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2006 News
The Fernley & Fernley G.I.V.E.S. (Get Into Volunteer Endeavors) Committee 01/10/2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"The Fernley & Fernley G.I.V.E.S. (Get Into Volunteer Endeavors) Committee was developed to encourage a more well-rounded 9-to-5 experience for all employees and provide an opportunity to participate in programs and services to help the community," says Taylor Fernley, president and CEO of Fernley & Fernley, Inc., Philadelphia.
Committees guide volunteering opportunities
Several AMCs have formed committees to specifically manage community relations.
"The Fernley & Fernley G.I.V.E.S. (Get Into Volunteer Endeavors) Committee was developed to encourage a more well-rounded 9-to-5 experience for all employees and provide an opportunity to participate in programs and services to help the community," says Taylor Fernley, president and CEO of Fernley & Fernley, Inc., Philadelphia.
The four-person committee meets monthly to select programs that employees support throughout the year, such as Toys for Tots, the American Heart Association (Wear Red Day), and Aid For Friends, which provides meals for homebound seniors. Impromptu programs are dictated by major events, such as hurricanes.
In 2003, Dallas Human Resource Management Association, Inc., created the Dallas HR Community Relations Committee. The committee is governed by a business plan that outlines the group's scope, with two different approaches to volunteer involvement:
- a short-term immediate donation program applied at six monthly meetings and
- an option for members to volunteer their time and be part of a strategic volunteer program with a longer-term payoff on an ongoing basis.
The Community Relations Committee partners with several local nonprofit organizations throughout the year that raise awareness and serve the needs of the community, says Diane McClendon, executive director.
At its outset, committee members reviewed more than 20 different community organizations, ultimately choosing to partner with six each year, most of which carry over. According to the business plan, "With 1,700 members of HR professionals in Dallas HR, we feel we must look at a variety of programs to suit the needs of our community as well as provide flexible opportunities for our membership."
In 2005, committee donations benefited
- American Red Cross;
- Attitudes & Attire (provides programs to help women succeed in the workplace by promoting personal growth, self-esteem, and ethics through workshops);
- North Texas Food Bank;
- The Salvation Army;
- Bryan's House (provides medically managed child care, child development programs, support groups, play therapy, school supplies and clothes, birthday and holiday gifts, summer camps, etc., to children with HIV/AIDS);
- Dallas Life Foundation (provides assistance to homeless adults and children); and
- Texas Workforce Commission (provides education and guidance to help people enter the workforce).
Employee involvement strengthens efforts
Community outreach programs, especially when driven by employee efforts, can also benefit your AMC's performance. Whether your organization has a structured committee or a less formal approach, motivate employees to make a difference in causes that matter to them. Encourage employees to become active in the community, either by giving staff paid time off to volunteer or asking them to suggest a charity to support. Numerous studies have found that company-sponsored volunteerism can improve employee morale and strengthen employees' organizational, leadership, and decision-making skills.
For ideas on how to get your community service projects started, or to motivate employees to give back to their community, check out these resources:
- Association Public Relations, by ASAE (1993, ASAE)
- Make a Difference: America's Guide to Volunteering and Community Service, by Arthur I. Blaustein (2003, John Wiley & Sons)
- "Contribute Where You Can," by Elissa Matulis Myers (September 1996, Association Management)
-Compiled by Kristen Caldwell, editor, AMC Connection. To contribute your ideas on community service or other AMC-related issues, consider joining the AMC Section e-mail discussion group. Sign up at www.asaenet.org/networkinglistservers.
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ABOUT FERNLEY & FERNLEY
Fernley & Fernley, Inc., founded in 1886, is a fourth-generation family firm in the association management business, representing 30 trade associations and medical and professional societies. Fernley & Fernley holds the distinction of being among the first to receive national accreditation from the AMC institute (formerly the International Association of Association Management Companies) and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and is the longest established Association Management Company in the country. Throughout the years, Fernley & Fernley has maintained a solid reputation as a leader within the association management field and in the wide spectrum of industries it serves. To learn more about Fernley & Fernley visit their web site at www.fernley.com.