2015 Corporate Volunteer Awards: A Look at Finalist Morgan Stanley
Announced on "Volunteering is CSR" blog
What makes your employee volunteer program special?
Giving back is one of Morgan Stanley’s core values, and we are committed to making a positive impact in the communities in which we operate. 2015 marked the 10th Anniversary of Global Volunteer Month, a dedicated month of volunteering around the world.
Throughout the month, employees are encouraged to give back by volunteering in their local communities. Since the launch of Global Volunteer Month in 2006, employees have cumulatively volunteered more than 1.3 million hours for the program.
Our volunteer program is special because volunteer events are organized and led by employees closest to the cause. Each team designates a team leader that works in close partnership with an organization and social cause in their community. After a project is completed, employees are encouraged to submit photos and stories which are shared company-wide to increase organizational or cause awareness.
What impact has your program had on your office or company as a whole?
The program reflects Morgan Stanley’s culture of giving back and engaging in local communities. Employee-led volunteer events encourage critical thinking and team building, as well as awareness of social issues close to home and a dose of friendly competition between organizational divisions.
What are some volunteer-related accomplishments that you’re especially proud of?
In 2015, over 72% of Morgan Stanley employees participated in Global Volunteer Month, logging over 280,000 hours in 530 cities and 29 countries. Global participation increased by 56% over last year and the scope of issues as well the number of partnering organizations also increased.
Do you have a volunteer-related story you’d like to share?
As a part of our Healthy Cities initiative in the U.S., over 300 volunteers from the New York City area, California and Ohio built playgrounds in Newark, Oakland and Cleveland with the nonprofit KaBOOM! in June. The playgrounds, designed from drawings by children in local communities, provide a reliable, sound and healthy place to place to play for children and their families.
