subject: Encouraging Activism and Compassion [print this page] Author: Jennie Duncan Author: Jennie Duncan
ENCOURAGING ACTIVISM AND COMPASSION: DO GOOD GET REWARDS REWARDS VOLUNTEERS In this time of economic distress, we need service and volunteering more than ever to build a new foundation for growth, said First Lady Michelle Obama. Non-profits rely heavily on volunteers, but more than one-third of those who volunteer one year do not donate their time the next year. That adds up to an estimated $38 billion in lost labor according to the 2009 Stanford Social Innovation Review. To encourage and reward ongoing social activism, the nations first online volunteer rewards program has been created. DoGoodGetRewards.com is kicking off the New Year by celebrating its official launch. The program was designed to afford non-profit organizations a simple, free way to show appreciation to their volunteers and provide incentives to maintain their volunteer base. At Do Good Get Rewards, non-profit organizations validate volunteer hours as quickly as accepting friends on Facebook. Volunteers earn reward points for the hours they work and redeem them for featured rewards such as vacations, gift cards, and hotel and restaurant certificates. We want to support the efforts of the incredibly hardworking organizations that make a difference in our communities in every way we can, states Executive Director Tammy Allen. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Do Good Get Rewards works hand in hand with non-profits to make a difference in the community by producing benefit concerts for active non-profit members and providing rewards for their fundraisers. Allen cites the heart of her inspiration: We seek to accentuate and acknowledge the goodness that is at the heart of mankind. The Do Good Get Rewards program and social networking site provides a simple system for non-profit organizations to post volunteer opportunities, track volunteers and their hours. There is no cost for Non Profits or volunteers to become members of the Do Good Get Rewards program. This goal of the Do Good Get Rewards program is to express appreciation to those millions of Americans who make a difference everyday and encourage even greater numbers to donate their time and talents. About the Author:
