Coveo, a market-leading AI-powered relevance platform, announced today that it has joined Pledge 1%, a global movement to inspire, educate, and empower all companies to leverage their assets for good. By pledging 1% of its workforce’s time, 1% of profits, 1% of products, and 1% of equity, Coveo is demonstrating its commitment to philanthropic leadership.

“At Coveo, we believe we have a responsibility to make a lasting social impact in our communities. Together with our team, our board of directors, and our shareholders, we are proud to announce that we joined the Pledge 1% movement, committing 1% of our time, 1% of our products, 1% of our profits, and yes, 1% of our equity.” said Louis Têtu, Chairman and CEO at Coveo. “Our pledge is substantive, and I hope other companies will see what we’re doing and join us.” 

“Equal, accessible, and unconstrained access to knowledge and education is a key lever for human wellness, to combat poverty, and to reduce inequalities,” said Sheila Morin, SVP Corporate Marketing and Brand at Coveo.  “Whether it is democratizing AI and digital content access to make a non-profit more effective, using educational and employment opportunities as tactics for combating inequality, or making knowledge available to all, we aim to make the democratization of relevance a force for good locally and globally. With the structure of our pledge, we will be able to contribute our time, our technology, our money and our equity to help.  And we will seek to engage our partners in the journey.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Coveo to the Pledge 1% movement. As a company focused on creating relevant, personalized experiences at scale, Coveo has the potential for transformational impact on nonprofits and the stakeholders they serve,” said Amy Lesnick, Chief Executive and President of Pledge 1%. “By committing 1% of their equity to sustainably fuel long term social impact efforts and pairing these funds with other meaningful assets, Coveo serves as a terrific role model not only for other Canadian companies but for businesses across the globe.” 

Coveo will be working with its partners including Benevity Inc, a leading provider of global corporate purpose software that provides charitable donation-management and grant-management, as Coveo takes the next steps to re-democratize business. 

Over the last year we’ve seen an alarming rise in xenophobic and racist hate crimes against Asian Americans. Yelp stands in solidarity and is committed to supporting the AAPI community. Specifically, how we address anti-Asian hate, support Asian-owned businesses, and work to be progressive allies.

TEACH YOURSELF ABOUT THE HISTORY OF PROPAGANDA AND HATE

To begin combating irrational, fear-based bigotry, start with education. Learning the historical basis for Asian hate is an essential first step.

An op-ed published in 1854 by Horace Greeley spurred the creation of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. His xenophobic, racist hate was foisted onto any Asian immigrant coming to the U.S. regardless of their actual ethnicity, and persisted through WWII and Japanese Internment, to the murder of Vincent Chin, and recently, the murder of six Asian women in Atlanta.

But, even “positive” Asian stereotypes—like the model minority myth—are just as dangerous. Our team created an allyship guide explaining the history Asian communities in the U.S.

Additionally, we recommend these works by AAPI writers:

• Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong


• The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston


• Strangers from a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans by  Ronald Takaki


• Asian American Dreams by Helen Zia


• Immigrant Acts by Lisa Lowe

RECOGNIZE THAT ASIAN REPRESENTATION AT ALL LEVELS OF ORGANIZATIONS IS IMPORTANT

The success of Crazy Rich Asians proved that diversity in Hollywood was economically viable. So, what changed? According to Andrew Chow, “Over the past decade, Asian Americans have become showrunners, studio executives, lead agents, and producers; they have formed tight-knit groups to champion one another.”

This framework has been used in politics via the founding of Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) alongside Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).

While we’ve seen an increase in representation in Washington, it does not extend to the corporate C-suite. In an article for the Harvard Business Review, authors stated that Asian American white-collar professionals are the least likely group to be promoted into management because they’re seen as an extremely successful demographic, and not underrepresented.

SUPPORT AAPI-OWNED BUSINESSES AND AAPI-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS

According to Yelp’s Economic Impact Report on diverse businesses, the rate of searches on Yelp for Asian-owned businesses in the U.S. increased by 3,404% in February 2021 compared to the previous year.

To make it easier to find Asian-owned businesses, Yelp collaborated with Gold House, to introduce a new way for businesses to self-identify.

Additionally, the following AAPI-serving organizations are fighting to elevate experiences and stop Asian hate.

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice


• Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund


• Asian Pacific Environmental Network


• Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum


• Chinese for Affirmative Action


• National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum


• National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance


• Stop AAPI Hate

In addition to education and advocacy, donations to AAPI-serving organizations, companies can reflect on product features that provide consumers with ways to support, and pathways to encourage representation of AAPI people at all levels of leadership.

In March 2021, Olo joined the Pledge 1% movement and created Olo For Good, committing one percent of Olo’s time, product and equity to Olo for Good initiatives to foster sustainable contributions to the communities in which we live, work, and serve by integrating social responsibility and impact into our business.

