Latest news with #OperationGratitude
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scrum Alliance® Wins 2025 Culture of Good Community Impact Award
DENVER, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scrum Alliance is proud to announce that it has been named a winner of the 2025 Culture of Good Community Impact Award, a prestigious honor recognizing companies that lead with purpose, prioritize people and the planet, and weave community impact into the fabric of their culture. Presented by Culture of Good, Inc., this award shines a spotlight on organizations that use their influence for good and inspire others to do the same. As a not-for-profit focused on expanding agile training and education across the globe, Scrum Alliance's mission is deeply rooted in giving back and equipping people to thrive. "This award is an incredible affirmation of who we are and what we stand for," said Tristan Boutros, Chief Executive Officer at Scrum Alliance. "We believe business can be a force for meaningful change, and this recognition celebrates how we care for each other, for our members, and for the world around us." Over the past year, Scrum Alliance has stepped up with a variety of initiatives that reflect its values and mission: Supporting families and veterans: They've provided much-needed supplies for families through the Little Essentials annual holiday drive and supported organizations doing critical work for our veterans, including Operation Gratitude and Wounded Warrior Project. Empowering underserved youth: The organization donated laptops and a robot for robotics class to help over 40 students in Colorado gain access to technology that supercharges their educational experience. Caring for the planet: Scrum Alliance eliminated single-use items at its annual event, the Global Scrum Gathering®, and they planted 100 trees for Earth Day through the organization One Tree Planted. As part of its ongoing commitment to service, Scrum Alliance is now formalizing its volunteerism strategy, building on momentum from holiday giving drives, donations, and grassroots efforts led by employees. They've added a brand-new employee benefit in 2025 by offering 8 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off each year, along with resources for finding volunteer opportunities. This gives team members the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and support the causes that matter most to them. "This recognition speaks to the culture we've intentionally cultivated; one grounded in our values of focus, courage, commitment, openness, and respect," said Taylor Kelly, Head of HR. "It's been incredible to see how quickly employees have embraced every opportunity to give back, and how many are now bringing forward their own ideas for causes we can support together. With the launch of our volunteer policy, we've deepened our commitment to service and sparked a new wave of energy and initiative. The momentum is real, and it is pushing us toward even greater impact." About Scrum Alliance®As the first not-for-profit focused on agile education and professional credentialing, Scrum Alliance continues to advance its position of Agile for Anyone™ by equipping professionals and their organizations with the education, skills, and community needed to succeed in today's ever-evolving workplaces. Learn more at Media Contact:Tess Martin720-833-1950395674@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Scrum Alliance
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Schuylkill United Way Day of Caring helps community
POTTSVILLE — More than 550 volunteers signed up for 22 projects across Schuylkill County on the recent Schuylkill United Way's Capt. Jason B. Jones Memorial Day of Caring. The projects ranged from pulling weeds to setting up large tents at the Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation. Despite rain, volunteers showed up at Avenues, formerly United Cerebral Palsy in Pottsville, ready to tackle indoor and outdoor projects. Volunteers from Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Mauch Chunk Trust Company and St. Luke's Hospital Miners Campus in Coaldale joined State Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp. to work on the projects. The group planted a tree in honor of the late Mal Weaver Bartram, founder of United Cerebral Palsy in Pottsville. 'These projects may seem small, but they mean so much,' said Mike Joyce, Schuylkill United Way director of community engagement. 'It's great getting jobs done, but being around friendly, caring people that are lending a hand is a good boost to everyone's spirit.' LVH-Schuylkill workers take a break from their project at Salvation Army in Pottsville on Day of Caring. SUBMITTED Rain postponed some projects, but most have been rescheduled. 'We know weather can be a damper on the day, but it's inspiring to see projects being rescheduled,' said Kelly R. Malone, Schuylkill United Way executive director. 'People want to help in Schuylkill County, it's that simple.' Day of Caring was named for the late Capt. Jason B. Jones, of Orwigsburg, in 2015, honoring his commitment and service to his country. After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he served with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, N.C. Commanding a Special Forces unit, he died in Afghanistan at age 29 on June 2, 2014. A volunteer with Day of Caring helps paint at Tamaqua Adult Day Care Center. SUBMITTED Day of Caring projects and volunteers included: Salvation Army, Pottsville: Lehigh Valley Health Network Rural Residents; Schuylkill YMCA: Sentry Services and Supports; Scouting America Hawk Mountain Council: Wegmans, Amazon, Walmart, Community Options and United Way staff; and Servants To All: Hidden River Credit Union. Blue Mountain Elementary School West fifth graders entertained at the Lebanon Veterans Hospital. Students in schools and libraries around Schuylkill County have written letters for Operation Gratitude, which sends packages to service men and women around the world.
