Gap Inc.’s Post

This is what it is all about! Simply breaking bread together with strangers that become friends and community can be a revolutionary act. Here's to all of you amazing community builders out there, making it happen. It doesn't have to be complicated, expensive, or "perfect" - just real human connection. #designforconnection #socialhealth #communitybuilding

Embracing Growth and Change in the Volunteer Sphere! Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the The Humane Society of the United States Expo in Texas, and let me tell you, my mind is buzzing with inspiration! In the world of volunteering, just like in any other aspect of life, learning and evolving are paramount. The Expo had so many innovative ideas and practices, leaving me with a plethora of fresh perspectives to bring back to Perfectly Imperfect Pups. But here's the thing about growth: it often requires change. And yes, change can be daunting. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new ways of doing things. But it's through this process of transformation that we truly flourish and make a lasting impact. I'm thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead as we implement some of these transformative changes at Perfectly Imperfect Pups. Together, we're not just growing; we're evolving into an even stronger force for good in our community. Here's to embracing change, fostering growth, and making a difference—one paw print at a time! #HSUSExpo #Volunteerism #ChangeIsGood #GrowthMindset #MakingADifference

🏢 Embrace Community Engagement: Initiatives for Michigan Businesses 🤝💡 Community engagement isn't just about giving back—it's about building strong connections and fostering growth. Here are some initiatives for businesses to get involved: 1.Local Events Sponsorship: Support community events, festivals, or fundraisers by sponsoring or participating. It's a great way to increase brand visibility and show support for local causes. 2.Volunteer Programs: Encourage employees to volunteer their time and skills for local nonprofits or community projects. Not only does it benefit the community, but it also boosts employee morale and teamwork. 3.Educational Workshops: Host workshops or seminars on topics relevant to the community, such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, or sustainable practices. It positions your business as a thought leader and provides value to the community. 4.Small Business Support: Collaborate with other local businesses to offer support programs, mentorship opportunities, or networking events for entrepreneurs and small business owners. 5.Green Initiatives: Implement eco-friendly practices within your business, such as energy efficiency upgrades, waste reduction efforts, or green building certifications. It demonstrates your commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. 6.Art and Culture Promotion: Showcase local artists or cultural events by displaying their work in your commercial spaces or sponsoring art exhibitions. It adds vibrancy to the community and supports local talent. 7.Community Improvement Projects: Invest in neighborhood revitalization projects, beautification efforts, or infrastructure improvements to enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses alike. By actively engaging with the community, businesses in Michigan can contribute to a thriving and resilient local economy while building valuable relationships and goodwill. #BranscoPropertiesMI #CREInsights #BusinessInsights #CommunityEngagement #MichiganBusiness #Connect #Follow #LocalImpact

“The moment you enter the BCCK doors, you become a part of our family.” BCCK strives to honor these words from our Founder, Clark Butts, by creating a welcoming and collaborative workplace. We encourage our team to participate in volunteer activities, frequent lunch and learn programs and seasonal social gatherings. From holiday parties to company cookouts to family events, we believe in fostering a sense of togetherness within our team and the broader community! Learn more about our ESG commitment: https://loom.ly/TYpDers #BCCK #ESG #LifeatBCCK”

We've wrapped up Giving Season. 🎁 How did it go? What went well? What didn't go so well? What do you want to build on this year? 🤔 We know... a lot of questions for the start of the year😪, but if you're in reflection mode, read on to discover what we believe can take you beyond year end giving for lasting impact 🚀: https://bit.ly/3RtEW4L

The people responsible for solving the world's problems are guided by rules and bureaucracy, which rarely make the process easier. 🌍🤔 But what if that weren't the case? What if we could create and innovate without limitations? 🚀💡 That's exactly what several dozen community members were asked to last Saturday, during Tucson's first-ever Social Innovation Hackathon. Read about it here 📰👀 #SocialInnovation #HomelessnessSolutions #CommunityCollaboration https://loom.ly/-G-yXyA

