Various companies send individuals or teams of skilled volunteers across national borders, particularly into the global South, to support communities and NGOs while giving an impact of solidarity.

In the session we discussed experiences coming from three examples.

The presenters mentioned the following challenges:

• To select the right person for the right place (if the time to volunteer is company time, there are many more applications of employees than places);
• to match the skills of different employees to have a balance of skills in the project
• to manage the expectations of the volunteers and the expectations of the partners;
• Cross cultural understanding.

Presentations and the discussion highlighted the following key aspects for success:

• It is very important to know the local and national NGO-partners and to hear their needs.
• To use professional skills, also from pensioners
• To realize an appropriate preparation: Volunteers and partners have to be well prepared; the company should have all the necessary things well organized
• Building bridges with a win-win result should be an important goal.

Experiences in getting a successful grogram:

• Pre-departure calls with the person and with the local partners ahead of time
• The program delivers results for the community as well.
• Preparation beforehand on the cultural aspects; actual tasks and responsibilities are known
• Getting a feedback from all the stakeholders of the cross – border assignmentsThe examples the forum discussed were based on “out-going programs.” But there could also be “incoming programs” in future to strengthen partnership with corporate volunteering.

Prepared by Eugen Baldas, Moderator

Presentations