Alison Godfrey’s Post

Paddy Doherty is the chairperson of Leave No Trace Ireland, a charity that works to ensure we protect and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This is Paddy’s story...    “I was CEO of Dublin Bus and I retired in 2015. I wanted to do something a bit different. I’d been in transport for my whole career, so I was looking around for something new. I came across Leave No Trace on Boardmatch Ireland, they were looking for volunteers to join their board, and I thought it sounded interesting.    I was always interested in environmental issues, I was a cyclist and a hill walker, I loved the outdoors. I got involved on the board, and now I’ve been chairperson for a few years. I think it was a good move for me!    I don’t have a background in environmental science or anything like that, but in terms of general management experience, managing growth and development, I could bring something additional to the table.    Leave No Trace is a timeless message. I often think that whether you were living in Ireland in 1824, 1924 or 2024 the principles of Leave No Trace are valid.    The central message is about leaving the minimum impact you can on the environment. The organisation conveys that message through education programmes, advocacy, research, public awareness campaigns and engagement with partner organisations who will help drive the message.    We’ve grown a lot. When I started, the research and the ideas were there but it was quite small in terms of its footprint. Now there are 12 people on the team, there's 160 accredited trainers right around the country. There's a whole raft of engagement. We work with all the key players in outdoor recreation in Ireland and we're very much involved in outdoor recreation strategy. We're a trusted partner.    The role of the board is to oversee strategy, to ensure financial stability and sustainable growth. We're fortunate, we have a very strong and motivated management team who are committed to good governance.    Good governance is about having good policies and procedures in place, monitoring them, auditing them, and making sure they actually work and that they are relevant. I think that's why the organisations we work with are comfortable partnering with us. Our transparency is good. Our reporting is good. If you look at our report, you can see exactly what our money is spent on, down to the last euro.    We’ve been growing fast and you have to manage that. Sustainable growth is critical to ensure that expenditure doesn’t grow ahead of revenue, and that the commitments we’ve made can be delivered on.    It's a great pleasure to be the chairperson of Leave No Trace. We’re making more progress, it’s having more impact, it’s getting more support, and all that makes me happy!"

It's crucial for organisations to have an appealing corporate giving strategy to attract and retain talent today. In particular, Gen Z professionals are uniquely motivated by environmental and social issues and make career decisions based on their values. In this article, Karen Young, Director at Hays, sheds light on the importance of an organisation's purpose and shares the positive benefits of Hays' volunteering initiative in partnership with Neighbourly.

It's crucial for organisations to have an appealing corporate giving strategy to attract and retain talent today. In particular, Gen Z professionals are uniquely motivated by environmental and social issues and make career decisions based on their values. In this article, Karen Young FCICM, Director at Hays, sheds light on the importance of an organisation's purpose and shares the positive benefits of Hays' volunteering initiative in partnership with Neighbourly.

It's crucial for organisations to have an appealing corporate giving strategy to attract and retain talent today. In particular, Gen Z professionals are uniquely motivated by environmental and social issues and make career decisions based on their values. In this article, Karen Young, Director at Hays, sheds light on the importance of an organisation's purpose and shares the positive benefits of Hays' volunteering initiative in partnership with Neighbourly.

It's crucial for organisations to have an appealing corporate giving strategy to attract and retain talent today. In particular, Gen Z professionals are uniquely motivated by environmental and social issues and make career decisions based on their values. In this article, Karen Young, Director at Hays, sheds light on the importance of an organisation's purpose and shares the positive benefits of Hays' volunteering initiative in partnership with Neighbourly.

