See snapshots, download the recap, and find key takeaways here

SOURCE:Taproot Foundation

DESCRIPTION:

The Global Pro Bono Summit is an annual invitation-only gathering of leaders from across sectors and around the world with a shared vision to make the talents and skills of the entire business community accessible to organizations serving our collective good.

Together with the local host Social Entrepreneurs Agency (SEA), the Taproot Foundation and BMW Foundation convened 95 representatives from pro bono intermediaries, corporations, foundations, and other pro bono champions. This year's Global Pro Bono Summit was held from March 7 - 10 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Download the 2017 Global Pro Bono Summit recap to learn more about:

• The Global Pro Bono Network and its annual Global Pro Bono Summit
• Who attended the Global Pro Bono Summit
• Trending topics in pro bono from around the globe
• How pro bono is impacting the Sustainable Development Goals

Get the full recap here.

Tweet me:Snapshots & takeaways from the 2017 Global Pro Bono Summit ---> http://bit.ly/2sKpeKd @taprootfound @bmwfoundation

Contact Info:

Taproot Foundatoin
pr@taprootfoundation.org
@taprootfound

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Events, Media & Communications, Taproot Foundation, bmw foundation

SOURCE:Las Vegas Sands

DESCRIPTION:

In August 2016, Las Vegas Sands hosted a group of new teachers through Teach for America Las Vegas Valley for a meet-and-greet with local executives from Las Vegas Sands.  As part of the Sands Education Council, a public-private partnership of like-minded organizations, Teach for America helps address the challenges faced by the local school district and to identify opportunities and help improve education to make the community a better place to live.  Teach for America teachers are placed in challenged schools where skilled teachers are needed.

“My summary of the first year is to embrace the bad and unexpected,” Pamela Cates, Special Education teacher at Equipo Academy, said.  “Embrace what’s going wrong, reflect and then move on.  You have to get through the awful parts, and when you do, you come out better on the other side.”

Cates said that the school year has been exciting and humbling all at the same time.  Her students taught her more than she taught them, from her perspective.   She instituted a curriculum that included reading novels from Edgar Allan Poe and titles like Don Quixote to elevate their understanding and help them enhance their reading levels.  

“They loved it!” she said.  “I would give them text at their level and then the pictures to help them understand the novel at their actual level of reading.  I have access to comparable material for them to understand.  With Special Ed, they all learn differently so it allows me to have some creative problem solving so they all learn the same things, just in different ways and at their own pace.”

Challenges for Cates came in the form of not knowing what was coming.  Her students ended up teaching her not to take herself so seriously and to laugh at certain situations.  Laughter became important in her class.  

“Skill-wise, I hope they take self-advocacy away with them,” Cates said.  “I’m proud when they prove me wrong.  I want them to also remember that it’s okay to be your authentic self.  In middle school they just want to fit in and I just want them to be comfortable with who they are.  For next year, I’m excited about what books and projects they want to cover.  I really like to base the curriculum on the students’ interests.”

For Stephen Barney, sixth grade teacher at O-Callahan Middle School, his school year turned out to be more challenging than expected.  Before becoming a teacher with Teach for America, Barney had taught kids at a summer camp, but never in a classroom setting.  He found it challenging to make sure they understood what he was teaching. 

“I look forward to working on ways that I can make them understand better,” he said.  “I hate having to backtrack and see where the misunderstanding was.  You have to find other routes to get them to learn sometimes.”

For next year, Barney said he wants to be more of a teacher and person in charge rather than their friend.

“All of us will grow better if there’s a better understanding of our roles in the classroom,” Barney said.  “I hope I can change things up for the better and we can all grow together.  My favorite part of this whole experience was my after school Equality Club.  I got to know a lot of my students on a personal level where they could be open about their identity.  We had some really good conversations and I think that helps them be better students.”   

Read the latest from Las Vegas Sands via Sands Confidential

Tweet me:.@TeachForAmerica teachers reflect on their 1st year in the classroom http://bit.ly/2sOSejJ @LasVegasSands

KEYWORDS: Education, Academia, Las Vegas Sands

SOURCE:Habitat for Humanity

DESCRIPTION:

EDMONTON, Alberta, July 12, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Thousands of volunteers are joining Habitat for Humanity’s 34th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Canada to build 150 homes in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter will build alongside future homeowners in Edmonton, Alberta, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, with additional projects taking place in communities across the country.

The first day of building kicked off July 10 and will continue through July 14. Projects during the week include: 75 homes in Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan, 25 homes in Winnipeg and 50 homes in territories and provinces across Canada.

“Rosalynn and I are pleased to be bringing together volunteers to build alongside families during this year’s Carter Work Project,” said President Carter. “Housing affordability in Canada is at an all-time low. We are proud supporters of Habitat for Humanity and grateful to everyone who is joining us in our efforts to bring affordable housing to families across the country.”

Achieving access to an affordable home is increasingly difficult for many Canadians, with 91 percent saying high costs are the biggest barrier to homeownership, according to a recent survey by PSB conducted on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, 1 in 7 Canadian households, including 735,000 children, are in core housing need, according to data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation meaning that too many families do not have a safe, decent, affordable place to call home.

“The homes we are building in Canada will bring much needed stability to so many families,” says Mark Rodgers, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “We are thrilled to be welcoming President and Mrs. Carter to Canada and to see so many communities across the country coming together during this one week to help empower families through affordable homeownership.”

“A stable home can unlock infinite possibilities for families,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We are grateful to the many volunteers and sponsors and especially to President and Mrs. Carter for being a voice for affordable housing and working with future homeowners who are building better lives for themselves and their families.”

Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have traveled around the world with Habitat, donating their time and voices annually to build and improve homes and raise awareness of the critical need for decent and affordable housing. Inspiring millions over the last three decades, President and Mrs. Carter have worked alongside nearly 100,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair more than 4,000 homes.

Country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will also lend their hands in Edmonton. Brooks and Yearwood, who along with the Carters were named inaugural Habitat Humanitarians, have volunteered their time, skills and voices to Habitat since 2007. In Winnipeg, long-time Habitat Canada supporter and HGTV star Scott McGillivray will be building homes with volunteers during the week.

Habitat’s work is made possible thanks to the incredible commitment of our homeowners, volunteers, sponsors, donors and community partners. We would like to thank the many supporters of the 34th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, including: City of Edmonton; City of Fort Saskatchewan; Province of Alberta; Province of Manitoba Manitoba Housing; Dow Chemical Company; Hunter Douglas Canada; Lafarge; Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries; The Rossy Family Foundation; CGC; Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation; Floform; The Home Depot; Kristie Charitable Foundation; Lowe’s; Nissan Canada Foundation; Owens Corning; Qualico; Schneider Electric; Stanley Black & Decker; Stantec; TELUS; and Wall Grain.

About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in nearly 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org

About Habitat for Humanity Canada
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, nonprofit organization working toward a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers, Habitat homeowners and 56 local Habitats working in every province and territory, we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in Canada and around the world. For more information, please visit www.habitat.ca.

About Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
Founded in 1991, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton is the largest Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Canada. The charitable organization is working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Their mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. Visit HFH.org for more information.

About Habitat for Humanity Manitoba
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba is the local affiliate of a global nonprofit organization that has been working since 1987 toward a world where everyone has a decent and safe place to live. HFHM has partnered with local businesses, faith groups and thousands of dedicated volunteers to build homes for over 340 Manitoba families with over 1000 children having a better future. For more information, visit habitat.mb.ca. 

Tweet me:Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter help build 150 homes across Canada with @Habitat_org http://bit.ly/2u4sIqE #HabitatCWP

Contact Info:

Rowena Sara
Habitat for Humanity International
+1 (412) 712-5848
newsroom@habitat.org

Sarah Anderson Austin
Habitat for Humanity Canada
+1 (647) 571-6405
saustin@habitat.ca

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Habitat for Humanity, Canada, Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Jimmy Carter

SOURCE:AT&T

DESCRIPTION:

Presence. Sometimes, it is all we need. An ear to listen and a voice to reassure us and offer a few words of advice. For students struggling in school, the absence of an involved adult often exacerbates the problem. That’s why mentoring programs can be so powerful. 

Through AT&T’s Aspire mentoring program, we’ve connected more than 260,000 students with employees face-to-face. This past year, however, we took our program to a new level — collaborating with online mentoring groups iCouldBe, iMentor, Nepris and We Teach Science to connect even more students to this opportunity.

Fidel is one young man who experienced the power of a virtual connection in his life.

A high school senior from Westminster, Calif., Fidel was struggling in school and had difficulties managing time between academics, sports and a job. So he entered the AT&T supported iCouldBe program, which brings mentors and students together online. He connected virtually with Angela Hawks‑Johnson, an AT&T network specialist in Houston. Despite being more than 1,500 miles apart, they formed a strong bond.

“She is like a member of my family,” says Fidel. Angela became Fidel’s go-to person. They talked about school and time organization, but their real connection came through sharing about everyday life. When Fidel logged online, he knew someone was there, wanting to hear about how he was doing and help.

Now in his senior year, Fidel is making great strides in school, running for student office and making progress toward his dream of becoming a neurologist or audiologist. Angela is just one of our many employees who have mentored students online and in person through AT&T Aspire.

All young people deserve to have a role model in their lives to help them succeed. Our network connects mentors like Angela with students like Fidel and can bring this opportunity to more students — helping to bridge the gap between dreams and reality.

Tweet me:.@ConnectToGood "Connecting Students to Their Dreams" http://soc.att.com/2v9YrDs #ATTimpact

KEYWORDS: Education, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, AT&T, Mentoring, AT&T Aspire, iCouldBe, iMentor, Nepris, We Teach Science, online mentoring, Annual Sustainability Update, students, School

How to attract, retain and engage an emerging workforce that’s hungry to do good

SOURCE:Benevity

DESCRIPTION:

A guest post on the Benevity Blog - by Sydney Frazer, Partnerships Manager at Glassdoor

When employee benefits and perks are discussed today, much of the conversation is focused on ones that are unique. It might be catered lunch, an on-site gym, student loan repayment, a game room, or a dog-friendly office. Whatever it is, unusual perks and benefits are getting their fair share of attention with companies like Glassdoor covering the Top 20 Employee Benefits and Perks. And given that 57 percent of job seekers consider perks and benefits to be a top factor when deciding to accept a new job, it isn’t too surprising that companies are focusing more and more on them.
 
However, there is one perk that is not quite as flashy as the others, but incredibly effective nonetheless: Goodness programs. Goodness programs are defined as “the giving of time, money, talent, and services to worthy charities via the workplace.” While they might get less recognition than some other perks and benefits, companies with well-designed giving and volunteering programs are certainly seeing them pay off with increased employee motivation, better retention, and engaged employees. Unsure about including a Goodness program in your host of benefits and perks? Consider these three emerging trends from companies with defined Goodness programs if you need an extra nudge.
 
