Challenge encourages employer-supported volunteering

Kansas employers are invited to register for the second annual Give Back Kansas Challenge and encourage employees to participate in community volunteering.

The eight-week challenge will run from April 6 through May 31, 2020, with registration closing March 30. The challenge can be accessed at bit.ly/givebackks.

The Give Back Kansas Challenge is an opportunity for employees who volunteer to receive recognition by tracking and reporting their hours, as well as for employees that may be first-time volunteers to try something new that could help them develop additional skills or enthusiasm for their work.

“The Challenge will be a fun and exciting way for employers and employees to learn more about organizations in their communities and help out by giving of their time,” said Nola Brown, executive director of Volunteer Kansas, which is partnering with the Kansas Volunteer Commission (KVC) to introduce the challenge to Kansans.

There is no cost to participate, and the challenge is open to any employer in Kansas (for profit, nonprofit and government). Employers register in advance to participate, and volunteer hours are reported through an online portal by the employer’s self-designated point of contact.

Based on the number of entries received and company size, employers will be divided into three categories (small, medium and large). Winners will be selected by determining the average number of volunteer hours per employee completed during the challenge period. Employers achieving the highest average in each size category will have a $1,000 donation made on their behalf by Volunteer Kansas to the charity of their choice.

“Research shows that employer-supported volunteering can result in improved employee engagement, organizational commitment, job satisfaction and retention,” said Jessica Noble, KVC’s executive director. “We look forward to seeing the many positive ways that participating organizations are affected during the Give Back Kansas Challenge.”

Complete information and resources on how to participate and find volunteer opportunities are available at bit.ly/givebackks or by contacting Jessica Noble at jnoble@ksde.org or (785) 296-3163.

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The mission of the Kansas Volunteer Commission is to empower all Kansans to meet community needs through service. The Commission's primary role is to provide resources and leadership to support local initiatives that tackle community needs. As the state service commission, the KVC directs effective national service programs, provides volunteer management training opportunities and supports the work of Mentor Kansas. For more information, visit www.kanserve.org.

Volunteer Kansas Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity based in Wichita, Kansas. www.Volunteerkansas.org is the organization’s website devoted to increasing volunteerism in the state of Kansas and providing a hub for Kansans to find other Kansans who may need volunteer or material help. The website is a free service to individuals and organizations.