At Nasdaq, our purpose is to advance economic progress for all. We power stronger economies, create more equitable opportunities, and contribute to a more sustainable world to help our communities, clients, employees and people of all backgrounds reach their full potential. This year, we celebrated our second annual Purpose Week, in which we highlighted those in our communities who are putting our purpose into action.
We spoke with Nasdaq GoodWorks Champion Raven Bolding, Corporate Responsibility Specialist, about how GoodWorks is innovating Nasdaq’s volunteer opportunities through its volunteer week and Purpose Power Hours.
Can you please explain what is Nasdaq GoodWorks?
GoodWorks is Nasdaq’s strategic initiative to support the communities where our employees live, work, and care about. The program provides an opportunity for our employees to volunteer and/or donate through matching gifts.
Can you tell us about some of the giving campaigns we can expect to see in 2023? Which one are you most excited about?
Next year will be a super exciting year for GoodWorks. We have a lot of fun campaigns and initiatives coming up that’ll help people engage in our Purpose! I’m most excited about Purpose Power Hours and volunteer week.
Purpose Power Hours will be a monthly discussion on the different facets of Purpose, including giving and volunteerism, the Nasdaq Foundation and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. We are super excited for people to get to know Purpose better in the new year.
Volunteer week will be an opportunity for Nasdaq employees to celebrate the spirit of service and engage with our communities. There will be several virtual, in-office and offsite opportunities for people to volunteer at local organizations and to learn about why volunteerism is important.
How is your team using technology to advance your volunteering capabilities? How can other companies follow your lead?
My team has an online platform that manages and tracks volunteering opportunities and charitable donations, allowing us to see where we have excelled and where there is room for improvement.
There are so many great orgs that aren’t able to find the corporate partners and volunteers they need. I recommend that companies do their research so that they can make meaningful partnerships with organizations that align with their own purpose.
Do you have any advice for people or companies that are thinking about getting involved in volunteering?
Just get started! There are so many great opportunities and awesome non-profit organizations that need volunteers and corporate partners. They welcome the opportunity to build relationships and collaborate while helping the community!
How did you first get involved with volunteering?
I started volunteering with friends when I was in middle school through my school and church. I continue to do so because there are so many people that need help, and I want to do my part in serving my community.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
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Elizabeth Glusko
Nasdaq
Elizabeth is a social media editor, strategist and producer at Nasdaq. Her team helps reimagine the way Nasdaq tells stories about Nasdaq’s role in the future of technology and the employees driving this role via video and social content.
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