1. Leveraging Goodness to Recruit Gen Z 
Companies with Goodness programs are using them to attract Gen Z during their job search with great success. While the exact years are debated, Gen Z is generally defined as people born between 1996 and 2010. With a population of almost 60 million Americans, this generation stands even larger than Millennials. They’ve recently begun to graduate and, similarly to Millennials, recruiters are trying to figure out how to attract them to their companies by looking at what drives them. The stats show that Goodness could be the answer, and companies are starting to take note: 

• 93 percent of Gen Z say how a company impacts society affects where they decide to work
• 72 percent said corporate responsibility is extremely important to them
• According to Randstad, this generation is “more interested in working for something they believe in or for a company whose values they share…”
• Nike is a great example of a company that’s using its employee gving program to attract young talent. In their job postings, they mention that their benefits package is “among the best around” and this package includes a host of Goodness programs. In addition, they note their “diverse and inclusive culture” and, as a global company operating in over 120 countries, an international Goodness program can be one of the most powerful ways to pull together employees from all cultures and backgrounds.

In today’s society, where 76 percent of job seekers want details on what makes a company an attractive place to work, Nike’s company website (which is oftentimes a starting point for job seekers) shows their dedication to doing good in the world. The “Community Impact” section of their site reveals the different programs they have implemented to help give back to the communities around them, including the Nike Community Impact Fund, the Nike Community Ambassador program and The Girl Effect.

DISCOVER ALL 3 BUSINESS BENEFITS OF EMPLOYEE GIVING

Tweet me:As explained by @Glassdoor, 3 business benefits of an employee giving program (via @benevity). http://bit.ly/2sXY7eu

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion, benevity, Research, Glassdoor, talent management, Employee Engagement, Talent Retention and Attraction, HR, hiring, advancing social impact, corporate philanthropy, workplace giving, corporate volunteering, Corporate Citizenship, Corporate Responsibility

SOURCE:America's Charities

DESCRIPTION:

To date, breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women across the United States with roughly 42,000 women dying from it each year.

In 2010 the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), an advocacy organization committed to ending breast cancer through the power of action and advocacy, took a very bold step by setting a deadline to know how to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020: Breast Cancer Deadline 2020®. In order to achieve the goal, individuals, institutions and governments must collaborate in new ways and to an extent never before considered. Vision, urgency, and unwavering focus are key ingredients for success. But, NBCC cannot do it alone. Success also depends upon the active involvement of public officials, the philanthropic community, breast cancer advocates and the general public.

This is where NBCC’s partnership with Milan Institute & Milan Institute of Cosmetology came in. Initiated in 2015, Milan’s two-pronged approach to philanthropy has strengthened NBCC through a hybrid cause marketing partnership and Employee Give Back Day.

As part of the partnership to help NBCC meet its ambitious deadline of January 1, 2020, Milan donates massage spa proceeds and encourages customers, staff and students to purchase NBCC icons which are displayed throughout the Institute. Milan also spreads the word about NBCC and the partnership through printed collateral, social media and word of mouth that reaches clients, staff, students and families. In turn, these efforts reach thousands of individuals who learn about, and get involved with, NBCC’s educational programs, policy and advocacy work, and strategic efforts to advance Deadline 2020.

The generous gift of approximately $5,000 annually is significant for NBCC in that it directly supports their programs that help NBCC advance Breast Cancer Deadline 2020®. Additionally, partnering with Milan helps NBCC publicize their important work to new audiences. Breast cancer impacts 1 in 8 women in the United States in their lifetime. Since Milan represents primarily a female population, as educators on health, beauty and hair care, their audience is critical for NBCC.

“Milan Institute was excited to reach out to NBCC to propose a possible fundraising partnership to benefit NBCC. We chose to partner with NBCC for many reasons, such as their education and training programs that support breast cancer patients and survivors, their collaborative efforts to unite the cancer research community both nationally and internationally, and their mission to end breast cancer by 2020. Milan has held a fundraiser for NBCC in 2015 and 2016, raising over $10,802 from student salon and massage spa service proceeds and icon sales,” says Sheila Lawrence, Assistant Marketing Department Manager, Milan Institute & Milan Institute of Cosmetology.

In addition to raising over $10,000 in two years, Milan Institute invited a NBCC breast cancer advocate for a formal check presentation from the students’ efforts. The NBCC advocate spoke in a public forum to students and staff and further educated them about NBCC’s work and mission. This resulted in uniting women and men to become ambassadors for NBCC to change the conversation and mobilize the breast cancer advocacy community.

“Our goal is to raise funds to help support NBCC in their research efforts to end breast cancer by 2020 and to educate Milan students, staff and student salon/spa clients on the important role NBCC has in the breast cancer community. We want to show our students and staff the importance of giving back to our community and that together we can make a difference,” says Lawrence.

 

Support NBCC through your employee giving program:

As NBCC’s workplace giving partner, America’s Charities can help your company design and implement a program centered on supporting their work - through workplace giving campaigns, employee fundraising, cause-focused signature programs, volunteerism, matching gifts, Dollars-for-Doers, In-Kind Giving and other employee engagement and philanthropic initiatives. Click here to request a demo and learn how we can help you do this.

Tweet me:.@AmerCharities: @MilanInstitute's Approach to Helping @Deadline2020 Know How to End #BreastCancer by 2020 http://impact.ac/2suy6PC #CSR

KEYWORDS: Health & Healthcare, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, America’s Charities, workplace giving, employee giving, charity vetting, Fundraising, Crowdfunding, National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), Milan Institute & Milan Institute of Cosmetology, breast cancer

Nominations end July 17th; $20,000 to be awarded to local environmental nonprofits

SOURCE:Cox Enterprises

DESCRIPTION:

ORLANDO, Fla., July 12, 2017 /3BL Media/ - WFTV Channel 9, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, is accepting nominations for Orlando’s 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes program at CoxConservesHeroes.com through 5 p.m. EST on July 17.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominee’s activity creates, protects and/or beautifies an outdoor community space; 
• Nominee’s activity is done on a volunteer basis and is not part of his or her paid employment;
• Nominee’s activity inspires others to engage in community conservation.

