker – they say they are confident with me by their side and sleep soundly knowing I am doing my best for them and their situations.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
From a personal perspective, I am known for being an eternal optimist, but in the middle of last year I hit an emotional and physical roadblock – it was like I was operating by habit and laughing less (strange for me). Then, I discovered ocean swimming in the middle of winter. If you look at pictures of ocean swimmers when they come out of the ocean, they are often glowing, especially in winter. And just like that, the invigorating glow of ocean swimming brought back my joy.
From a professional perspective, my clients relied on me to help them navigate complex, constantly changing government decisions around COVID. Sometimes, we think government is an all-knowing entity, but it makes mistakes. For example, many small businesses were excluded from accessing government COVID assistance in Australia due to a turnover test. After discussions with the NSW government, they created a micro-business grant for small businesses struggling due to covid. Just thinking how much this assistance was needed motivates me to keep going.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
When I was fifteen, I was being taken around Frankfurt-am-Main by a childhood friend of my grandmother. She said “everything is not black and white Elaine. There are so many colours of life in between.” Those words continue to open my perspective on life, events and people.
What does generosity mean to you?
When I was living in Malawi, working with orphaned and other vulnerable children, I would often go for long walks. People would call out “Muzungu,” (white person) and invite me into their homes. I would squat on the ground with men, women and children who gave me half their meal and insisted, with a broad smile, that I start eating before they did. I felt guilty taking half their food for that day or week. Many times, I tried to give them their food back, but this was met with confusion. True generosity is giving what you cannot afford.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
This is the reason I left behind my safe salary and set up my business. I love empowering people to change the law – to make it more equitable to help people do good stuff for society. Sometimes, government decisions just don’t make sense, or make the world a better place.
I have a particular passion for advocating for front line health workers, especially given their contribution during the challenging COVID years. One particular example is a highly specialised medical profession approached me after they received a large salary cut in the Federal Budget. This occurred due to some issues in the consultation process. I worked with them to have the Budget decision turned around and ensure they were treated equitably, in line with similar medical professions.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
LOL. I have an infectious laugh. My friends joke they never need my address when I move – they just follow the laughter.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I want to do all the ocean swims in and around Newcastle and take the time to go places regularly and get back into rock climbing.
From a business perspective, as a woman I have struggled to own my successes. I am working with my business coach to stop feeling like I need to apologise for being great at what I do and charging to do something that adds value to so many associations, charities and businesses.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Clara Perez
CEO/Founder, Radical One
Santiago, Dominican Republic.
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I passionately lead a small but mighty group of developers. From developing to daily operations to inspiring and motivating both our collaborators, partners and customers.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Helping our customers succeed by being able to meet their needs and being able to inspire others around me, by example, to be a servant leader.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
Practicing resilience and knowing that each of our stories, battles and conquests serves a purpose and inspires others to act.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
In order to be a leader in technology, you need to know more than just technology. You must understand the people behind it (the makers) and in front of it (the consumers).
What does generosity mean to you?
It means empathy in action.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Curious.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’m thrilled to jump start and grow Radical One. A consultancy firm that I’ve founded to create an army of technology professionals around the globe who are passionate about customer success, innovation, and giving back.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Deepti Gupta
Chief of Staff, Goodera
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I work closely with the CEO to drive key strategic initiatives across the firm.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
As a Pledge 1% member, Goodera has pledged 1% of employee time. Every Tuesday for us is a Volunteering Tuesday. I love these hands-on volunteering sessions which help me learn about the great work that a lot of nonprofits are doing across diverse cause areas. These experiences have made me a more empathetic and self-aware leader.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
At Goodera, we are on a mission to revolutionize volunteering through technology. Managing relationships with nonprofits driving efforts on-ground to advance various social causes is a core part of my job. Speaking with nonprofit leaders from across the globe and understanding the challenges that they and their beneficiaries are facing, has helped me put my problems in perspective. The bigger purpose of creating meaningful impact for communities in need, has kept me going.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Life is too short to do a job that doesn’t bring you joy.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
It’s simple, by enabling and empowering their employees to play a bigger role in solving these challenges. Be it generating ideas for a new product or volunteering during the times of crisis, the power of individuals cannot be underestimated.
