How to Create a Give Back Movement in a Virtual Company

Like many organizations that embrace corporate social responsibility, M&IW has long understood it is our responsibility to be a good corporate citizen through charitable giving and community involvement. Over the years, we have supported numerous worthy causes.

Create a Culture of Giving

As our organization grew, we saw both a challenge and an opportunity. With once a primarily local workforce, our team would support a cause very near and dear to our hearts and located in our hometown, the Racine Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. For more than decade, our M&IW team has been racing for a cure and raising the bar on their fundraising efforts totaling more than $100,000. However, as we expanded with a global virtual workforce, it became more difficult for employees to feel personally connected and participate in our charitable giving initiatives. But, then something happened. M&IW was recognized as one of the fastest growing privately-held companies in America. Jean Johnson, CMP, our Co-CEO and Chief People Officer attended the Inc. 500 | 5000 Conference and was inspired by Adam Grant, bestselling author of Give and Take.

Jean set an ambitious goal to create a best-in-class giving program and increase our global philanthropic footprint. In 2014, she launched Project Global Give Back. Since the program’s inception, our employees have given of their hearts, time and money to many great causes in the communities that they live and work. They also supported our corporate annual charity, Make-A-Wish of Southeastern Wisconsin, and helped grant wishes for two special little girls.

Think Bigger #50Years50Charities

This year, the stakes have gotten even higher! In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, we launched the Project Global Give Back 50 Years 50 Charities campaign. “At M&IW, we are in the business of bringing people together for great outcomes and believe in the power of human energy,” said Jean Johnson. “So, this program is very fitting for our organization and aligned with our culture. We have assembled 50 teams with employees located across the globe who will impact 50 different charities throughout the year. And, most importantly, they are having fun with it – everything from their team names, volunteer activities, creative fundraising efforts, and more!” To check out the charities selected watch our video.

Make it Personal

This month, we are featuring “Big Hearts, Little Hands” and the direct and lasting effect they will have on the lives of young people. They selected Big Brothers Big Sisters. For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. “I have been a Big Sister for nine years,” said Joy Kubat, Team Captain. “I saw a need within my Little’s family for access to basic items like shampoo and paper towels. Her family often sacrificed essentials to make ends meet. Recognizing the impact we could make to families in need, we chose BBBS. I am so grateful for the efforts of my amazing coworkers: Connie Nau, CMP, Nicole Raudabaugh, CMP, Carissa Hackel, Tracy Norum, CMP, CIS, Naomi Tucker, CMP, and Mae Ibe, CMP.” Recently, the team took a little time away from work to gather everyday necessities from caring homes and assemble 50 bags for the local branch. They will be participating in the upcoming Taste of the Town and partnering with the Wisconsin Chapter of Meeting Professionals International to be the selected charity for the association’s Spring Education Day in May of 2018.

We hope our story of continuing to focus on local giving whiling adopting an approach to support our international expansion inspires you to create your own ways to touch the communities where your organization resides. We are very proud of all our M&IW family and excited to share our progress in future posts. To see more from our amazing teams in action, be sure to follow #MIW50Years50Charities and #MIWGivingBack on social media.

Or, interested in learning more our Project Global Give Back, supporting the cause, donating, or attending an upcoming fundraiser event, reach out to us at marketing@meetings-incentives.com.