Does give back in meetings & events really matter?
If you survived the Great Recession then you probably already get why giving back matters. Many of us have been through tough times over the past several years and it seems that now, more than ever before, we want to make a difference in the world around us. We want to feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.
Some of the questions that come up when beginning to consider a CSR program: How can you translate your company’s culture, brand, and mission into your selected community service/ giveback program? How can you find a project that matches your company culture? How can you create something that is truly meaningful for the participant?
A great place to start is to find out what relationships your company already has in place. Extending and existing partnership into a long term volunteer opportunity for your team makes sense for both the participants and the recipients. Does your organization already partner with Boys and Girls Club or a local food bank? How might you support those groups through your meeting?
We often get asked to create interactive experiences that have the added benefit of a team building element. From building bikes or renovating a school yard to assembling care kits or building canned good sculptures, a give back team building represents a triple threat. Win for your meeting, win for the participant and ultimately, win for the recipients. See another post where we talk more about the value!
Yes, Give back in meetings & events makes a big difference!
Whether you choose to include a charitable team building element or not, when you insert a give back aspect into your next meeting, you’ll find business, and the meeting, can be more than itself. It can connect management, owners, suppliers, employees, customers, and the community. A greater sense of connectedness will go a long way to increasing your meeting participants appreciation of the meeting experience.
For specific ideas on charitable ideas for your next meeting or event, contact PlayWorks Group or call us at 855-TEAM-BLD. If you want to learn more about how you can focus on the participant at your meeting instead of the logistics of the meeting, contact meetingWorks.
Two excellent articles we’ve read recently that might help you think through how to integrate CSR into your programs: Do’s and Don’ts of CSR of Events and Social Good Meets Business Strategy