Last November, I gathered 20 members of my team for a surprise field trip. We traveled by bus from our lower Manhattan office to City Harvest’s Food Rescue Center in Long Island City, where we packed more than 1,000 bags of holiday staples that would be distributed to families in time for Thanksgiving. For those two hours, we bonded as a team with a shared purpose: playing a small part in spreading holiday cheer.
As we head into the Season of Giving, I’m reminded of this and other examples that illustrate how our industry is woven into the fabric of the communities we serve. As insurers, we enable resiliency and help people and communities recover when catastrophes strike. Building a culture of giving within our organizations takes our mission a step further, empowering us to enrich our local communities through philanthropy and acts of kindness.
Making a Lasting Impact
Philanthropy strengthens every part of an organization. Insurance organizations that prioritize community involvement and human connection earn the public’s trust and enhance employee loyalty.
A commitment to giving also attracts top talent. Young professionals today seek careers with a deep sense of purpose. Creating avenues for employees to give back establishes our industry as a place where the next generation of talent can grow their careers and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Make It Real
Employees will only feel motivated and inspired to give back if it feels genuine. That’s why a top-down approach to philanthropy, where leaders set the priorities and expect employees to follow, will not yield the desired results.
A better approach is to listen to employees and seek common ground. Ask them about needs within their local communities and the organizations they want to support and create opportunities for them to support their favorite causes.
Leaders should also find ways to make giving simple for their employees. One of my favorite ways to accomplish this is with shared volunteering experiences like our City Harvest “field trip.” It took only two hours out of the day, which respected our employees’ valuable time. Simultaneously, it allowed our team to see and feel where all their hard work was going, making the experience authentic. And it sparked meaningful conversations that aren’t always easy to replicate inside an office setting.
Growing Stronger Together
As leaders engage their employees in discussions about philanthropic efforts, they will soon see that giving is not one-size-fits-all. Each group of colleagues will have different interests. Meeting those diverse needs will require help from others, which is why tapping into the resources of a group like the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is immensely valuable.
I have been involved with IICF for nearly 10 years and have found it enriching on multiple fronts. For one, it gives me the opportunity to network with other industry executives, explore their views on charitable giving, and connect with the insurance community throughout the greater New York City area.
Secondly, IICF provides numerous volunteering and giving opportunities, allowing employees at all levels to share their generosity and service. Through its regional divisions, IICF awards both large and small grants to nonprofits, supporting women’s shelters, homeless outreach programs, and many other worthwhile causes. The IICF Associate Boards are another avenue for bringing together younger industry leaders, focused on charitable fundraising and volunteerism.
Since 2007, the organization’s Northeast Division has awarded more than $13.9 million in grants and performed countless hours of volunteer service. Later this month, we will gather for our annual Benefit Dinner. The sold-out event is expected to raise a record $1.5 million in support of over 24 local nonprofits. Former New York Yankee great Bernie Williams is the special guest, and IICF will be honoring him with a grant to one of his favorite charities, Nancy Lieberman Charities, which empowers underserved youth.
Don’t let the Season of Giving pass by without getting involved. When we come together as an industry, it reminds us that insurance has–and always will be–about helping to protect people. Philanthropy allows us to extend this commitment into our communities, not only during Thanksgiving but throughout the year.
Gambale is the Chief Distribution Officer for North America at Allianz Commercial and the Chair of the Northeast Division of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation.
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