Corporate Volunteering

What is Corporate Social Responsibility? 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept which acknowledges a company’s role in and ability to foster sustainable economic development and positive social impact through both their communities at home and abroad. CSR can be practiced through environmental efforts, philanthropy, ethical labor practices, and volunteerism. 

AMIZADE’S ROLE

Amizade proudly partners with companies around the world to develop custom Corporate Social Responsibility programming. In the past, we’ve sent several hundred employees and workgroups to focus on various skills-based initiatives in our communities across the globe, including environmental issues and sustainability in Puerto Rico, leadership and youth-engagement in Northern Ireland, strategic planning in Ghana, and marketing in Italy. When corporations choose to embark on and serve through Amizade-led programs, we make sure that their goals, missions, and intentions are being met through the practice of Fair Trade Learning (FTL). FTL is an ethical and sustainable service model that allows for both experiential learning and community-driven outcomes. 

WHY PRACTICE CSR?

Data has shown major benefits to corporations that practice and engage in Corporate Social Responsibility. These benefits, both tangible and intangible, have been studied for decades in numerous publications. Some of the most agree-upon benefits are:

It’s great for team-building, organizational learning, and organizational commitment!

Employees engaging together in direct service through practices such as Fair Trade Learning provides an inherently bonding and insightful experience. This experience, paired with the clear demonstration of the company’s CSR values, can positively influence organizational commitment among employees, especially if they align with those same values practiced. (Nurn & Tan, 2010)

It helps with employee retention and recruitment!

The strengthened relationship between employee and company through organizational commitment directly relates to employee retention. Research has also shown that CSR is effective in attracting better employees and future generations. (Schooley, 2019, & Spence, 2014)

It’s good for business!

According to a 2017 study published by Cone Communications, over 60% of Americans hope that businesses will take the lead on positive social and environmental change in the absence of government regulation. That same study found that 87% of Americans were more likely to buy a product if a company advocated for an issue they cared about.

It’s great for our planet! 

When corporations demonstrate their social responsibility commitments and missions through direct social action, it helps us to create a more just, sustainable, and equitable world. 

To learn more about our themes, locations, and programs for the planning of your very own Corporate Social Responsibility, contact us today!

EXPLORE OUR SITES

Where will your Amizade program take you? There are so many locations and experiences to consider!