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Tech Extends Corporate Reach into Computing |
Carpenters have Habitat for Humanity. Chefs? Project Open Hand. Even attorneys have nonprofits that are able to take advantage of their unique skill set. Information technology employees can volunteer at any of these worthy nonprofits in any way they choose. But there is a nonprofit out there that is capable of placing them with other nonprofits where they can help in their area of expertise. TechBridge is a nonprofit organization that provides technology services to other nonprofits at reduced rates. It also coordinates volunteer opportunities for employees of supporting corporations who want to donate their technology skills and time. "We determined we needed to support this organization because it provides a unique opportunity for us to donate our skills as technology professionals and put them to work in the nonprofit area," said Kristin Kirkconnell, vice president and chief information officer of AGL Resources Inc. Technology skill-based volunteerism is extending the reach of corporations from the staff level to executives. Technology professionals know technology, its value and the power it can bring to any organization. They are volunteering their time to provide leadership in the nonprofit sector. "I'm seeing over the last three or four years the nonprofit sector reaching out to technology professionals to serve on their boards because they realize technology needs to be an integral part of their organizations," Kirkconnell said. She is one of 35 CIOs donating their time to TechBridge's annual fund-raising event, the Digital Ball. Kirkconnell, along with John Seral, the vice president and CIO of GE Infrastructure, are co-chairing the ball scheduled for May 5 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Ninety-seven companies are sponsoring the event this year. "This is a very worthwhile event and people realize that and they realize the mission of TechBridge is important to our community because the need for nonprofits to effectively use technology is great and TechBridge helps them do that," Kirkconnell said. The funds allow TechBridge to provide professional technology services to nonprofits at reduced rates and to match volunteers to nonprofits. Volunteers serve in advisory roles, and may handle events and mentoring. Jennifer Higgins, the outreach coordinator for TechBridge, said all volunteers come from the corporations that support TechBridge. Some of TechBridge's biggest supporters are Accenture Ltd., AirTran Airways, AT&T Inc., Cisco System Inc., Garrett Group, Microsoft Corp., SAP, Techlinks and The Home Depot Inc. "Our sponsors not only want to write TechBridge a check, they also want opportunities for their employees to get involved in the community and in particular for them to be able leverage their technology skills," Higgins said. The volunteer programs give sponsoring corporations a way to further increase their support of TechBridge by providing cost-effective, flexible ways to involve technology-skilled employees in community volunteer efforts. TechBridge managed the Microsoft Unlimited Potential program, where volunteers coached adult students in underprivileged communities through a curriculum of Microsoft Office software. More than 60 volunteers from TechBridge's corporate partners participated in five sessions graduating more than 40 students at two community centers. "There's always going to be a need for skilled volunteers," Kirkconnell said, "but the technology community in Atlanta is one of the most giving communities I've been involved with and we always seem to be able to find people to help." Other volunteer efforts conducted by TechBridge include board matching, mentoring and instructing teens, and assisting senior citizens with computer training. Corporate Partner Volunteer Opportunities - Computer Clubhouse - YMCA Jay Levergood Teen Leadership Program |