Local judging panels, comprised of civic and environmental leaders, will select three finalists who then compete to be named Central Florida’s 2017 Cox Conserves Hero. The winner, chosen through an online public vote, will receive $10,000 to donate to his or her selected nonprofit beneficiary. The two finalists each will receive $5,000 for their nonprofits of choice.

Chuck O’Neal and Shanta Barton-Stubbs are previous recipients of Central Florida’s Cox Conserves Heroes award. 

Cox Conserves Heroes was created through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of WFTV, to honor local conservation volunteers. 

The national Cox Conserves Heroes program has donated nearly $800,000 to environmental nonprofits and nearly 200 volunteers have been honored. Cox Conserves Heroes also takes place in Arizona, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington and is part of the company’s national Cox Conserves sustainability program that is celebrating its 10^th anniversary.

For more information, visit CoxConservesHeroes.com or Facebook.

Social Media: #CoxConservesHeroes and #CoxConservesHero

About Channel 9 WFTV

The ABC Affiliate is part of Cox Media Group and ranks as Central Florida’s number one local television station. The station also operates its website, wftv.com.

About Cox Media Group
Cox Media Group is an integrated broadcasting, publishing, direct marketing and digital media company. The company’s operations currently include 14 broadcast television stations and one local cable channel, more than 60 radio stations, seven daily newspapers and 11 non-daily publications; and more than 100 digital sites and services, like Rare.us, Clark.com, Dawg Nation, SEC Country, Hookem.com, Mundo Hispanico, Southern Kitchen and All22. Additionally, CMG operates the National Advertising Platform businesses of CoxReps - the country’s biggest television rep firm - Gamut, and Videa. CMG currently operates in more than 20 media markets and reaches approximately 52 million Americans weekly, including more than 31 million TV viewers, more than 3.5 million newspaper readers, and nearly 15 million radio listeners.  For more information about Cox Media Group, please check us out online at www.coxmediagroup.com.

About The Trust for Public Land:

The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come.  Millions of people live within a one-half mile walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year.  To support The Trust for Public Land and share why nature matters to you, visit www.tpl.org.

About Cox Conserves:

Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program. Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 60,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

Media Contacts

• WFTV, Michelle Stevens, 407-822-5632, Michelle.Stevens@wftv.com
• Cox Enterprises, Joanna Coker, 678-645-7318, joanna.coker@coxinc.com 
• The Trust for Public Land: Kristen Anderson, 415-495-4014, kristen.anderson@tpl.org

Tweet me:Final week to nominate #green volunteers for Orlando's #CoxConservesHeroes program; $20K goes to nonprofits http://bit.ly/2sIwIZR

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Green Awards, Cox Conserves, Cox Enterprises

Former Kohler associate shares her experience as a factory worker during World War II

SOURCE:Kohler Co.

DESCRIPTION:

In the midst of World War II, the makeup of the U.S. workforce changed. Companies refrained from producing their usual goods to focus on war production. For example, in the Brass Department at Kohler Co., associates made artillery shells, submarine torpedo tubes and aircraft controls in place of bathroom brass fittings. The associates making those items changed, too.

With men leaving for military service, women filled the factory worker void between 1940 and 1945. The event started a cultural evolution of the traditional role of females in the workplace, iconized by the image of “Rosie the Riveter,” the “We Can Do It!” star of a government campaign to recruit women for wartime production.

Delores Hawe, a former Kohler associate during World War II, was one of those women.

When Kohler Co. recruited women to work in the factory, many, like Delores and her friends, only had experience as nannies, housekeepers and waitresses; pay was unreliable and work was tedious. Kohler Co. not only offered an attractive 50 cents/hour with a 10 cent bonus, but also equipped women with new skills.

“I had to take six weeks of training workshops before I could begin my position,” Delores explained when she revisited the Brass building in May 2017.

Delores was introduced to a new world of wearing slacks and punching a clock. But she also discovered a supportive, encouraging environment that unveiled women’s potential and allowed them to form lifelong bonds as they did their part to serve their country.

Walking the top floor of the building while holding her micrometer, a tool she used on the job, Delores recalled how she used it to measure different pieces and fittings for the airplanes. It was work that directly supported the war production effort, as well as her husband who was a pilot during the war.

“I felt very lucky to have this opportunity,” she said.

In 1945, World War II ended and so did military manufacturing. Kohler Co. received the prestigious Navy E Award for exceptional performance in wartime production, due in large part to the efforts of women like Delores.

Although normal business operations resumed when men returned from war, the experience left an incomparable impression on the women who worked the factory floors. Reflecting on her time at Kohler Co., Delores affirmed, “We were all Rosie the Riveter.”

Tweet me:Former @Kohler associate shares her experience as a factory worker during World War II http://bit.ly/2spOQI4

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Diversity & Inclusion, Kohler Co.

AEG’s LA Galaxy Foundation to partner with WISE Los Angeles for Leadership Series Workshop prior to LA Galaxy-Vancouver Whitecaps FC match

SOURCE:AEG

DESCRIPTION:

LOS ANGELES, July 12, 2017 /3BL Media/ – AEG’s LA Galaxy Foundation will continue the Women’s Leadership Series presented by Herbalife Nutrition with an executive leadership panel event on Wednesday, July 19 from 5:30-7 p.m. PT at StubHub Center prior to the LA Galaxy’s Women in Soccer Nightthat will feature a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC (7:30 p.m. PT). In collaboration with WISE Los Angeles, the event will include a discussion with senior female executives in the sport and entertainment industry about the progress and direction of women in soccer and emerging roles within the sport and entertainment industry. To sign-up and for more information, visit www.lagalaxy.com/businessofsport.  

