[Skills-based volunteering] has really allowed us to move forward in ways I didn’t dream possible. I’ll say particularly in areas related to technology… It has been essential in where we are currently at in our history.
We’re not building these charities, we’re not solving the problems that they are solving, we’re bringing them up to do it more effectively, to grow faster. And the feedback I get that says that we have done that is certainly one of the most, if not the most rewarding part of my job.
I think there is more engagement, more folks joining boards, more folks wanting to volunteer, there are more folks wanting to work for social impact companies, whose business models are to give back.
Skills for Cities 2018 delivered an estimated $80,000 in pro bono service to Boston nonprofits helping to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Later, looking back I realized I was kind of raised to be aware of the environment, sustainability, volunteerism, giving your skills – that philanthropy is something that really is for everyone. I didn’t realize that was the path until I was able to look back on it.
The Knitting Factor explains how skills-based volunteering knits together the expertise from the corporate and nonprofit sectors to create sustainable solutions that don’t come undone when partners part ways.
I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to live in different parts of the country because it has one: demonstrated clearly what good people there across all of the regions of this country and two: because I get to learn from different perspectives.
That’s the stuff that inspires me. It’s the people around me who have had challenges, who have persevered, who are purpose-driven and don’t give up.
I think that I am incredibly fortunate that I get to get up every day and do what I do.
Common Impact, Social Venture Partners Boston, and Impact 2030 launch Skills for Cities, a new model for citywide impact through a day of skilled service.