Today, I want to share a story close to my heart - the story of why Groundswell was built. Rewind to my days at Team Rubicon, where I was deeply involved in global disaster relief. Here, I witnessed the power of collective action and the immense impact of timely, effective aid. This experience laid the groundwork for a profound realization: while the intent to give was abundant, the means to do so efficiently was lacking in the corporate world. Enter Groundswell. Born from the need to transform corporate giving, Groundswell is more than just a platform; it's a movement. Our mission was clear: to create a system that not only facilitates but accelerates and personalizes corporate philanthropy. We envisioned a platform where every employee could be a philanthropist, empowered to support causes they're passionate about, without the red tape and delays that plague traditional methods. Groundswell is about bringing heart back into corporate giving. It's about instant matches to empower employees in their giving, eliminating administrative nightmares to better focus on impact iniatives, and most importantly, ensuring that employees' voices are heard and their values reflected in their company's giving culture. What's driving me is that we're not just building a platform; we're building a community of changemakers, companies, and individuals alike, united by the desire to make a difference. I'd love to connect and share more about how Groundswell can bring a new wave of impact to your organization. Let's chat and explore how we can transform your corporate giving into a source of empowerment and positive change. #Groundswell #CorporatePhilanthropy #Empowerment #SocialImpact #Innovation #JoinTheMovement #Groundswell #CorporatePhilanthropy #Empowerment #SocialImpact #Innovation #JoinTheMovement

Every January, the headlines over the collapse of the high street emerge in media headlines. Throughout the month, we will witness reports showing retailers grappling with post-Christmas situation and be told by journalists that the high street is dying. The high street won't die in January; it will still be here on February 1st and will continue to evolve. The history of the high streets is one of constant change, and the transformation we are witnessing right now is the biggest in a generation—it's a global issue with local ramifications. However, as everyone knows, "change can be managed." In fact, I believe that what we are witnessing is real life "change management in action" with some places managing the shift really well and many others finding it really difficult. That is why in meetings this past week, I emphasised to various people that place management and place leadership matter. We are incredibly fortunate to work in an industry that can improve social cohesion, boost local economies, create jobs, generate investor confidence, and give people hope for a better life. Being in this fortunate position makes me sad (angry?) when I see many areas still struggle with the concepts. This stuff matters, and it matters so much more when we get it wrong. Research by Institute of Place Management (https://lnkd.in/e3Bav-v3) shows that investing in people and partnerships, activating places through events, and recognising that every place is different is the way forward. Yet, there are places that do not collaborate, do not want to give up power to others, or put politics and personal agendas first—all to the detriment not just to the place but to the people living there. When we get it right, wonderful things can happen and we can improve peoples lives. As the joint-founder of Civic Voice, I am holding a series of one-on-one talks to address the ongoing transition and change from various perspectives in an effort to combat the January blues. This week, I'm discussing Community Improvement Districts with Power to Change (http://bit.ly/CIDtalk) to consider learnings from the recent pilot programmes around change in place governance. Next week, I will chat with Graham Soult, (https://bit.ly/GSWoolies15) whose passion project examining the state of Woolworths provides a real-time story of what is happening in our town. The following week, a friend from Pontefract Civic Society, Paul Cartwright (https://lnkd.in/e36Y-m_d) will discuss 'WheelFest' with me and share how the community helped boost town centre footfall. I will conclude this mini-series by examining the impact of Heritage Action Zones (https://lnkd.in/eh5Qat_D) and how I think the impact of this scheme will change Historic England's thinking for a long time. If you know a place that is struggling with the process of change, please do encourage them to attend.

At Starlight Foundation, we believe in the immense power of partnership. That's why we have established the Centre for Design and Innovation - to serve as a hub for changemakers to come together. Our doors are open to nonprofits, social enterprises, community groups, businesses and more. By uniting our diverse perspectives at the Centre, we can design innovative solutions to pressing societal issues. The Centre provides a launchpad for partnerships. Our facilities and programming foster collaboration through skills training, creative workshops, networking events and more. Groups can utilise the space to host meetings, run programmes and bring their visions to life, free of charge. Starlight remains dedicated to uplifting vulnerable groups through education, opportunity and empowerment. The Centre provides a place to turn ideas into action. Its mission is to ignite human potential by enabling access to technical skills, ICT and hands-on learning. We welcome any organization or individual passionate about driving change. Let's combine our strengths and make an impact together. To explore partnership opportunities, please contact: Phone: +233 (0) 593 535 826 Email: info@starlightfoundationgh.org Website: https://lnkd.in/eaCJGivJ At the Centre for Design and Innovation, the possibilities are endless when we work as one. Let's build something incredible. #StarlightFoundation #CentreForDesignAndInnovation #GrowingTogether #IncreasingImpact #WeAreCommitted #Empowerment #CommunityDevelopment #RealImpact #Opportunities4Everyone #InspiringPossibilities #STEAMEducation #TVET #Education #FamilySupport #EndingStreetism #TransformingLives #CreatingImpact

Giving back is an investment for any organization both inside and out. Some great ideas on how to create value, build strong teams, and be an integral part of your community. The key is being authentic! When you present your organization honestly and strive to align actions with core values, it becomes easier to build a message that resonates with those around you. https://lnkd.in/dEFikR93