Panel speakers for the event include:

• Christine Simmons, President & COO of LA Sparks
• Dana Ryan, Sports Performance and Education Manager for Herbalife Nutrition
• Elizabeth Robinson, West Director of adidas Key Cities Los Angeles
• Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of StubHub Center
• Moderated by Melinda Travis, CEO at PRO Sports Communications

The panel event will coincide with Women in Soccer Night at AEG’s StubHub Center, which features a match between the LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Women in Soccer Night will celebrate and honor women’s contributions to the sport of soccer and the rich history and vibrant future of the sport in Southern California.

As part of Women in Soccer Night, the LA Galaxy will also honor the first-ever class of the LA Galaxy Girls’ Academy at halftime of the game. The LA Galaxy Girls’ Academy, led by Director Kevin Hartman, is the first and only Girls’ Academy program to be fully-funded by a Major League Soccer side, allowing talented local athletes to join free of charge. The Girls’ Academy first-ever season is set to kick off in early September.

This four-part Women’s Leadership series invites women ranging from middle school to established professionals to empower one another through resources related to health & nutrition, leadership development, job readiness and current sport and entertainment trends. The series consists of four different events: A middle school leadership workshop with Positive Coaching Alliance held on March 12 and high school soccer seminar with Peace Over Violence on April 7, followed by the Executive Leadership Panel on July 19th. The series will wrap-up with a young professionals workshop in September.

Fans that attend the game StubHub Center on July 19 will receive a free water bottle courtesy of BeWaterWise following the match upon exiting the stadium.

Tickets for the international friendly at StubHub Center between LA Galaxy and Manchester United on Saturday, July 15 are available for purchase now. Fans can go to www.lagalaxy.com/summer or call 877.3GALAXY (342.5299) to secure their tickets.

LA Galaxy single-game tickets for the remainder of the 2017 MLS season are also available for purchase. Galaxy fans can go to www.lagalaxy.com/tickets or call 877.3GALAXY (342.5299) for information, purchasing, and special offers.

Tweet me:.@LAGalaxy Foundation to host Women's Leadership Series with @WISELosAngeles on July 19 at @StubHubCenter! http://bit.ly/2tSkYYv

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Inclusion, Education, AEG, LA Galaxy, WISE Los Angeles, women in sports and events, LA Galaxy Foundation, StubHub Center, LA GALAXY GIRLS’ ACADEMY, Christine Simmons, Elizabeth Robinson, LA Sparks, Herbalife Nutrition, Adidas

Learn how to find and manage marketing, IT, HR, and finance experts for pro bono projects

SOURCE:Taproot Foundation

DESCRIPTION:

Thousands of nonprofits are using Taproot+ to find and manage skilled volunteers who help their organization with projects like: developing key messages, optimizing Salesforce, designing marketing collateral, updating HR policies, and much more. Anne Holcomb, the Supportive Services Supervisor at Unity Parenting and Counseling, came to Taproot+ with the goal of revamping her nonprofit’s digital content strategy to assist in their program fundraising efforts. She was matched with a skilled volunteer who created a social media campaign that helped Unity raise over $20,000 from new donors in just two months! Anne says that, “Unity Parenting and Counseling is a stronger, more viable organization today,” due to the pro bono work she received.

This webinar will teach you everything you need to get started on Taproot+, so bring your questions and project ideas and register today!

REGISTER HERE

Thursday, July 20 at 10AM PT / 12PM CT / 1PM ET

Access to the webinar and Taproot+ are free, now and always.

Tweet me:#Nonprofits -Looking for a free & simple way to get #skilledvolunteers? Join @taprootfound's webinar http://ow.ly/xli730dcSz3 & learn how

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Non-Profits, Positive Change, Taproot Foundation, Taproot+, skills-based volunteering, Social Change, pro bono, skilled volunteering, Unity Parenting and Counseling

by Mary-Ann Etiebet, MD, MBA, Executive Director, Merck for Mothers

SOURCE:Merck & Co., Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

Family planning is widely cited as one of the “best buys” in global development, a relatively low-cost, high-impact intervention offering transformational benefits to individuals, their families and communities. In low- and middle-income countries, where pregnancy is the leading cause of death among girls aged 15 to 19, increasing access to and uptake of modern contraceptive methods among adolescents can save lives. And yet meeting the reproductive health needs of young people remains a persistent challenge.

Recently I had the opportunity to meet with three youth champions working in and around Nairobi to empower young people to take charge of their reproductive health. All three individuals – Ann Mitu, Mary Wanjiku Mwangi and Francis Shawn Wambua — unexpectedly became parents at a young age. Their insights reinforced for me that in order to bridge the access and service gaps, and reach targets set by the FP2020 movement, we will need to ensure that the specific needs of adolescents are understood and addressed.

Here are some highlights from our conversation:

Q: What are the greatest challenges you face as an advocate for youth and family planning, and how have you worked to overcome them?

Ann: One challenge is convincing young mothers that their life dreams are still valid. There are so many teenage moms. We encourage them to return to school, to stay in school and get that certificate. But there is a stigma, and they are ashamed. Many have run away from home. I had my son when I was 19. My baby’s Daddy was supportive, but he passed away. I had to hustle to sell things on the street to survive. For two years I felt lost. So I know what it’s like. It’s why I started Young Mothers Africa, to empower my friends. I tell these young mothers, you may not have planned for your first one, but you can plan for your next one.

