CSR Leaders: Embrace Community-Centered Volunteerism on MLK Jr. Day of Service

As we approach MLK Jr. Day of Service, many companies are planning their employee volunteer activities for this important day focused on getting involved. It is an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and his commitment to justice and equality. It is also a chance for companies to contribute to their communities and make a real difference in the lives of others.

However, it is important to remember that volunteerism is not just about showing up and doing a task. It is about building relationships with the community and working together to address systemic issues. Community-centered volunteerism is one foundational element of trust-based philanthropy, an approach to giving that addresses the inherent power imbalances that exist between funders, nonprofits and the communities they serve.

What Does It Mean to Be Community-Centered in Our Volunteer Approach?

Community-centered volunteerism means shifting our focus from our own needs and desires to the needs and desires of the community. It means listening to the community and working with them to identify their priorities. It also means recognizing that the community is the expert on their own lives and that we are there to support them, not to tell them what to do.

As a company, you too can be community-centered in your approach to MLK Jr. Day of Service, as well as any other employee volunteer initiatives. Here are a few tips:

• Partner with a local organization that is already doing work in the community. This will help ensure that your volunteer efforts are aligned with the community’s needs.
• Ask the organization how you can best support their work. Do not assume that you know what the community needs.
• Be prepared to do the work that the organization needs to be done. This may not be the most glamorous work, but it is the work that will make a real difference in the community.
• Be respectful of the community’s time and space. Do not overstay your welcome or make assumptions about the community.
• Follow up with the organization after your volunteer event. Let them know how your employees felt about the experience and ask how you can continue to support their work.

In addition to the tips above, here are some questions that your company’s CSR leaders can ask themselves to ensure that their MLK Day volunteer activities are community-centered:

• What are the root causes of the issues that we are trying to address?
• How can we work with the community to address these root causes?
• What are the community’s goals for MLK Day?
• How can we help the community achieve these goals?
• How can we ensure that our volunteer efforts are sustainable?

This MLK Jr. Day of Service, let’s shift our focus to redistributing power in service of a healthier and more equitable philanthropic ecosystem. By working together with community organizations and listening to the needs of the community, we truly can make a difference in the lives of others. And if you need some guidance, Points of Light’s Corporate Services and Solutions team is here to help.