Olo for Good is leveraging our people, technology, and equity to support organizations that are aligned with our mission and values including those focused on:

• Advancing all aspects of racial, ethnic and gender diversity, equity, and inclusion;


• Providing relief and support for the restaurant industry and its front-line workers;


• Ending childhood hunger and increasing access to food; and


• Protecting natural resources and reducing waste and emissions.

As part of Olo’s equity commitment, we are so excited to share the names of the following organizations who will receive a combined $4.9M donation from Olo’s Donor Advised Fund:

• Black Girls Code


• Clean Air Task Force


• Emma’s Torch


• Feeding America


• FoodCorps


• Girls Who Code


• Giving Kitchen


• Let’s Empower Employment Initiative


• Natural Resources Defense Council

These incredible organizations are leading the charge in their respective fields, supporting restaurant workers, championing diversity in tech, fighting hunger and leading incredible environmental initiatives. We are thrilled to finally announce this and are committed to working closely with each organization to ensure continued success. Organizations will receive funding in early November!

Cheers to doing good while doing well,

Nithya, Jackie & the Olo For Good Committee

Nithya B. Das, Chief Legal Officer

Jackie Berg, SVP of Marketing

Many of us feel lucky to find one charity that we connect deeply with. Jo Chilton, Splunk Customer Success Manager, has found two in the course of her volunteer journey, and since starting to volunteer in 2015, she hasn’t looked back.

Working to ensure no one need go hungry

Jo first volunteered with Hackney Foodbank, drawn to an opportunity she could do outside of working hours. She began by volunteering at donation drives, heading to supermarkets like Tesco to collect food and cash donations from shoppers. 

Soon she started volunteering in the warehouse. Hackney Foodbank receives donations not only from supermarket drives, but also businesses, neighborhood associations and walk-ins to the warehouse. Along with her fellow volunteers, Jo weighs and sorts the donations, which will later go into crates for deliveries to clients.

“There are a variety of reasons for using a food bank,” explains Jo. “You may be recovering from homelessness or have unstable employment conditions. Unexpected life events such as an injury might leave you unable to work, leaving you with the choice of feeding your family or heating your home in winter. For many people, just one unexpected bill can lead to food insecurity.”

The pandemic only amplified the problem. “As Splunkers, we weathered the storm from a position of fortune and gratitude,” says Jo. “But for many others in the community, the need for donated food has been more critical than ever.”

While Jo enjoys volunteering with the foodbank and has made friends by giving back, she looks forward to a day where her volunteer service is no longer required – and food is easily available to all.

Giving comfort during the holidays

Along with Hackney Foodbank, Jo volunteers with Crisis, a charity that works with homeless and formerly homeless Britons. In addition to year-round services, it offers Crisis at Christmas, when shelters open throughout the holiday week. 

“The holidays can be a difficult time for many people, whether they are homeless or simply lonely,” says Jo. “During Crisis at Christmas, the guests are our VIPs. They can enjoy three meals a day, along with access to services most of us take for granted, like an optician or hairdresser.”

Perhaps most important, Crisis at Christmas offers companionship and a listening ear for people at their most vulnerable, alongside services to help with challenges they may be facing, such as addiction.

“When we share a meal or a cup of tea, I have the opportunity to learn about another person’s experience,” says Jo. “You really learn a lot about life and people’s resilience in those moments, and while the conversations can be challenging, they also bring me joy.” 

As a returning volunteer, Jo has made many friends. But what she values most is how volunteering has connected her to the dignity of every life.

“For so many homeless people, the worst thing isn’t the cold or hunger, but the loneliness,” says Jo. “People won’t look you in the eye, even as they give you food and drink. If you just take thirty seconds to introduce yourself and ask their name, you’ve created a moment of connection.”

Discover your own path

“Charities offer such a breadth of opportunities, with something for nearly everyone,” says Jo. “You might not find your niche right away, so be persistent. Whatever your personality and talents, you can make such a difference for others.”

Giving Back as a Team

IT Engineering brings fun, innovation, and friendly competition to their volunteer events

For Abeetha Bala and the Splunk IT Engineering team, volunteering isn’t just an occasional activity. It’s an important part of their culture.

Most recently, they volunteered with CareerVillage.org – a nonprofit that works to democratize access to career information and advice for underrepresented youth. Together, the CareerVillage team and the Splunkers organized an online Q&A to answer questions about technology careers.

Friendly competition for a great cause

During the big day, the volunteers were split into teams. The young people asked their questions, and the Splunker teams competed to answer as many as possible. 

With an audience ranging from 4th graders to high schoolers and highly technical subject matter, they had their work cut out for them. “We had to put ourselves in the shoes of the students and keep the explanations simple,” says Abeetha. 