Continue reading on HuffPost >>>

Tweet me:3 #YouthChampions Working to Close Critical Gaps in #FamilyPlanning http://bit.ly/2sQy1G5 via @HuffPost @MerckforMothers @Merck #Nairobi

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Community Development, Merck, merck for mothers, Youth Champions, HuffPost, family planning, Ndugus for Dadas, Brothers for Sisters, U-Tena, Young Mothers Africa, 2017 Family Planning Summit

Company Highlights Progress and Commits to Second Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target

SOURCE:ReportAlert

DESCRIPTION:

CA Technologies (NASDAQ:CA) announced its commitment to reduce absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% by 2030, from a 2015 baseline, in its 8th annual Sustainability Report. The report highlights the company’s continued evolution of corporate social impact, from environmental stewardship to broader societal change. The report also demonstrates how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts are linked to CA’s business and positively benefits customers, employees and communities around the world.
 
“We are exceptionally proud of the progress we’ve made over the past several years towards our sustainability goals, and this expanded commitment to reduce absolute GHG emissions is further evidence of how important these global issues are to CA Technologies,” said Erica Christensen, vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, CA Technologies. “Just like our customers, CA must continue to embrace change and adapt to the environmental and social challenges in the marketplace, and we are committed to making the strategic investments that will advance sustainability for our employees, our customers and the communities we serve.
 
Report highlights include:
 
GHG Emission Reduction and Target. Since 2006, CA has reduced its GHG footprint by approximately 37 percent, an amount equivalent to powering 5,218 homes for one year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. After achieving its first GHG reduction target in 2015, CA set a second absolute reduction target of 40% by 2030, based off a 2015 baseline.
 
STEM Education. CA is committed to building the STEM pipeline and increasing educational and professional participation by underrepresented groups, particularly women and students of color. This includes the Tech Girls Rock initiative CA created with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, our partnerships with nonprofits like 100Kin10, the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology, Code for America, Code.org, Girls Who Code, NPower, DonorsChoose.org and PENCIL, and CA’s support of the European Commission’s Grand Coalition for Digital Jobs.
 
UN Sustainable Development Goals. CA carefully considers the relationship between our business and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the SDGs, Quality Education and Gender Equality (SDG 4 and 5) are core to CA’s commitments around diversity and STEM education. CA is also strongly committed to Affordable and Clean Energy and Climate Action (SDG 7 and 13) and has historically sought out Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)—with nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, government agencies and other companies—to amplify our impact within our primary areas of concern.
 
Employee Generosity. In FY2017, CA matched more than $1.6 million in employee donations to more than 1,700 nonprofit organizations. The company's worldwide employee volunteer initiative, CA Together in Action, takes place during the week of Earth Day in April. CA employees take time out of their workday to give back by participating in environmentally-focused volunteer projects and supporting the advancement of STEM learning.
 
Inclusion and Diversity. CA's THRIVE program helps create an inclusive and flexible workplace by attracting, nurturing and retaining a diverse workforce. In the United States, CA utilizes a diversity candidate slate program to ensure all open requisitions have at least one diverse candidate for consideration in the interview process. The company always hires the best candidate for the job, and the program has strengthened its ability to do that.
 
CA Technologies believes that today’s world needs products that are sustainable by design, with the inherent agility to take advantage of the application economy. Agile development contributes to sustainability by maximizing resource utilization and minimizing unnecessary expenses. At the same time, a world driven by software must put people at the center. That’s why CA Technologies CSR efforts combine environmental benefits with societal programs that transform lives.
 
The report, which covers the 2016 calendar year, was drafted in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 Standards at the Core level and incorporates the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. For the sixth consecutive year, the report includes independent external assurance of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
 
About CA Technologies
 
CA Technologies (NASDAQ:CA) creates software that fuels transformation for companies and enables them to seize the opportunities of the application economy. Software is at the heart of every business in every industry. From planning, to development, to management and security, CA is working with companies worldwide to change the way we live, transact, and communicate - across mobile, private and public cloud, distributed and mainframe environments. Learn more at www.ca.com.

Read the report 

Media Contact
John Lord
WE Communications for CA Technologies
Phone: (212) 551-4822

Tweet me:.@CAinc hits targets and aims higher with a new greenhouse gas reduction goal http://bit.ly/2sMNKGs via @ReportAlert

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Diversity & Inclusion, CA Technologies, ReportAlert

SOURCE:AT&T

DESCRIPTION:

All young people deserve to have a role model in their lives to help them succeed. Our network connects mentors with students and can bring opportunity to more students by helping to bridge the gap between dreams and reality.

Learn more here.

Tweet me:Face-to-face & online, @ATT employees connect with students & prepare them for future success http://soc.att.com/2v9KA03 #ATTimpact

KEYWORDS: Education, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, AT&T, AT&T Aspire, Annual Sustainability Update, Mentoring, Nepris, School, We Teach Science, iCouldBe

SOURCE:Las Vegas Sands

DESCRIPTION:

Clean the World recently launched Soap in Schools in Las Vegas, a program in partnership with Sands Cares.  Started in January 2016, the program has run domestically in Orlando, Florida and internationally in Kenya and Tanzania, expanding to India and Haiti 2017.  The program is designed to teach handwashing education to students each month across a network of eight school locations throughout the greater Las Vegas area ranging, from daycares to elementary schools.

The mission for Soap in Schools is to teach families and children the importance of handwashing.  Globally, approximately 2.5 billion cases of diarrhea occur among children under 5 years old every year.  Diarrheal diseases kill approximately 1.8 million people per year.  The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank, promote hand washing with soap as the most effective intervention to reduce this statistic.   

