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Our vision of inspiring a diverse community of leaders to improve Colorado is played out daily in the actions of our alumni. Recently, through our social media campaign on Facebook, we’ve been sharing with you images and stories of our alumni who have been inspired to act: GG Johnston of Be Intentional and Mark Davidson of Blue Onion around issues of mental illness, and Ruth Rohs of IMA Financial engaging in education issues.
Our alumni, who represent organizations both large and small, are connected by a similar desire to make Colorado a stronger and better community for everyone. I recently became aware of national campaign that is working to harness the collective efforts of corporations to strengthen existing non-profit organizations and improve communities around the nation. A Billion + Change, is a swiftly growing national campaign with an ambitious goal to make skills-based volunteering the new normal in business.
I wonder what would be possible if we could unleash the vast resources of the Colorado business community to address local pressing needs. What would happen if we took the planning and consulting services of Deloitte, the financial expertise of Wells Fargo or the logistics of UPS and applied that to Colorado’s nonprofit sector? So far, nationally, more than 300 of America’s favorite brands have stepped up to this challenge, helping nearly 350 nonprofits in 28 countries and deploying nearly 1,500 employees.
“As our firm Chair, Jeff Haidet has said that, through A Billion + Change, businesses have an opportunity to affirm their commitment to their communities and to engage employees in creative and effective ways. For McKenna Long & Aldridge, this means everything from traditional pro bono legal services to lending our professional skills helping nonprofits reach their strategic objectives for mergers, acquisitions and collaborations. Around the country, we are investing our time in skills-based service and recognize the importance and value these programs offer our business, our employees and our local communities. MLA, through Mr. Haidet’s leadership, was a key founding partner of this initiative."––
David R. Fine, Partner,
McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP
Can you imagine our impact, if each of the companies represented by our more than 3,000 alumni decided to join this national movement and provided more skills-based volunteering to local non-profits? What would the headline be? What stories could we tell? How might we collectively effect positive change in Colorado? If your company is interested in joining this movement, you can begin by Making a (free) pledge.
Another community organization working to create change in our communities through pro bono consulting services is Social Venture Partners Denver. I recently met with Pat Landaker and learned that SVP Denver has worked with more than 45 local nonprofits and has contributed volunteer hours totaling more than $1.8 million. Click here to learn more about SVP Denver.
Be inspired!
Tameka Montgomery
Executive Director
Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation
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