This time of year many of us are thinking about those around us. We gift and bake, mail and deliver. We might volunteer at a soup kitchen or give a donation to a cause we care about. But for the remainder of the year, those holiday contributions and volunteer hours so graciously accepted by non-profits tend to dry up.
Many companies and employers initiate company-wide volunteer days (team building!) or sponsor a particular charity. And even though these initiatives may affect many and see progress through, the altruistic spark has to come from an individual – someone on the inside on a quest to do more.
On November 4th, The BOSS Group, a creative talent staffing agency, held their second annual GOOD BY DESIGN® charity design event, in partnership with Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts in Washington, D.C. This event began as an idea of BOSS marketing manager, Kristen Ferrer. Recognizing the work the BOSS Group does every day by matching creative people with jobs they love, Ferrer thought to connect cause-driven designers, developers and writers with non-profits in need. During tough economic times, non-profits are hit especially hard, and have to do more with less. And marketing and communications dollars are usually the first to go.
Through multiple channels, BOSS reached out to D.C. and Baltimore-based non-profits, asking them what communications materials they needed most. Two non-profits were selected to participate — Goodwill of Greater Washington and Athletes Without Limits. Creative projects included newsletter templates, email design, website headers, print collateral and social media revamps. Volunteer talent was then synched up with projects based on skill-set.
Companies are now starting to pay more attention to the needs of their communities and non-profits as well as the needs of their employees. Employees need to feel connected and feel like they are giving back. We think designers are more inclined to participate and design for social change because initiatives like GOOD by DESIGN® have proved to be successful, impactful and increasingly popular. — Neveah Bradshaw, The BOSS Group
Although I could not attend, this day-long event reminded me of my week at design camp this past summer. That opportunity was something I sought out on my own, sacrificing my own vacation time and footing the bill, mostly because I believe as members of a society we have a responsibility to lend a helping hand. How do you connect with and feel like you are making a difference in your community? Further, is it also an employer’s responsibility to provide an environment or opportunity to express charity? GOOD BY DESIGN® began because of one person’s vision, smartly using the resources of her surrounding network and community to implement it. The power of numbers can make it easier. If there’s a light you’ve been hiding under a bushel, maybe it’s time to see if others think the same way.
Thanks to Neveah Bradshaw for the correspondence.
