New skilled volunteer opportunity engages corporate community
Apparo has recently launched a new service to help nonprofits improve their websites and seeks corporate volunteers to participate. Apparo is a Charlotte-based nonprofit that helps other nonprofits do more to improve life in our communities through technology and process improvement. As a nonprofit, Apparo relies on the generosity of corporate partners as skilled volunteers and funders.
Skilled volunteers are needed for a convenient, impactful role to evaluate the user experience of a nonprofit’s website. No specific technical skills are required and this work can be conducted asynchronously or together as a corporate team.
“Listening to our constituents, we’ve learned two things that drove the launch of this new service. First, that getting help to optimize websites is a critical nonprofit need. Second, that our corporate volunteers seek more ‘done-in-a-day’ or done in a couple of hours volunteer opportunities. As such, our website UX evaluation service was launched,” explains Allison Grant, Apparo’s Director of Programs. “In just 1-2 hours, volunteers provide the critical feedback a nonprofit needs to ensure their website has clear messaging, is engaging, user friendly and effective at meeting their goals. This assessment is critical because websites typically deliver a nonprofit’s first impression to potential donors, volunteers, and those in need of their service. As a result of this work, nonprofits are better positioned to engage with their key stakeholders, increasing their ability to fulfill their mission and improve lives.”
As with all Apparo service opportunities, volunteers can expect to be well-supported by Apparo’s Client Services team:
- Making the right corporate-nonprofit match
- Delivering clear, easy-to-follow instructions to the volunteer
- Facilitating the engagement to ensure a successful, positive experience for both the volunteer and nonprofit
Additional benefits for website UX volunteers include:
- Boosting website UX skills
- Creating positive social change
- Gaining meaningful personal satisfaction
- Expanding understanding of the nonprofit sector
Several corporate teams and volunteers have already participated, including:
Duke Energy – Volunteers included: Parker Ramsey and Brad Richmond, supporting nonprofit Veteran’s Bridge Home
EY – Nearly 50 volunteers gathered for a morning of service to support nonprofits: Center 360, Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, Champions of Change, CineOdyssey Film Festival, Gastonia Freedom School, Healing Vine Harbor, Heart Math Tutoring, Mental Health America of Central Carolinas and Upcycle Arts. Byron E. McClendon, Manager, Financial Services Consulting shared, “We hosted a wide range of non-profit founders and representatives each with their own story and journey to get to where they are today. This skills-focused volunteering allowed our expertise to shine through and make a positive impact to these organizations. I directly heard from a number of organizations that this session was eye opening and provided insights they had never considered previously.”
Rachel Allman, Outreach Coordinator, Heart Math Tutoring added, “It was such a valuable experience and we’re excited to put the EY volunteers’ feedback into action to improve our website’s functionality and ultimately, better serve the volunteers and students we work with.”
Gravity IT Resources – Volunteers included: Ali Schrader, Sr. Marketing Manager, who supported nonprofit Caldwell Senior Center. She shares, “Where this would normally cost thousands through a consultant, volunteers are able to provide the service for free, saving nonprofits that expense. Completing an assessment only takes about 1-2 hours. I highly recommend getting involved! I’m looking forward to my next UX review project with Apparo and another local nonprofit.”
KMS Technology (Atlanta, GA) – Volunteers included: Olivia Henry, Nilesh Patel, Triet Pham, Ria Thazhe Punathil, Jeff Scott and Leo Tucker. They supported nonprofits: The Park Community Development Corporation, Healing Vine Harbor and Backpack Weekend Food Program. Olivia Henry, Human Resources Generalist, shared, “Apparo’s Website UX Evaluation project was quick, easy, and fun! The nonprofits had great websites, and we were honored to have the opportunity to help better their outreach to volunteers and clients alike.”
LPL Financial – Volunteers included: Jocelyn Chang, Katie Cipkala, Tim Marsh, Matthew Martin and Pretesh Mistry. They supported nonprofits: A Brighter Day Outreach, ASPIRE Community Capital, Charlotte Family Housing, Digi-Bridge, OMITT Innovative Solutions, Profound Gentlemen and UMBA Bright Stars
Turnberry Solutions – Volunteers included: Oluwafemi Okelola and Craig Oliver. They supported nonprofits: Latin American Coalition and Project Scientist
World Wide Technology – Volunteer Kayleigh Kellis, Event Manager shares, “Working with the Apparo team in supporting the Veterans Bridge Home has been a pleasure. They have opportunities for everyone to give back no matter their location, expertise or availability. I was happy to support this organization by providing feedback on the VBH website from my Marketing lens. Keep on rocking, Apparo! You all are truly making a difference for all.”
Greg Fadale, Regional Director adds, “We partner with Apparo because they help people who help people. We want to invest in organizations that make Charlotte a better place to live for everyone and that is what Apparo does. Great people doing great things for a better community.”
Partnering with Apparo allows corporations to enhance corporate social responsibility efforts while bolstering talent retention, employee satisfaction and workforce skills. Apparo corporate partners share that they have been able to foster a culture of community engagement and strengthen employee morale and personal satisfaction.
Apparo volunteers enjoy the experience, report higher employee satisfaction and appreciation.
Interested in volunteering? Learn more about how your corporate team can engage with Apparo by visiting apparo.org/volunteers or writing to [email protected]. Know a nonprofit that needs our help? Learn more about how a nonprofit can get started with Apparo by visiting apparo.org/nonprofits or writing to [email protected].