We can look at the Ukraine migration crisis. The way the citizens and families from neighboring countries have opened their homes to welcome the war refugees, is a powerful example of how individuals can not only support but take the lead in solving some of the biggest, complex challenges
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Audacious – because I like to make big bold plans, incremental innovation doesn’t excite me
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Trish Riley
Director, Cinema Verde
Gainesville, FL USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I’m the founding director of Cinema Verde Environmental Film and Arts Festival and Channel, which I developed as a way to broaden the reach of environmental education in 2010. I worked as an environmental journalist and author since 1992, which is how I learned how vitally important it is for us to wake up and address these concerns with sustainable solutions.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
I get so excited when I’m reviewing our film submissions and I find so many wonderful films from around the world covering so many different aspects of our environment and highlighting what we need to do to ensure everyone’s safe, healthy future.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
While it seems most people lament the effects of the pandemic, and of course we all mourn the great loss of life and devastating illnesses, I think we have also been presented with an exciting opportunity to make the dramatic changes that we need to reset our civilization on a path to sustainability – something that seemed nearly impossible before now has true momentum… We have learned that we don’t necessarily need to travel in droves each day to our offices, reducing our work time and many expenses associated with office buildings, transportation, wardrobes, childcare, etc. and in the process we’ve gained time for ourselves so that not so much of our lives are given over to work.. we might have more time to be with our families and explore our creativity – which of course leads to intelligent solutions to the very serious problems we face with our environment. In my line of work – trying to help create a sustainable future – this is a bonus we never expected. I hope we can truly take advantage of this opportunity rather than rush to revert to our old ways.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My father was a self-made business success and he collected and dispensed bits of wisdom to his staff and his children. His rhymes and cliches echo in my head still… things like: ‘Do the job right the first time so you don’t have to go back and do it again,” but also: “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.”
What does generosity mean to you?
I am constantly astounded by the generosity of so many volunteers and supporters of Cinema Verde who have given so very generously of their time and talents to help create Cinema Verde. I’ve learned that we are all motivated to help forge a positive, sustainable future and working together is the only way to get there – I made a little slogan: Cooperation Trumps Competition.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Businesses are the key to our solution for a healthy sustainable future. Owners and shareholders must step up with integrity to make the changes we need to move forward with renewable energy and reduced chemical contamination. Many businesses are already leading the way, such as investment companies like Green Century, which offers investment funds that only invest in clean energy and green product manufacturers. This sort of shareholder pressure, along with consumers choosing to buy cleaner products, will help business leaders shape our future with green initiatives.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Mom. Of course I love my work and everything about it but the most important job I’ve ever had has been to raise my children – children are our future and it is so very important to carefully nurture their brilliance so they can use all of their potential intelligence and creativity to help shape our sustainable future. It is now known how important it is to protect children from harm and trauma – their developing brains are fundamentally affected by all of their experiences – they grow in good circumstances and they are stunted and saddled with health problems and even lower intelligence when exposed to violence, neglect and environmental contamination. Our children will help move the world forward for all of us.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar, Helen Reddy.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I would like for Cinema Verde to reach the world with environmental education through our films and news so we can help create a sustainable future.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am excited to see more and more women stepping up to the plate to help us build a better future. As a woman, and as a mother, I feel very strongly that we will guide our future away from destructive practices… We don’t want to send our children to war, we don’t want to hurt our friends and colleagues, we don’t want to poison our air, water, soil and selves with petrochemicals. I believe we as women can see that there are many more important things than profit above all. I’m excited to see Chicks in Charge! Let’s Go, GIRLS!