Launching of the Corporate Volunteer Guide

It is imperative for private companies to have strategies so that their social investment may be pertinent, sustainable, and have an impact, considering the role of the private sector as generator of opportunities for the construction of more equitable and inclusive societies. To contribute to this objective, the ANDI Foundation, CAF, Develoment Bank of Latin America, and the Civil Association Trabajo Voluntario (Volunteer Work) present the "Guía de Voluntariado Corporativo Transformador" (Transforming Corporate Volunteer Work Guide).

The proposal is simple but challenging, as it invites companies to deepen the definition and prioritization of social issues that are strategic for the business, in order to develop corporate programs with high value added for the community, the company, and volunteers. 

With respect to the motivations that led to the creation of this project, Isabella Barrios, Executive Director of the ANDI Foundation, states that at this historic moment in the country, the initiative becomes increasingly relevant. "The post-conflict is a unique opportunity to rethink and redesign the Colombia that we want. A more prosperous society will bring us larger and more stable markets, as well as competitive conditions for businesses. That Colombia stops being one of the most inequitable countries in the world is a task for all of us". 

The guide defines the bases for the design of an assertive volunteer program and develops the different stages involved in the process, from strategic planning to the design, implementation and finally evaluation of the initiative in an educational manner. It also has practical exercises that may help inspire and guide those responsible for these programs within the companies. 

Ana Mercedes Botero, CAF's Director of Social Innovation, states, "Volunteer work has a greater impact on society than people think. Currently, there is a generalized consensus regarding the need to mobilize the collective intelligence and involve society in the solution of their own problems. In this respect, and in line with the ODS approved last year by the United Nations, volunteer work becomes a key tool for culture and citizen participation, with the potential of contributing to social inclusion, improvement of basic services, and human development".     

Jaime Ulloa, of the Civil Association Trabajo Voluntario (Volunteer Work) stated, "If companies manage their volunteer programs strategically, they will channel and make good use of the human talent that makes them up in favor of the communities that most need it, with innovative development solutions of high impact. This guide offers step-by-step methodologies to create a program that generates relevant value to the business, the collaborators, and the community. The guide is a tool for companies to build their own path and take their programs to the next level of maturity".

The presentation of the "Transforming Corporate Volunteer Guide" included the participation of Jaime Ulloa, of the Civil Association Trabajo Voluntario (Volunteer Work), Isabella Barrios, Director of the ANDI Foundation, and Ana Mercedes Botero, CAF's Director of Social Innovation. It is expected that during the year the ANDI Foundation will conduct new workshops on how to strengthen the competitiveness of companies through transforming corporate volunteer work. For those interested, the guide will be available at ANDI's webpage.