Exactly one year ago, we packed our bags and moved from hot and chaotic Israel to the humid, rainy yet less chaotic New York. And while it wasn't always easy, here are my top 10 tips that made this move pretty smooth and enjoyable for us: 1. Creating new comfort zones: Familiarity in a new place is key. For us, finding a favorite café, a go-to beautician, and a nearby nature spot were essential steps. 2. Join the local gym or pool: it became our anchor in a new community. The regular visits made the environment feel more familiar and opened up opportunities to meet new people, and integrate better. 3. Turn supermarket visits into cultural adventures: Our first few supermarket trips were mini-adventures where we discovered new products and learned more about local culture. This made shopping less stressful and made us adapt personal shopping list quickly. 4. Adopt a learning mindset: Moving abroad brings its share of unexpected challenges and expenses. Instead of getting frustrated, we embraced these moments as part of our “tuition fee” for adapting to a new life. This mindset kept us positive and helped us learn faster. 5. Leverage kids and pets to build connections: kids and pets are great way to connect with your new community, they force you to connect others in public areas and from 1 year perspective - they are the best enablers for true friendships. 6. Volunteering: Arriving without a job can feel isolating, but volunteering helped me find purpose and integrate into our new environment. Whether it was joining the parents’ association or taking part in community events, these activities introduced me to new people and made our new town feel like home. 7. Consume local media: It’s tempting to stick to familiar content, but tuning into local news and media helped us better understand the culture and made it easier to engage in conversations and feel connected to our new surroundings. 8. Be kind to your neighbors: The people you see most often will likely be your neighbors, so building positive relationships with them from the start is crucial. We introduced ourselves with a bag of local apples within the first two weeks, leading to lasting friendships that made our neighborhood feel more welcoming. 9. Say yes to opportunities: We made it a point to say “yes” to new opportunities, whether it was trying new hobbies, attending local events, or organizing a “parents’ night out”. These experiences helped us grow and immerse ourselves fully in our new life. 10. Practice patience: We adopted the motto, “same same, but completely different!” as a reminder that while some aspects of life might seem familiar, they can be entirely different in practice. This mindset helped us adjust more smoothly and enjoy the journey. So if you're facing a big move, I hope my tips help! If you have any questions or just need to vent, DM me, I'm here. Now, onward to year two—here's to new adventures!

Community Involvement & Corporate Social Responsibility at Blue One Hospitality Management 🇬🇧 At Blue One Hospitality Management, we are deeply committed to giving back to the community and ensuring our business practices are sustainable and responsible. Here’s how we make a difference: Supporting Local Charities 🎗️ We believe in the power of community and regularly partner with local charities to support their incredible work. From fundraising events to volunteer days, our team is always ready to lend a hand and make a positive impact. #BlueOneCares Eco-Friendly Practices 🌱 Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We’ve implemented eco-friendly practices across our operations, including reducing waste, conserving energy, and sourcing local, sustainable products. Together, we can create a greener future. #SustainableHospitality Employee Wellbeing 🤝 Our people are our greatest asset. We prioritise their wellbeing with initiatives that promote a healthy work-life balance, continuous professional development, and a supportive work environment. Happy staff lead to happy guests! #TeamBlueOne Community Engagement 🏘️ We actively engage with the communities we operate in, hosting local events, supporting small businesses, and promoting cultural activities. By fostering strong community ties, we enrich the lives of our neighbours and guests alike. #CommunityFirst Educational Programmes 📚 Education is key to a brighter future. We run various educational programmes and workshops, providing opportunities for local youths to gain valuable skills and insights into the hospitality industry. #EmpoweringYouth At Blue One Hospitality Management, we’re more than just a business; we’re a part of the community. Together, we can achieve great things! 🌟 #BlueOneCSR #MakingADifference

**Life After Masters as an Immigrant: The Power of Volunteering and Finding Balance** Another week has passed, and I’m excited to share some experiences that have enriched my journey here in the UK. Life after completing my master’s degree has been a blend of professional growth, personal development, and community involvement—each aspect playing a crucial role in shaping my immigrant experience. This week, I had the privilege of attending a training session courtesy of my workplace. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect with colleagues, and expand my skill set. This kind of professional development is something I deeply value, as it not only enhances my capabilities but also helps me contribute more effectively in my role. Being in a leadership position, continuous learning is key to staying ahead and making a meaningful impact. But my week didn’t end with work. Over the weekend, I had the chance to volunteer with the Shama Women's Centre an experience that left a lasting impression on me. Giving back to the community, especially to a cause that resonates deeply, was incredibly fulfilling. For any new immigrants, particularly those currently studying, I can’t emphasize enough how valuable volunteering can be. It’s not just about giving your time; it’s about building connections, understanding the community you’re now a part of, and developing a broader perspective on life here. Balancing a career and volunteering can seem challenging, but it’s absolutely doable with a few key strategies: 1. **Prioritize and Plan**: Map out your week ahead of time. Identify windows where you can fit in volunteering without it clashing with your work commitments. 2. **Start Small**: You don’t need to commit a whole day. Even a few hours on the weekend can make a significant impact. 3. **Align Volunteering with Your Interests**: Choose causes that you’re passionate about. This way, volunteering won’t feel like an obligation but something you look forward to. 4. **Communicate with Your Employer**: Many employers are supportive of volunteering, and some even offer time off for it. Don’t hesitate to have a conversation about your intentions. Of course, amidst all these activities, taking care of one’s health is crucial. I made it to the gym twice this week, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to carve out time for physical well-being. The energy and mental clarity that come from regular exercise are invaluable, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. In the coming weeks, I’ll continue sharing insights and experiences from my journey as an immigrant professional. I hope my story encourages those of you on a similar path to seek out opportunities for growth, give back to the community, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Your favorite immigrant NEXTALAKIJA