Entrepreneur
05-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
10 Charitable Organizations Entrepreneurs Should Support
These nonprofits align with values of innovation, leadership and global impact — making them ideal for entrepreneurs looking to give back meaningfully. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. From Tel Aviv to tech boardrooms, my entrepreneurial journey has taken me through building businesses, navigating painful failures, celebrating meaningful exits and eventually investing in other founders' visions. I'm an Israeli immigrant who came to the U.S. with little more than ambition and a belief that hard work could move mountains. Over time, I've seen firsthand how startups are born from nothing but grit and vision — but as those companies grow, they begin to touch more than just market share. They influence culture. They inspire communities. And they bear the responsibility to give back. In recent years, my focus has shifted from just building companies to helping others build theirs and, just as importantly, encouraging them to align their success with meaningful causes. After joining the Israeli-American Council (IAC) as a council member, I realized that beyond the business pitch decks and M&A spreadsheets lies something even more impactful: service. Through our initiatives supporting Jewish solidarity, educational programs and bridging relationships between American and Israeli entrepreneurs, I found that philanthropy isn't just a "feel-good" endeavor — it's a strategic advantage. It grounds founders, strengthens brand identity, builds community and invites purpose into what can sometimes feel like a grind. So, here's my call to fellow founders, startup CEOs and emerging entrepreneurs: Integrate charitable alignment into your DNA. Not for press. Not for optics. For impact. Related: 5 Entrepreneurial Reasons to Embrace Philanthropy Make-A-Wish Foundation Mission: Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, turning dreams into reality during their most difficult battles. Startup life is full of "impossible" dreams — something Make-A-Wish embodies in a very human way. Supporting them isn't just about giving; it's about reminding your team what hope looks like. Tech company Atlassian has funded dozens of wishes through employee-led campaigns, showing how company culture can be both productive and profoundly kind. Team Rubicon Mission: Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Startups are built on agility — and Team Rubicon is a masterclass in organized action under pressure. They're a phenomenal organization to support, especially for founders with veteran ties or a passion for community disaster response. Their recent deployment to Maui after wildfires made national headlines. Operation Gratitude Mission: Operation Gratitude delivers care packages and personalized letters to deployed troops, veterans, wounded heroes and first responders. Startups often talk about grit and sacrifice, and Operation Gratitude honors the Americans who live those values every day. Supporting this organization provides tangible appreciation to service members and can unify teams around shared patriotic values. It's especially meaningful for companies with veteran employees or founders, or those wanting to show support for public servants. The Trevor Project Mission: The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Today's workforce values inclusion, and The Trevor Project is on the frontlines of emotional and mental health. Their work intersects with DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) priorities that many startups strive for. Salesforce has championed LGBTQ+ causes through The Trevor Project, showing how social alignment can reflect core brand values. Israeli-American Council (IAC) Mission: The IAC builds an engaged and united Israeli-American community that strengthens the Israeli and Jewish identity, the American Jewish community and the bond between the people of the United States and Israel. Beyond my personal affiliation, IAC offers incredible opportunities for founders to connect with global networks, Jewish and Israeli-American business leaders, and to support education, cultural diplomacy and solidarity during global crises. When Israel faced economic and emotional turmoil during recent conflicts, IAC quickly mobilized both humanitarian aid and business support. Related: 10 Philanthropic Organizations Entrepreneurs Should Consider Supporting DonorsChoose Mission: DonorsChoose empowers public school teachers by funding their classroom projects, from books to science kits. Education is the ultimate upstream investment. Many of today's innovators were inspired by great teachers — yet those teachers often lack basic resources. Supporting DonorsChoose lets entrepreneurs impact students directly, and startups can align product donations, campaigns or even team volunteering around local classrooms. Feeding America Mission: Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States, providing meals through a network of food banks. No one innovates well on an empty stomach. Hunger is closer than many founders realize, especially in cities with both tech hubs and underserved populations. Recent partnerships with companies like Amazon and General Mills show how even operational efficiencies (like surplus distribution) can be used for social good. Girls Who Code Mission: To close the gender gap in tech by equipping young women with the computing skills to pursue 21st-century careers. Founders often talk about the pipeline problem — Girls Who Code solves it. Their alumni now work at Google, Meta and hundreds of other startups. Supporting them isn't just charitable; it's a strategic investment in a more balanced, innovative future. Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) Mission: O.U.R. works to rescue children from sex trafficking and exploitation and partners with local law enforcement around the world. Modern slavery is real — and profitable. It's time for ethical businesses to help end it. O.U.R. gives companies a direct way to engage in awareness, funding and rescue missions. With ongoing cases in Central America and Southeast Asia, their work is urgent and impactful. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Mission: St. Jude leads the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. St. Jude combines compassion with cutting-edge research — a formula every biotech or health-tech founder should admire. What sets them apart is that families never receive a bill. Startups can support them through percentage-of-revenue donations, corporate sponsorships or employee matching programs. Startups are inherently optimistic. They are born from belief. But belief without action is hollow. These ten organizations aren't just charity checkboxes. They're powerful channels for meaning, connection and responsibility. When founders integrate giving into their companies, they don't just enrich the world — they enrich their teams, their culture and themselves. Related: The Business Of Giving Back: Five Reasons Why Philanthropy Should Be At The Core Of Your Corporate Strategy As someone who has gone from bootstrap to boardroom, from failure to fortune and from founder to funder — I can tell you this: Success that stands alone feels empty. But when your company becomes a vehicle for change, everything you build starts to matter more. So, the next time you pitch your business, ask yourself: What are you building it for?
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Celebrating National Military Appreciation Month
May is National Military Appreciation Month. Even if you're not connected to the military, now's a good time to honor the men and women who have served or are currently serving. This includes those who have given their lives for our country. It's also a time to remember the families of military members, as they, too, make many sacrifices. Every May, Americans celebrate National Military Appreciation Month. But how did this commemoration come to be? When did it start, and why? Here's a brief look at the history of this important month. A 1999 Joint Resolution of Congress established National Military Appreciation Month. The Resolution called for 'the designation of May as 'National Military Appreciation Month.'' In doing so, it ensured the nation properly recognized the contributions of our men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. Since then, every American president has issued an annual proclamation declaring May as National Military Appreciation Month. One of the most popular ways to show support for the military during this month is to fly the flag. Homes and businesses across the country display Old Glory proudly throughout May, and many people also wear red, white, and blue to show their patriotism. Others choose to volunteer their time or make financial donations to organizations that support troops and veterans. Celebrate this festive month in several ways. Observances typically include public events and tributes from businesses and organizations. Local and state governments issue proclamations and military members and their families are recognized. One way National Military Appreciation Month is celebrated is by honoring our veterans. Attend a local veteran's parade or visit a veteran's home or hospital to thank them for their service. You can also write a letter or postcard expressing your gratitude or donate to a veteran's charity of choice. This month is also a great time to learn more about the histories of veterans in your community. Many libraries and historical societies offer exhibits and programs featuring the personal stories of local veterans. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with these heroes more personally and hear about their unique experiences firsthand. Another way to observe National Military Appreciation Month is by supporting our troops deployed overseas. One way to do this is by sending care packages through organizations like Operation Gratitude or Soldiers' Angels. These groups provide detailed lists of items that our troops need and appreciate, so you can be sure your package will go to good use. You can also donate to one of these organizations or choose another military charity. If you know someone deployed overseas, take some time this month to send them an e-mail, postcard, or care package letting them know you're thinking of them. Hearing from friends and family back home is especially motivating during a deployment. May 1st: Loyalty Day. Congress established Loyalty Day in 1921 as a day for the nation to reaffirm its loyalty to the United States of America. On this day, we remember those who have fought for our country's freedom. 2nd Friday in May: Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors the sacrifices that military spouses make. 3rd Saturday in May: Armed Forces Day pays tribute to all men and women serving or serving in the United States Armed Forces. Last Monday in May: Memorial Day is a federal holiday where we remember all service members who have died while serving our country. National Military Appreciation Month is a time to reflect. Without their bravery and courage, we would not be the country we are today. During May, we come together as a nation to honor the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Attend local events, send care packages to troops deployed overseas, or simply take some time to learn more about the personal histories of veterans in your community. However you choose to celebrate this important month, take some time to appreciate the sacrifices made by our military members and their families. Fly the flag, wear patriotic colors, or donate your time or money to a military charity. There are many ways to show your support for our men and women in uniform during National Military Appreciation Month. How will you be honoring them this May?
