As we celebrate this motivating moment in 2022, the Independent Sector, along with the Do Good Institute, recently announced its annual value of a volunteer hour. Now at $29.95, the number has increased 4.9% since last year.

“The essential contributions made by our nation’s volunteers to lift up, strengthen, and restore communities to make them healthy and equitable for people are always deeply appreciated, but never more so than during the pandemic,” said Dan Cardinali, President and CEO of Independent Sector. “Despite COVID-19’s devastating impact, which began in 2020 and continues through today, our country’s volunteers continued to show up, virtually and in person, with their compassion, skills, and abilities. They often put their own lives at risk. They are the threads that connect us as a nation, constantly reinforcing the foundation of civil society and helping build pathways so we all can thrive.” [Read more…]

In the 2021 Porter Novelli Purpose Premium Index (PPI), this study, in its fourth year, looks at the role Purpose plays in contributing to a company’s overall reputation.

Key Findings and Insights include:

• 87% correlation between purpose and reputation
• 75% of Americans say it is no longer acceptable for companies just to make money; they must positively impact society, too
• 69% say they are less likely to support companies that are clearly only in business to make money
• 86% of investors say companies should work for the benefit of all stakeholders, not just shareholders
• 73% say to win their support, companies must show how they are supporting communities and the environment

Former Literacy Pittsburgh executive director and current Executive Service Corps volunteer Don Block took some time to talk to us about all things nonprofits, including his passions, advice, and history in the sector, in addition to giving us some insight to his favorite restaurant and current book list. [Read more…]

During the latest session of the Koppers Leadership Forum, Dr. Diane Frndak shared six effective leadership styles, as identified by Daniel Goleman, a leading authority on emotional intelligence:

VISIONARY ➡️ “Let’s focus on the greater goal”
DEMOCRATIC ➡️ “Let’s work it out together”
COACHING ➡️ “Let me help you develop”
AFFILIATIVE ➡️ “People first, results second”
PACESETTING ➡️ “Focus on results and do it my way”
COMMANDING ➡️ “Do it because I say so”

Each of these styles has a different effect on people’s emotions, and each has strengths and weaknesses in different situations. Koppers is a valued partner of RMU, participating in executive education, as well as BoardsWork!