During the program, Clean the World distributes hygiene kits to families in need and play interactive games with children to keep them engaged and interested in learning about germs and how to maintain proper hygiene.  Some of the activities of the program include a black light activity where students can spot the germs on their hands, a handwashing demonstration where they learn to sing “Tops and Bottoms,” a sing-a-long that lasts 20 seconds, the recommended amount of time a person should spend washing their hands, and a trivia game.

“The smaller kids really seem to enjoy the song and seeing the germs light up on their hands,” Kevin Williams, Mobile Hygiene Manager for Clean the World, said.  “It’s good for them to see how quickly germs can spread from shaking each other’s hands.  They also do really good with the trivia game and knowing where in their house is the dirtiest spot and what they can do to prevent spreading germs.  It’s been a great way to spread the word on how to practice proper hygiene.”

Since 2011, Las Vegas Sands has supported Clean the World through various programs.  LVS has donated nearly $2 million to accelerate Clean the World’s mission in doubling its production of recycled soap and expanding its services into new areas.  Through Sands Cares, LVS’ corporate giving program, the company is focused on partnerships that promote the community’s livability by strengthening educational opportunities and improving the region’s foundation by solving chronic issues. 

Read the latest from Las Vegas Sands via Sands Confidential

Tweet me:Soap in schools program launches in Las Vegas http://bit.ly/2tQqpY1 @LasVegasSands

KEYWORDS: Events, Media & Communications, Education, Las Vegas Sands

SOURCE:GSK

DESCRIPTION:

Breaking the mould of the work routine is invaluable. I was reminded of this recently as I walked around the white tents of the Aspen Ideas Festival. Here, against the backdrop of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, you’re more likely to see shorts and t-shirts than suits and ties. There's also a good chance you’ll finally talk with that expert you’ve been trying to connect with for months - while waiting in line for a famous Let’s be Frankgrass-fed beef hot dog.

The festival is a diverse gathering of some of the world’s brightest and most passionate talent debating how we can get ahead of today’s big issues across sectors. I attended Spotlight Health which is a three-day introduction to the main Ideas Festival. I took part in many discussions around global health, from innovative vaccines funding models, being prepared for the next disease outbreak to delivering end-to-end care. Despite the breadth of topics covered, common threads came through clearly.

Sustainability is crucial

A sustainable approach to healthcare is essential in being able to provide break through innovation and improved outcomes for patients. There’s no better example than Ebola. The outbreak in 2014 sparked immense interest, all sectors reacted quickly and a few months of hard work later we had a vaccine almost ready. Then when we were finishing our trials, the WHO declared countries Ebola free and interest dropped off. It’s lucky that through other health interventions we were able to tackle Ebola, but this approach is not sustainable for business and not good for patients either.

With a different approach, we can invest in R&D and into cutting edge science like synthetic vaccine technology “SAM”-in short turning viral gene sequences available on the internet into seed stock. This could shave months off vaccine development and we’re not just talking about Ebola. This kind of platform could help us adapt a plug and play approach with many other viruses. In short, it could revolutionize how we respond to vaccine preventable disease.

We must go the last mile

What use are vaccines and medicines if they don’t get to the people who need them? Many of my conversations at Aspen focused on the need for end-to-end care. It was remarkable to hear so many voices from different parts of the care chain from governments through to researchers in countries like Ghana and Malawi all calling for a more holistic view on care delivery.  

To support the healthcare chain to the end, we must make sure local health care workers and health systems are equipped to diagnose the problem and to deliver the care, whether that’s a Malaria vaccine or an HIV treatment. If we look at disease outbreaks it’s also about making sure that communities are equipped with surveillance and communication tools for early detection and action.

An important practical aspect in the delivery of end-to-end care is acknowledging the roles we play as government, academia, NGO and industry. We must identify our responsibilities, own them and ensure we work seamlessly together to deliver for patients.  

Toward the end of the week, it struck me that the components of what made Aspen a success-its diverse yet collaborative spirit and action orientated discussions were comparable to key factors of successful R&D programmes. With an open approach and a commitment to share knowledge, we are in a good position to make positive progress on the biggest global health challenges of our time. And in these times of political and social change that can only be good news, for all of us.

Tweet me:What use are vaccines and medicines if they don’t get to the people who need them? @GSK Vaccines President discusses http://bit.ly/2t6421b

KEYWORDS: Health & Healthcare, Innovation & Technology, GSK

SOURCE:USCCF Corporate Citizenship Center

DESCRIPTION:

Early Bird registration is now open for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2017 Corporate Citizenship Conference, Opportunity Forward! Click here to learn more.

Join us on November 14-15 to learn how the business community – together with their partners – are taking action and creating solutions today for some of the most pressing social issues of our time that build greater opportunities and prosperity for all.   

The following topics and strategies will be addressed:

• What does it mean to "future-proof" your business?
• Seeing the challenges ahead, how do you adjust perspective to find the possible opportunities? How the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 deadline impacts and creates opportunity for the private sector.
• How can the private sector look at challenges in a more holistic way?
• How can a future-looking mindset be applied both internally and externally at your organization?
• How can organizations utilize data to inform their future? And put it to work.
• How to grapple with interconnectivity across business and societal challenges.
• What's leadership got to do with it?

The challenges of today present opportunities for tomorrow. Join us this November as we convene thought leaders and practitioners to explore how cross-sector innovation and collaboration can drive us forward.

Reserve your spot today and save!

Tweet me:Early Bird registration now open for #USCCFopportunity Nov. 14-15 in Washington, DC! Save your spot today https://goo.gl/crp13K

KEYWORDS: Events, Media & Communications, Innovation & Technology, Business Opportunity, #USCCFopportunity, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Corporate Citizenship Center, Corporate Citizenship, csr, Corporate Responsiblity, future proofing, social issues, Washington DC events

SOURCE:Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

DESCRIPTION:

The Sharps brothers were looking sharp on Adoption Day! After 496 days in foster care, Braeden, 9, Koda, 8, and Tyler, 6, were adopted on May 23, 2017. Welcome home, boys! 

