What if pro bono service were a worldwide norm – a “common currency” that aligned the interests of companies, professionals, and social impact organizations all over the world? The goal is hairy and audacious.
The leaders at the Corporate Day at the 2013 Global Pro Bono Summit noted that implementing pro bono programs across international and cultural barriers can be done effectively if companies have sufficient buy-in from high-level leadership and on-the-ground managers. To gain this buy-in, corporate social responsibility leaders need to demonstrate the business value of pro bono to the rest of the company.
One leader from a financial institution noted that an effective pro bono program is ??bout maintaining our integrity of purpose and finding shared value??between the company and the social impact organizations it serves. For some technology and pharmaceutical companies, the shared value proposition of pro bono at a global level means providing technical expertise to social impact organizations while gaining valuable market insights around the world.
Pro bono also provides professional development opportunities for employees. One executive from a global pharmaceutical company noted that ??~?e want to firmly place the pro bono program in HR to build and retain our talent.??/p>
The corporate leaders agreed that this pro bono currency is undeniably valuable to companies however they choose to use it. So, what?? next in making pro bono an international standard? Keep following the Global Pro Bono Summit coverage to read about more ideas in bringing pro bono global.
??aroline McDermott, Consultant, Taproot Foundation