Together, the Splunkers answered 59 questions in 1 hour – each one offering young people a window into a technology career. Through the fast-paced event, all of the Splunkers got involved – in fact, the beauty of the event is that it appealed to extroverts and introverts alike.

“It was refreshing to interact with the students,” says Abeetha. “It brought us a new perspective on the work we do every day.” The team that answered the most questions not only won bragging rights, but was also honored during a department All Hands.

Creating fun and meaningful experiences

The IT Engineering Social Committee spearheads the team’s volunteer projects. Gathering inspiration from Benevity and the Social Impact team, they gather a list of ideas. To make sure everyone has a voice, they survey their colleagues, and the option with the most votes wins. 

Every quarter brings a different cause. “We want to keep our team excited and make sure the experience is meaningful,” says Abeetha. “Since our team is around the world, we look for activities that work across time zones, and we’re always sure to add our personal Splunk touch.” In recent quarters, IT Engineering volunteered with Missing Maps to map areas of India vulnerable to typhoons and held a virtual charity for a 5K run.

While the Social Committee drives the projects, it’s a collaborative effort. “We rely on managers to talk up the events to their teams, and whenever possible, we love to see managers join us,” says Abeetha. “By participating, they send a clear signal that we value volunteering and want everyone to use their VTO.”

Their efforts are paying off. Each quarter, 30-35% of IT Engineering takes part, and the team has already logged 40 volunteer hours this fiscal year. “At our events, I have a chance to interact with colleagues I don’t usually work with,” says Abeetha. “Volunteering helps new colleagues get to know our culture, and it creates a powerful sense of belonging.”

“I’m proud to work at Splunk,” she adds. “I believe in our product, and I value our VTO program. I have the privilege of giving the gift of time to support great causes.”

Working in the technology sector, squarely in the heart of Silicon Valley, it’s sometimes easy to take for granted our collective basic human needs of healthy food, clean water and secure housing. At LeanData, we’ve elected to change that, and have committed ourselves to not only raising awareness, but to affecting positive change.

In partnership with its employee-led Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) committee, LeanData is a proud supporter of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, a non-profit organization dedicated to building a hunger-free community by distributing nutritious food to nearly every neighborhood in Silicon Valley. Second Harvest currently serves 450,000 people every month, an 80% increase over pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels!

In 2020, deep within the throes of the pandemic, LeanData organized a virtual poker night with its team members across the country. Using the tournament buy-in and other related contributions, and working with Second Harvest, LeanData was able to donate 7,317 meals to our local northern California community.

This year, we have upped the ante, so to speak. In early November, the DEI committee kicked off this year’s 2021 fundraising event, with a goal of providing 8,000 meals. Again, the centerpiece of the effort is the virtual poker tournament, complete with the year-long bragging rights associated with it. Employees who choose to participate do so with their buy-in donation. But, it’s so much more than that, as employees are encouraged to create Second Harvest fundraising pages and solicit much-needed donations from their personal and professional networks.

With day-to-day work becoming more virtually-based over the past two years, some in the workforce have struggled with feelings of isolation and an overall loss of esprit de corps. LeanData has found community-giving efforts to be one way to bring its team together, bounding over collective efforts that benefit the communities where we live and work.

In 2021, LeanData and its employees participated in programs to increase physical and mental well being, supported 1T.org’s mission to plant one trillion trees by 2030, and continued our communities’ efforts to eradicate hunger in Silicon Valley. Our efforts have brought us closer together with one another – teammates, fellow LeanData employees and even our valued partners, customers and vendors. And, along the way, we take pride in helping our neighbors as we can.

As a collective group, LeanData is excited to build upon our growing community effort next year and beyond!

From October 4-8, 2021, Nextep hosted its semi-annual volunteer event, Nextep Gives Back Week. This year looked slightly different from last year’s Nextep Gives Back Days with a week’s worth of in-person, virtual, and donation-based volunteer opportunities. Nexteppers created donation kits for their favorite nonprofits, packed meals for Meals on Wheels, cleaned and painted apartments for Bridges, and more!

“Since the pandemic, our people have been looking for creative ways to give back and serve the community,” said Brian Fayak, Nextep founder and CEO. “Our people have been anxiously awaiting the day they could get back to seeing some of our favorite nonprofit partners in person. So this year, we rallied together for a whole week to serve our community with donations and in-person volunteering!”

The past two years have changed the way we volunteer, and it’s been difficult to help in person. Even when we couldn’t serve nonprofits with our time, we made sure to support them through drives and donations — we gave $30,000 to The Virtue Center, $10,000 to Grand Gentlemen, and sponsored a child through Make-A-Wish, to name a few.

Earlier this year, we offered a fully Virtual Volunteer Week with opportunities that could be done individually, with families, or in small groups at the office. We focused on picking up trash in our local parks, packing donation kits, and practicing random acts of kindness throughout our community.

