December 3, 2021
International Volunteer Day recognizes the efforts of volunteers around the world Dec. 5. Coordinated by the United Nations (UN) Volunteers Programme, the day celebrates the work of people who dedicate their time and energy to helping make a difference. International Volunteer Day hopefully inspires others to get involved and help build what the UN Volunteers Programme called a people-centric movement that can lead to a better and safer future.
At UL, we believe that everyone can positively influence the world and recently launched Impact 100. This global campaign encourages employees to create and participate in organized acts of kindness in their communities worldwide. Impact 100 began on Nov. 1, and employees have the opportunity to participate throughout the 100-day campaign.
UL committed to social responsibility and corporate citizenship
Part of UL’s mission of working for a safer world includes being a good example of corporate citizenship and social responsibility. As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, we support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We believe we can make the most impact through our services, words and actions, particularly for the Compact’s goals of promoting healthy lives and well-being and supporting inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities.
Impact 100 helps UL and every employee live into this commitment. From providing volunteer time off for employees to helping organize group volunteer events, UL encourages employees to perform acts of kindness in the world around them in tangible, personal ways. Employees can help and support areas and causes that are important to them.
Getting involved
As the UN stated on the International Volunteer Day website, “When people are encouraged to get involved in solving problems, the solutions are more likely to be feasible and lasting.” Part of UL’s mission of working for a safer world includes recognizing that volunteerism positively impacts the world. This is why UL provides paid time off for volunteering each year and is encouraging employees to utilize that time during Impact 100. Employees can volunteer either in-person or virtually, with a group or as an individual.
Sharing the impact
For International Volunteer Day, the UN encourages people to share their volunteer stories on social media through pictures, videos and the #VolunteerNow hashtag. You can also tag people in your posts as a way to encourage them to get involved.
As the year winds down, people often turn their thoughts to others — from gathering with friends and family to helping those in need. It’s a wonderful time to make an impact in the world, one community at a time. While UL employees work to support their chosen organizations over the coming months, we encourage everyone to do the same in their communities.