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is committed to dramatically increasing the number of adoptions from foster care. We believe that every child deserves a safe, loving, permanent family.

The Sharps family used our free step-by-step adoption guide, Finding Forever Families, to help them through the adoption process. If you’re considering foster care adoption, download the guide today at www.davethomasfoundation.org/adoption-guide/

Tweet me:Finding #ForeverFamilies #adoption guide helped the Sharp family find their kids http://bit.ly/2uo2lbF @DTFA #FosterCareAdoption

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Dave Thomas, foster care, adoption, Recruiter, forever family, Wendy’s

SOURCE:VolunteerMatch

DESCRIPTION:

What if in one day, you could get employees to log 1,000 of their previously unrecorded hours?

By increasing the number of volunteer hours logged by 14% in 2017, that’s exactly what our client NV Energy did.

It’s no secret employee volunteer program managers struggle to increase participation. It’s even worse when employees participate in your volunteer program, but don’t record their efforts in your reporting.

(Side note: We all know that volunteering is about much more than numbers, and that it’s key to focus on impact rather than hours served. But let’s be honest, those numbers are still nice to have!)

“How did NV Energy inspire employees to log their hours,” you ask? They launched what they call their Volunteer Incentive Plan.

NV Energy has always encouraged their employees to volunteer in the community. They inaugurated an internal, customized YourMatch™ dashboard in 2009 so employees could begin tracking volunteer hours, searching for volunteer opportunities, and taking full advantage of their company’s generous Dollars for Doers program.

Learn how YourMatch™ can power your employee volunteer program.

Ever since and each year, NV Energy sets a volunteer goal. To encourage employees to log their hours — and, in turn, help employees reach that goal — they came up with the idea for tiered level incentives (AKA their Volunteer Incentive Plan).

They officially announced the plan on May 2, 2017, and within 24 hours, saw an increase in 1,000 volunteer hours logged through YourMatch.

Here are the incentives:

• 10 – 25 hours per year: NV Energy mouse pad
• 26 – 75 hours per year: NV Energy polo shirt
• 76 – 125 hours per year: NV Energy duffle bag
• 126+ hours per year: NV Energy jacket

An employee’s cumulative number of volunteer hours logged at the end of each quarter determines his or her prize. If an employee continues to volunteer and record hours all year long, he or she could earn prizes at every level!

NV Energy employees continually demonstrate passion and commitment to many organizations through their volunteer efforts year after year. And this year is no different. They hope that the Volunteer Incentive Plan increases not only employee volunteer hours logged, but overall participation in their volunteer program.

We applaud NV Energy on their original and creative method!

Tweet me:No One Likes Logging #Volunteer Hours. @NVEnergy Changed That. http://bit.ly/2tJA9Co via @VM_Solutions #CSR #EmployeeEngagement

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, volunteerism, Employee Engagement, corporate volunteering, VolunteerMatch

Enter for your chance to win one of four $100 AMEX gift cards!

SOURCE:Taproot Foundation

DESCRIPTION:

Do you work in the social sector at a nonprofit or social change organization? The Taproot Foundation wants to hear from you!

>>TAKE OUR NONPROFIT SURVEY HERE<<

Each year, Taproot conducts a nonprofit survey to get a pulse on the field of skilled volunteerism. Whether or not your organization has used skilled volunteers, we need your input. 

>>MAKE YOUR OPINION HEARD – TAKE OUR 10-MINUTE SURVEY<<

Need a little incentive? Complete the survey by July 26 for your chance to win one of four $100 AMEX gift cards! Official rules here.

The Taproot Foundation, a national nonprofit, connects nonprofits and social change organizations with passionate, skilled volunteers who share their expertise pro bono. Taproot is creating a world where organizations dedicated to social change have full access—through pro bono service—to the marketing, strategy, HR, and IT resources they need to be most effective. Since 2001, Taproot’s skilled volunteers have served 4,600 social change organizations providing 1.5 million hours of work worth over $160 million in value. www.taprootfoundation.org

Tweet me:500+ nonprofits & social change orgs have made their voices heard in @taprootfound's annual NPO survey - have you? http://bit.ly/2thJ4v7

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Taproot Foundation, State of Pro Bono Service Survey

SOURCE:Bloomberg

DESCRIPTION:

Originally posted on www.forbes.com. 

On Wednesday billionaire Michael Bloomberg and California Governor Jerry Brown launched America’s Pledge, a new initiative that will report on the individual efforts taken by U.S. states, cities and businesses to drive down greenhouse emissions “consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.” The announcement is a repudiation of President Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement in June and is meant to show support for the agreement in the U.S.

The Paris Climate Accord, a pact made by nearly 200 countries in 2015, requires countries to scale down their carbon emissions, along with other measures to slow down the human causes of climate change. The reduction, however, has been interpreted as an effort to undermine American businesses and workers by President Trump, whose 2016 presidential campaign promised to revive the dying coal industry. Through the America’s Pledge initiative, Bloomberg and Brown aim to push back Trump’s policies while collaborating with dozens of other groups.

Click here to read the full story. 

Tweet me:Michael Bloomberg and California Governor Jerry Brown Pledge To Fight Climate Change @mikebloomberg #wearestillin http://bit.ly/2sRijur

KEYWORDS: Environment, Energy, Bloomberg, mikebloomberg, parisaccord, parisagreement, wearestillin, ameriacspledge