Celebrating Social Responsibility and Giving back to the Society
Social responsibility is important to us. We believe that contributing to our local and global communities is a responsibility as well as an opportunity. RE Cares, our global community program, supports employee volunteering provided it makes a positive impact on society. All staff have up to two days paid leave per year for the work they choose to do.
Many designers in my team use their RE cares days to give their personal time and energy undertaking the industry engagement work or volunteering with disadvantaged groups in the community. We believe in inclusive design as well as making a difference to the people around us. The following is a list of sample projects the designers engaged in to give back to society.
1. Organising First Global Startup Weekend Bicol
“Startup Weekend is a 54-hour event that brings together Bicol designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and experts from all domains to do amazing things. In this event, I was the lead organiser, my goal was to create an environment where passionate people come together to get things done: to learn, network, and bridge the gap between trades, expose potential, and see actual results.” — Harris Osiana
2. Planting trees on Mount Balagbag
“I used to go hiking in the mountains every month last year, but only this time was my first time to do something different, and I think the experience was more fulfilling than just the climbing itself. I love nature and feel very rewarded to know that I have contributed something good for our Mother Nature and am giving back to the community.” — David Goco
3. UX 101 and Design Thinking Workshops in Cebu, Puerto Princesa and Bacolod
“The objective of the workshops was to build a community of UX designers, researchers and practitioners in Cebu, Princesa and Bacolod. The project was set up in collaboration with local Information and Communications Technology (ICT) councils. I was the speaker in all workshops and I travelled extensively. I really love this type of event, because I enjoy knowledge sharing with people and helping others learn and develop their skills.” — Harris Osiana
4. Fundraising event for Kapatid Kita Mahal Kita Foundation
“This was a fun experience that I will never forget. It was my first time in a band as a vocalist and we won the hearts of the audience and for me that’s what matters most. We gave our best to enjoy this event for the benefit of this charity. Many disadvantaged children are on the receiving end of all the proceedings.”- Gilbert F.
“It is always a pleasure to use my musical talent for this kind of event, because being in the band, we were able to entertain many people, at the same time, raising a huge amount of money that will benefit many people through this cause.” — David Goco
5. Teaching English to Aeta Children
“Volunteering has always been a part of me, that’s why whenever there is an opportunity and my time would permit, I grab it. It’s very fulfilling to teach the kids English with a goal of improving their literacy even for a very short stint. Nothing would highlight this experience but the smiles and thank yous I received from them.” — Harris Osiana
6. Storytelling with Cancer-stricken Kids, and Livelihood Projects for the Evacuees of Battle of Marawi
“I joined the volunteers in Davao City to give smiles and hope to the cancer-stricken kids of House of Hope by reading stories to them. Children normally feel sad when they are not well, but having people around them, they don’t lose hope in their life. It makes me happy when I see them smile. I also participated in Livelihood projects, which help the evacuees displaced by the Battle of Marawi. My objective was to provide a source of income to them and support them through this difficult period of their lives.” — Harris Osiana
My Thoughts
In my opinion, there is nothing greater than encouraging a culture of giving. There are many excellent reasons to volunteer. Quite often, employers love candidates with a range of soft skills. Volunteering can sometimes push you outside of your comfort zone and improve your problem-solving and people skills. As long as you give back to a cause you believe in, you will enjoy the experience, and more importantly, make a difference in other people’s lives.
If you like this post, please give us a clap. I hope that this gives you some good inspiration as a UX designer. As Sherry Anderson says, “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”
