Mandela Day, declared on 18 July in honour of Nelson Mandela, is a global movement to honour his life’s work and change the world for the better. The Mandela Foundation, led by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, believes that by dedicating 67 minutes of their time to Mandela’s service, people can make a significant impact on the world around them.
To make an impactful contribution, companies should align their company’s contribution with their vision and mission, focus on their product or service or expertise, make it a long-term commitment with an authentic contribution that will have a lasting impact, and include their staff from the start. Collaborate with suppliers, clients, and competitors to participate in their 67 minutes initiative and advertise and market their initiatives on their website, local newspapers, and social media using the hashtag #MandelaDay.
Education is believed to be the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world. Companies can offer scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships to help change the world while reaping benefits such as tax incentives and access to well-trained future employees. Businesses can also contribute to the official Mandela Day Each1Feed1 campaign or join in a community initiative. The Mandela Day Global Network, a community of organizations, government, corporates, and individuals that partner with the Nelson Mandela Foundation to drive Mandela Day and pursue its objectives, serves as a base for strategic partnerships of organizations with common goals aimed at globally coordinating efforts, sharing information, and linking the needs to resources.
There are many ideas for 67 minutes of formalized contribution, such as dedicating 67 minutes to brainstorm and plan your company’s formalized contribution, giving staff 67 minutes off work to support a charity or organization, spending 67 minutes as a team, cleaning up the street or local park, or hosting a fundraiser. Companies can also donate 67 units of their products, service, or expertise to start-up companies or local charity organizations, pledge to donate R67 for each R50 raised for a cause by employees, clients, and suppliers, donate 67 blankets, food parcels, rugby or football kits, bicycles, or computers to a school, church, or local organization, make company resources available to organizations when not in use, host a party for emergency workers and volunteers, or treat underprivileged kids or the elderly to a fun day.
The benefits to businesses include improved brand recognition, increased customer loyalty, and higher employee satisfaction. Social contributions improve the lives of the project’s beneficiaries and those involved, create an opportunity to link your business to a cause aligned with your corporate identity and strategy, and create a competitive edge in attracting and retaining investors, clients, suppliers, and employees.
By: Nexia SAB&T
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