Lessons From the Field:Unique & Innovative Strategies for Increasing

Engagement

Doretha Graham-EaslerManager, Community RelationsNV Energy

Panelists: Facilitator:

Laura EllisClient Relations Manager

VolunteerMatch

Lauren KeelerDirector, Community EngagementApollo Education Group

Samantha LucasProgram CoordinatorAllina Health

How To Ask Questions

• Type questions into the box on the right side of the your screen

• Submit via Twitter to @VM_Solutions using “#VMbpn”

• We will pose questions at the end of the presentation

• A copy of the slides will be circulated after the event

22

Lessons From the Field:Unique & Innovative Strategies for Increasing

Engagement

Doretha Graham-EaslerManager, Community RelationsNV Energy

Lauren KeelerDirector, Community EngagementApollo Education Group

Samantha LucasProgram CoordinatorAllina Health

4

Introductions

About NV Energy ― NV Energy is a public utility that provides a wide range of energy services to

1.3 million customers throughout Nevada and nearly 40 million tourists annually .

― We have a strong commitment to engage our employees as volunteers in community service, and employees are encouraged to support their communities through our volunteer program.

NVE Employee Volunteer Program― Launched in 2009 ― 2800 employees (northern and southern Nevada)― 45,209 Hours logged in 2013

Introductions

• About Apollo Education Group – One of the world’s largest private education providers and has been in the

education business since 1973. – Our core values describe our culture – improving society is critical to our

mission!

• Apollo Volunteer Corps – Launched in 2006– Focused strategy supporting education, career readiness and

sustainability initiatives.

7

About Allina Health– Allina Health is a not-for-profit network of hospitals,

clinics and other health care services, providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Mission Matters (Employee Volunteer Program)– Launched in May 2011– Over 12,000 employees active– Over 100,000 hours logged in 2013

7

Allina Health

8

Tip #1:Plan unique & fun events to get more

employees interested

99

Spotlight events

What is a Spotlight event?– System-wide volunteer events that we create to

engage employees and community members to participate with a focus on improving health of the recipients.

Events– Free Bikes 4 Kidz– Healthy Meal Packing– New Shoes, Healthy Kids

1010

Walks, Runs & Rides Program

• Allina Health will give a charitable contribution to the events benefitting non-profit based on the number of Allina Health employees that participate.

• Employees can log one volunteer hour towards their Dollars for Doers reward for each event they participate in.

Signature Events

• Business Focus― Senior Energy Assistance Expo

• Fundraising― United Way Golf Tournament

• Department/Team Projects― Canned Art Contest― Motorcycle Poker Run

• Making the Best of Your Time― Toys for Smiles― MLK Day of Service Project – “Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off”

Unique Events

• Virtual Mentoring – One on one reading mentor sessions with local 2nd and 3rd grade students.

– Held virtually!

– Why is it unique? • Removes the transportation barrier. • Weaves in some in-person opportunities. • It’s easy!

Unique Events

• Scholarship Selection Committees – In-kind scholarships are a major component of our giving

– We recruit hundreds of volunteers every year to serve on selection committees

– Why is it unique?

• Works with employee schedules and allows for higher engagement because it’s virtual, moveable and at your own pace.

• Engages employees in another side of the University they don’t always see.

14

Tip #2:Use volunteer champions to be the

ambassadors of your program

Volunteer Champions

• Ambassadors Network – Group of champions in our headquarter city.

– Monthly update call.

– Utilize them to spread the word about upcoming events and initiatives.

– Benefits • The more advocates for our programs, the better! • Act as a familiar face encouraging employees to get involved. • Provide feedback on new initiatives and policies.

Volunteer Champions

• Super Volunteers! – A running list of accountable, dedicated volunteers.

– Receive early access to special opportunities.

– Considered a go-to resource for important or last minute needs.

17

Role of the Volunteer Champion– Promote system-wide and site-based activities that

encourage and provide an opportunity for staff to engage in volunteering

– The volunteer champion serves a resource for employees.

17

Volunteer Champions

Project Leaders

TRAINING Partner with the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada to provide

trainingROLE:

Serve as a contact person for volunteers interested in the project. Serve as a resource to volunteers Welcome and sign in each volunteer on the project Report volunteer attendance, feedback about the project

BENEFITS: Supports Community Relations Learn More about the community Develop leadership, project and people management skills Meet New People

19

Tip #3:Use incentives & recognition programs

to foster excitement among employees

Incentives & Recognition• Incentives

― Quarterly VolunteerMatch Drawings ― Dollars for Doers

• Volunteer Challenge (Companywide)― Friendly competition that pits teams within the company against

each other to earn the most number of volunteer hours― First, Second and Third Place Winners

• Recognition ― Daily Juice (email), The Juice (printed), Community Report,

Facebook Twitter― Annual Volunteer Recognition Lunch

Incentives & Recognition

• The Dean’s List – Leverage our partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks to send five

exceptional employee volunteers to games throughout the season.

– Showcase names in the Community Clubhouse.

– Thank You rather than an incentive!

Incentives & Recognition

• CSR Champion Program– Launched this year through our HR recognition system

– Peer nomination process

– Five honorees selected each month and highlighted on internal communications.

– Seen as an honor by leadership.

Incentives & Recognition

• DonorsChoose Holiday Giveback – Every holiday season we give employees a $25 DonorsChoose.org gift

card.

– Champions our focus on education.

– Provides a simple opportunity to get involved in our mission.

– Inspires continued involvement.

24

Incentives:– T-shirts

Global Fund– The Global Fund offers financial support to Allina

Health employees who volunteer outside of our service area.

24

Incentives and other programs

Q&A

25

• Type questions into the box on the right side of the your screen

• Submit via Twitter to @VM_Solutions using “#VMbpn”

25

Stay Informed

Blog:www.VolunteeringIsCSR.org

Twitter:@VM_Solutions

Newsletter:Monthly ‘Good Companies’ newsletter - Sign up on the blog!

2626

Save the Date – July 9th

27

A 360-Degree View of Corporate-Nonprofit Partnerships, Part II

Wednesday, July 9th, 201411 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT (2-3 p.m. ET)

Register here: http://bit.ly/1idk0vC

Featuring:

Mazarine TreyzNonprofit Consultant

Desiree Adaway The Adaway Group

Amanda LenaghanCharles Schwab Foundation

27