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On Demand Community is a first-of-its kind initiative to encourage and sustain corporate philanthropy through volunteerism by arming employees and retirees with a rich set of IBM technology tools targeted for non-profit community organizations and schools. It sets a new standard for corporate volunteerism by combining the strengths and skills of our people with the power of innovative technologies and solutions. The immediate goal is to drive significant and measurable change within agencies and organizations that would have never had access to this level of volunteer support. At the same time, this revolutionary initiative is designed to meet the needs of today's workers, including mobile and work-at-home employees, as well as retirees worldwide.
Through On Demand Community, IBM employees and retirees worldwide have access to a Web site that serves as home base for the program. Through this Web site, they have immediate access to a full range of technology solutions - which include state-of-the art online presentations, videos, Web site reference links, software solutions and documents - that continue IBM's commitment to advancing achievement in schools, closing the digital divide, and improving business strategies and outcomes for not-for-profits through technology. Topics include: 'School Visits,' 'Mentor a Student', 'Help Teachers with Technology', 'Share Project Management Skills', and 'Technology Planning for the Not-for-Profit'. Currently there are nearly 200 assets; a number of these have been translated into as many as 10 languages.
Many of the solutions build upon IBM's proven global education programs such as Tryscience, the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program, IBM MentorPlace, and Reinventing Education, helping ensure that best practices on the global level are localized. A number of solutions also were developed in partnership with leaders in the field; for example, 'Internet Safety for Kids' materials were created with the expertise of the i-SAFE America Foundation, Inc., which was designated by the United States Congress to bring Internet safety education and awareness to the youth of the nation.
Resources on the site enable employees and retirees to assess their skills and take online training to improve their volunteer ability. They can search for volunteer opportunities based upon their areas of interest and can even tailor their volunteer choice depending on how much time they have to give, with solutions geared for those who wish to volunteer once a week or once a year. Once they begin volunteering, IBMers also can track their service through the Web site by logging their volunteer hours.
IBM now has the opportunity to demonstrate what 'on demand' means when addressing a community challenge. If a teacher needs better strategies for using the Internet to advance learning, an IBM volunteer can provide it - on demand. If an executive at a local charity wants to improve services and outcomes through technology, an IBMer on the board can help guide the process with an on demand technology planning solution.
The global scale of this initiative makes it a new paradigm when it comes to effective employee volunteerism. IBMers in New York City, London, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro - indeed anywhere IBM does business - have access to the same tools and resources, with the potential to provide the same impact to their local schools and organizations.
Participating employees and retirees are able to magnify the impact of their volunteerism through IBM Community Grants, a global program that provides grant awards to the schools and not-for-profit organizations where employees and retirees volunteer. IBM volunteers must be working with an eligible community service organization for an average of eight hours per month for five consecutive months to be eligible for either a cash or equipment grant. If the volunteer uses specific solutions, IBM provides increased levels of technology or cash awards to the school or non-profit organization.
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