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING: What, Who, Why, When, How 💡WHAT Corporate Volunteering is a branch of Corporate Social Responsibility through which companies offer their employees the opportunity to undertake voluntary work in areas that align with their interests, skills and expertise. This typically takes the form of around 2 company paid days of voluntary work per year. 💡WHO According to Gitnux Market Data, 96% of Fortune's top 50 most admired companies have highly engaged in employee volunteer programmes. Corporate Volunteering is a MUST for companies who value their employees and want to have a positive impact on the world. 💡WHY Corporate Volunteering programmes have benefits for: 💙Charities and those they support - help charities in the areas they need it the most, directly impacting the lives of those in need 💙Employees - an opportunity to develop skills in mentoring and project management, whilst relieving stress and venturing beyond the limits of your everyday role 💙Businesses - volunteering programmes have been shown to reduce employee turnover, whilst increasing productivity, skill growth and engagement 💙Customers - Fánan Henriques of Vodafone has discussed the close relationship between employee engagement and customer satisfaction 💡WHEN NOW ⚡ Indigo Mentors, Indigo’s bespoke corporate volunteering programme is the opportunity for you to start your corporate volunteering journey TODAY 💡HOW Employees: SHARE about Indigo Mentors with your employers https://lnkd.in/eqvUiiVm Employers: REGISTER YOUR INTEREST here https://lnkd.in/eefPtqHW #CorporateVolunteering #CSR #SocialImpact #EmployeeEngagement #Volunteering #ESG #EmployeeWellbeing #IndigoVolunteers #SupportRefugees

Ever heard the notion that 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 is a "waste of time"? 🚫 Let’s debunk that myth together! 💪 Volunteering often gets a bad rap as an "unproductive" use of time, but I’m here to tell you it’s anything but that. From college club events like those of Shrinik Club, GDSC GLBITM, Navrang Cultural Society to IEEE conferences, Google Developers Group events, and Katalyst India initiatives, I’ve dived into a myriad of volunteer opportunities. Each experience didn’t just fill my calendar; it transformed my brain chemistry and practical skills in ways I never imagined. 🧠✨ So, why is volunteering a 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿? Here’s a sneak peek: ✅ 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Volunteering is like a hands-on workshop for real-world skills. Whether it’s leading a team, managing projects, or public speaking, you’re constantly learning and applying new skills in dynamic settings. ✅ 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲: From connecting with industry leaders to collaborating with diverse teams, volunteering opens doors to invaluable professional relationships and future opportunities. ✅ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling new challenges builds resilience and self-assurance. Every event, big or small, helps you grow stronger and more capable. ✅ 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: Facing unexpected hurdles during events sharpens your problem-solving skills and adaptability. It’s like a real-life simulation of high-pressure scenarios! But let’s not forget the flip side: 🚫 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Some might see volunteering as time wasted, especially if it doesn’t directly align with career goals. But trust me, the skills and experiences gained are worth their weight in gold. 🚫 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: There’s a risk of undervaluing the tangible benefits of volunteering, such as improved interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. In essence, volunteering isn’t just about giving time; it’s about receiving immense personal and professional growth in return. So, if you’ve been hesitating to dive in, remember: the time you invest in helping others can transform your life in ways you never expected. 🌟 Who’s ready to make an impact and unlock some incredible personal development? 🙌 #Volunteering #Growth #Skills #Networking #Professional #Development