A firm can be an effective pro-bono partner on a global or regional basis as well. For instance, Edelman Asia Pacific is partnering with Planet Water Foundation to supply 5 water purification systems in China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam, as well as providing pro-bono PR and digital marketing advice.
We are also proud of our work on behalf of CAMFED, a NGO based in the UK which funds projects that promote education of young girls. We produced their Impact report “I Have Something to Say,” and helped with the film “Where the Water Meets the Sky,” which aired at Sundance and has received numerous awards. Our Patrick McGuire—President of Ruth–sits on the US board as the marketing expert, and Alan VanderMolen sits on the board of Planet Water Foundation.
We are also in the midst of a pro-bono effort for the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp restoration. It is the ultimate irony that the death camp was located between two rivers. The gas chambers–blown up by the Nazis in a last minute attempt to cover up their crimes–are now sinking into the ground, as if nature is complicit in the attempt to eradicate the horrendous memories.
Gail Becker, whose father survived four years in the camp, is working with Barbara Kwiecien, Mitch Markson and Jackie Cooper to help raise the 60 million Euros needed to improve the pumping system and preserve the site.
I encourage all staff to ‘Live in Color’ – to lead a full life outside of the office. Giving back through the non-profit sector will bring you new friends and a window into a world that will undoubtedly change your life. I know it enriches my family’s life.
Today Glassdoor.com announced that Edelman finished fifth among all US-based companies as “best place to work.” The survey is based on confidential responses by employees to a 20-question survey, rating satisfaction with career opportunities, compensation and benefits, employee morale and recognition/feedback.
Edelman finished behind Facebook, Southwest Airlines, Bain & Company and General Mills. I am in a state of mind that can accurately be described as ranging between shock and heaven, because it has not always been this way. In fact, our journey to this happy place might prove instructive to other companies mired in a high-turmoil, high-turnover environment.
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