Think WE, not just me… that is the motto of the Satell Institute, a leading CEO member organization for Corporate Social Responsibility. I was an invited guest to their semi-annual meeting, which was held at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA. this past week. The title of the half day conference was: Changing Lives Now–Corporate Social Responsibility’s Impact on Education and Workforce Readiness. I had never heard of this group, and it was the FIRST time attending one of their meetings. I was there to learn and to network.
I shortly uncovered that the Satell Institute is a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization, fully funded by an endowment. They charge no dues or fees. Members are free to support the nonprofits of their choice, and 100 percent of their corporate philanthropic gifts go directly to nonprofits. They promote deep, long-term relationships between corporations and nonprofit organizations to better fulfill their important missions. To be a member a company has to commit to a minimum of $25,000 per year for four years to a non-profit of their choice. A hundred grand commitment. They want CEO’s and their companies to make a difference and have a positive impact in their communities.
Jeb Bush was the keynote speaker, who stressed the importance of education. He highlighted the need for the partnership between business and education in producing qualified candidates for the future workforce. In the subsequent roundtable discussions among the members and guests Mentorship became a hot topic on how we can have an impact individually on others. We shared other examples of ways we can have an impact on education and workforce readiness. It was just not donating the money, although that helps. We talked about hiring returning citizens and providing work / study programs in conjunction with schools (high school & college). A number of companies provide “volunteer time off” to their employees to work in the community as volunteers. Other do in-kind donations or sponsorships. Not all business owners are heartless and soulless people – trust me. There were a lot of good people in that room, who cared.
In taking stock of what I have done, continue to do and can do in the future I felt proud. As I sat in the Franklin Institute, at the base of a statue of Ben Franklin, I thought Ben’s following quote applied… “When you’re good to others, you’re best to yourself.” It was an honor to be in the room of over 300 CEOs of various organizations, companies and charities that look to give back and make the world a better place. It had me thinking “WE, NOT ME!” An inspiring FIRST!