SAP’s North America Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team is forever grateful to its North America volunteer ambassadors (VAs), SAP employees who consistently devote their time and energy to giving back to the community. Nothing throws this into sharper view than the crucial role they play every October in making SAP's signature volunteer initiative, Month of Service (MoS), possible.
Almost 200 VAs across the region are leading projects with more than 250 non-profit and other charitable organizations. As of today, there are over 7,600 total volunteer slots available in over 30 SAP markets across the region for the month of October. And these numbers are rising.
The passion that drives VAs is commendable, not only because VAs effect such positive change, but also because they play a critical role in helping SAP achieve its mission.
“I always feel such a great sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and even some pride knowing how the little things we do every day can help someone else so much,” says Dinora Arredono, a VA based in Dublin, California, who is leading two projects this year. “I consider these opportunities a way to pay it forward and, of course, I’m doing my part in fulfilling SAP’s mission of helping the world run better and improve people’s lives.”
This sentiment is common among VAs. Garret Bright, a first-time VA based in Palo Alto who is leading two projects that benefit youth and the LGBT community, submits, “it is extremely exciting and rewarding to be leading these projects, to do something that not only contributes to SAP’s grander mission but also benefits employees and people’s lives.”
“Personally, I feel that we have a responsibility to help others, to do as much good as we can. ‘To whom much is given, much is required,” says Tametha Dewberry, citing a favorite quote of hers. A first-time VA based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Tametha has been working with others in the office to setup a project in which their efforts could have the greatest impact—on community and employee alike. They found it in the Triangle Down Syndrome Network, supporting a project that will touch the lives of both families and individuals affected by the condition.
Yet it is the SAP employee who volunteers and supports the VA who plays the most important role in helping SAP improve people’s lives. Garret, for example, was quick to give credit to his team, manager, Erika Jackson and Moya Watson, and Pride@SAP in making his ability to lead possible.
And in Kansas City, MO, first-year VA Sarah Gerleman emphasized the collective impact the Kansas City team will have in working to beautify a section of the city, and the excitement this inspires in her. “It is exciting to see the participation, and it will be rewarding to get together as a team to give back. The Kansas City team has the opportunity to really make a positive impact, on top of building strong and lasting relationships with each other.”
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