filter by tag: Obama

Perhaps we sound a bit like a broken record, but we just can’t stop talking about volunteerism. The momentum simply hasn’t slowed since we first called 2009 “the year of service” in January. National Volunteer Week concludes tomorrow, but it’s not the calendar marker that is resonating as much as some of the news and research that has been released in light of it.

This week, President Obama brought to fruition his call for service when he signed “landmark” legislation expanding service and volunteer programs in the U.S. He called upon Americans to “make an enduring commitment to serving your community and your country in whatever way you can.” The Serve America Act will more than triple the size of AmeriCorps, create new volunteer programs and help nonprofits expand programs and recruit and manage volunteers.

Photo Credit: The Huffington Post

The latter is particularly relevant given new findings from Deloitte’s* 2009 Volunteer IMPACT Survey. The study, the latest in Deloitte’s research series which explores skills-based volunteerism, revealed a troubling disconnect in the pro bono space. At a time when more than nine in 10 nonprofit respondents say they need and want pro bono support, “most have a startling lack of knowledge about where to get it.” What’s more, about one-in-four nonprofit respondents say they have “no plans to use skilled volunteers or pro bono support in any capacity in 2009.” This insight points out that corporations and nonprofits are still more focused on giving and getting cash, despite these challenging times. Until the conversations between these two parties extend beyond financial support, both will leave significant value on the table. As Deloitte notes, pro bono is currency. And it’s a tender that will become increasingly valuable as the nationwide, sector-spanning spotlight on volunteerism intensifies and the corporate purse strings tighten.

For much more news on this topic, please see the Philanthropy & Volunteerism section of our weekly newsletter.  Subscribe to Cone's newsletter here.

*Cone client

On Dec. 30th, the US government expanded its multi-billion dollar bail-out of the auto industry with a $6 billion capital extension to General Motors’ finance division. It did this with the underlying fear that the company and its counterparts, Chrysler and Ford, may not survive the year and with the knowledge that a majority of Americans (6 in 10 according to a CNN/Opinion Research Poll conducted on December 3, 2008) are opposed to using taxpayer money to fuel a turnaround. 2008 was, no doubt, one that will remain etched in history as a year of reckoning. But, what real change will transpire in the New Year? Will 2009 be a turning point?

Indeed, a sea change may be on the way. Some influencers, like John McLaughlin, political commentator and host of The McLaughlin Group, have gone as far as to predict the rise of a new era of socialism, saying:

“Capitalism… will be the ultimate casualty of the global economic crisis of 2008. Governments everywhere are implementing socialist measures. The golden age of capitalism is kaput. Managed capitalism is what rules.”

Others, like President-elect Obama have proposed solutions to the culmination of events in 2008 via government-led regulatory reforms for business, as well as increased public and private social responsibility. Whether it be in the form of increased assistance to the underprivileged through tax relief, improved health care access and making universal early childhood education available, or the call for new personal engagement in local civic programs, charitable giving and volunteerism – the focus on the greater good for the incoming administration is unmistakable.

If changes like these take place, we might expect to see the role of corporations in cause-related activities to be diminished as government and individual involvement increase in caring for communities. However, as Ed Moed points out in his blog Measuring Up, brand reputation is a critical driver in purchase decisioning and consumer confidence. Certainly, companies that have acted unethically, are associated with failures as massive as the Big Three and are not perceived to be giving their fair share back to the communities and consumers that support them are likely to continue to be punished. In a down economy, price and quality will undoubtedly rule. But in fact, Cone’s recent research shows that most Americans (78%) believe companies should maintain or even increase their financial support of causes during a down economy, proving that significant consideration will be given to those that act in accordance with the newly re-birthed American commitment to the greater good.

How this is defined remains to be seen. Will it be manifested in greater compliance with environmental standards, increased fair wage and benefits offers, more transparency in financial and business reporting, new focus areas for strategic philanthropy, etc.? Will consumer expectations change? Will government be effective in incentivizing reform? The true answers will reveal themselves in the months and years to come. Since it’s a perfect time to make resolutions, I am going to resolve to hope and prepare for the best.

A year ago, at a dinner with some very talented senior communications professionals, we went around the table and stated who would run for President.  Hillary and Rudy.  We were all so convinced.

Mind you, many of these talented pros had technological knowledge deep in their blood.  Yet Obama was not mentioned by one.

When he beat Hillary, I knew he might just win. Yes not deeply experienced in our established political system, yet he was a community organizer.  He knew the streets, and knew how to listen, organize and build a base from which to gain results.  He knew the grassroots and how powerful roots can spread and grow to amazing heights. 

I am truly awed by Barack. I believe he is the 'real deal'  or perhaps WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). A very consistent, level-headed, authentic leader who knows how to reengage millions and empower those who never, ever felt power. He beat an imperial political system with an open-source, people-powered, technologically-based operation. Yes, he has a broad and wonderfully diverse political base. He also has a database of millions that he will use to govern. 

For those of you who aren't in his database, the simple message he sent on the night he won was so touching and right.....at 1:21am  he said:  We just made history. And I dont want you to forget how we did it....I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent and passion to this campaign....We have lots of work to do to get our country back on track and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next....But I want to very clear about one thing.....All of this happened because of you.

                                   Thank you, Barack.

We will have change. And we need it so desperately. He saw what was wrong with this country.....as the New York Times stated, 'the utter failure of government to protect its citizens.'

We have elected a man with great character. We have elected a man that truly embodies the spirit of what has made this country great: the American dream. We have been given reasons to hope again. We have given the world a refreshed view of our ability to be inclusive, bold and caring.

We have been wise to elect Obama at a time when our challenges are so great and when our collective energy, wisdom, and humanity will be called on to forge new social, economic and environmental systems. For our country and our world to thrive, we will need each other more than ever.

Perhaps the thank you should be in return: Thank you, Barack. 

-Carol Cone

What do Obama and Western Union have in common?

Both have successfully tapped into the power of Millennials in their recent campaigns.  Our research shows that an astounding 88% of 18-24 year olds use social networks, and both “brands” have been able to engage this growing market. Marketers are finding social media to be a valuable platform for promoting their cause, and young Americans are increasingly accepting of being marketed to online.

Many have attributed the success of president-elect Barack Obama’s election campaign to his ability to utilize new media platforms in his campaign. He was able to rely on his Internet presence for much of his record-breaking fundraising, and Advertising Age even deemed him “Marketer of the Year” for 2008. The use of social media made his campaign widely accessible and empowered voters to have a voice in the election, especially younger voters who are comfortable navigating this realm of communication. But it is not only future presidential hopefuls who can take a tip from Mr. Obama; the engagement of youth activists is increasingly important, and social media is the way to capture their attention. 

 
Photo Credit: www.Gearlive.com

Western Union, a Cone client, mobilized its cause campaign via Facebook with the launch of its Our World Gives application , which encourages users to vote for one of eight nonprofit organizations to receive a $50,000 donation from the Western Union Foundation.  To date, the application has attracted over 40,000 voters in its attempt to gain awareness among younger and social media-savvy individuals.

As Millennials surpass baby boomers as the largest generation in the United States, the need to engage via online and social media will become increasingly important, and organizations must be prepared to act.  Whether for-profit or not-for-profit, all organizations must take a tip from social media innovators such as Barack Obama and Western Union.  It is no longer enough to be present online, as younger consumers are looking for higher engagement and more power to voice their opinions and show what they stand for.