Connections and resources for workplace volunteer programs

United Way of East Central Iowa recognizes volunteering as vital to improving our communities. By sharing their time and skills, volunteers help local non-profits better provide their services and deliver their missions more effectively and efficiently.

According to the 2011 Deloitte Volunteer Impact Survey, there is a powerful relationship between frequent participation in workplace volunteer activities and employee engagement. The survey shows that workplace volunteering contributes to employees' perception of a positive corporate culture. Companies use volunteer programs as an opportunity to speak to employees' personal values and enable employees to promote those values at work.

As a response, United Way of East Central Iowa brought together several corporate partners to discuss how to increase volunteerism and engage more companies. These conversations led to the development of the Workplace Volunteer Council (WVC).

The WVC's goal is to build a stronger community, where companies collaborate to promote and foster a culture of employee volunteerism. By connecting social-minded companies, the WVC helps establish, grow, and sustain successful workplace volunteer programs.

The council hosts quarterly meetings, as well as coordinates employee volunteer projects. Meetings include discussions on critical community needs, programming, and roundtable conversations focused on increasing employee engagement. Council members have the opportunity to network with peers, learn from other companies, share best practices, create visibility for their companies, and forge relationships in the community.

For more information about the Workplace Volunteer Council, visit uweci.org and click Get Involved, or contact me at (319) 398-5372 or sue.driscoll@uweci.org

• Sue Driscoll originally from Northeast Iowa, has called Cedar Rapids/Marion her home for the past 30 years. Sue is Manager of Volunteer Engagement at United Way of East Central Iowa and sits on the Board of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.