While Virtual Volunteer Week was a huge success, we knew we wanted to do more with our fall Nextep Gives Back Week. Nonprofits started opening their doors, and our people became more comfortable, which allowed us to host a hybrid volunteer week where there was something for everyone’s comfort level and interests. We took feedback from our spring event to make our Fall Nextep Gives Back Week even better!

We had small group volunteer opportunities available every day of the week, a blood drive, and a corporate-wide donation drive running to give everyone a chance to give back. Some of the nonprofits we partnered with during Nextep Gives Back week:

• Bridges


• Loveworks


• Meals on Wheels


• Dress for Success


• The Center for Employment Opportunities


• The Education and Employment Ministry


• Center for Children and Families, Inc.


• Oklahoma Blood Institute

In total, Nextep donated 263 hours for 14 organizations! For more information about the Nextep Charitable Foundation, visit nextep.com/about/foundation.

AvidXchange recently joined Pledge 1% as part of its transition to become a public company listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Pledge 1% is a global movement that encourages and empowers companies of all sizes and stages to donate 1% of their staff time, product, profit, or equity, or any combination of the four, to philanthropic endeavors of their choosing.

AvidXchange will join the more than 15,000 companies in 100 countries around the world that have used Pledge 1%’s framework to ignite over a billion dollars in new philanthropy this year alone.

“Joining Pledge 1% was a no-brainer for us when we were exploring ways to make a bigger impact outside our office walls following today’s milestone,” said Michael Praeger, CEO and Co-Founder of AvidXchange. “Corporate giving is a part of AvidXchange’s DNA and we look forward to leveraging this new commitment as an opportunity to give back to the communities where we work and live.”

“We are thrilled that AvidXchange has joined the Pledge 1% movement and that their commitment has already had such an immediate and meaningful impact,” said Amy Lesnick, Chief Executive of Pledge 1% “As an industry leader, AvidXchange is paving the way toward a future where social impact is part of every company’s culture, values, and business model.”

AvidXchange began its focus on giving-based initiatives in 2005 when the AvidXchange Foundation was founded in response to helping elementary school children impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The Foundation has continued to grow, taking on the mission of positively impacting the lives of youth in the communities where AvidXchange employees live and work.

To learn more about the AvidXchange Foundation, click here.

And to learn more about Pledge 1%, click here.

Khoros offers an award-winning, AI-powered platform for digital customer engagement that helps brands harness the power of human connection across every digital interaction to keep them all-ways connected. We believe in our responsibility to do more and do better—not only for our customers, but for our employees and communities, too. 

In July 2020, Khoros pledged a 2% Commitment to focus on deepening and expanding its support of underrepresented groups. To uphold this commitment, Khoros established a steering committee that has since developed and mobilized an action plan to scale pilot activities for community outreach, as well as identify near- and long-term initiatives involving the entire company. 

Using Khoros Technology for Good

One of Khoros’ most significant initiatives implemented in the past year is the Khoros Social Responsibility (KSR) Program. The program provides qualifying nonprofit and social good organizations with free and/or discounted access to Khoros software and services so they can do their best work for the communities they serve. The program focuses on organizations owned by or in direct service to underrepresented groups who would not otherwise have the capacity to invest in our offerings. To date, Khoros is proud to partner with nine organizations through the KSR Program, including Black Women’s Health Imperative, Harlem United, Austin Pets Alive!, Nomi Network, Pledge 1%, Révolutionnaire, JUST, breastcancer.org, and SAFE. 

Mobilizing Volunteerism & Corporate Donations

Khoros offers 24 hours paid volunteer time off (VTO) to encourage employees to give back to their local communities. Khoros makes regular charitable donations to organizations that are aligned with our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and cultural moments that matter most to our employees. Organizations include OnePulse Foundation, OutYouth, Therapy for Black Girls, Black Women’s Health Imperative, among others.

Emphasizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Internal diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts include hiring Khoros’ first Director of DE&I, Angie Buster, and launching four ERGs to support the company’s employees and allies of the Black, Latinx and Hispanic, LGBTQ+, and women-identifying communities. More than half of the company’s executive leadership team identifies as female and a third are members of underrepresented minority groups. 

Participating in the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative 

As part of the Vista Equity Partners (Vista) portfolio, Khoros is also participating in the private equity firm’s Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative. The initiative is focused on reducing half of its emissions by 2030 and emitting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 across its portfolio of enterprise tech companies.

As an online work marketplace that connects freelancers to employers around the world, Upwork has a unique perspective on how to manages remote workers. But how did the company manage its own internal team of 550+ as they shifted full-time to remote work? See the strategies that Upwork adopted in early April 2020, the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, to rapidly shift to a fully remote workforce.