Commitment to the external community is a hallmark of societal responsibility to which all Employer of Choice organizations should ascribe. Employer of Choice candidates should describe (in essay form) their systematic* commitment to active community engagement through various involvement efforts, both large and small, and how the approaches and design of their efforts support their Mission and strategic direction. Fulfillment of this commitment to societal responsibility is demonstrated through engaging leaders and employees in the community to create positive, measurable impact for both the organization and community. Response to this item will address the following:
Recommendation:
Organizations with a meaningful commitment to their surrounding communities proactively seek to identify opportunities (neighborhood projects, contribution to causes, development efforts, service opportunities, pressing local needs, etc.) to invest resources and engage in relevant projects and activities. Examples of community engagement may include blood drives, community health fairs, “lunch and learns” for the community at large, organization-sponsored events that reach the greater community (e.g. Alzheimer’s walks), employee service on community boards, awards/recognition, volunteer activities, etc.
Assessment:
*“Systematic” is defined as follows: a process or approach that is systematic is characterized as well-ordered and repeatable, and uses data and information so that learning and improvement are possible
Click the link below to read more on how Kendal at Oberlin "Exceeds" in Community Engagement.