Recently, I came across NET IMPACT (netimpact.org). I was blown away by their vision, their network, their tools and best practices, and that they involve student members and professional members. As many of you have heard, one of the ways to a green job is through volunteering. However, it can be hard to find volunteer opportunities that can impact climate change or reduce our dependence on fossil fuels in the community. Is I do, Net Impact believes in the power of business and its employees.
“Net Impact is a global organization of students and professionals using business to improve the world. We offer a portfolio of programs and initiatives to educate, equip, and inspire our over 10,0000 members to make a tangible difference through business. Spanning 6 continents, our membership is one of the most influential networks of students and professionals in existence today and includes current and emerging leaders in corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, international development and environmental sustainability. The Net Impact network includes over 200 chapters in cities throughout the world.”
Their tag line is “Magnify Your Impact”. In your current job, you can make substantial contributions to sustainability by focusing beyond your family by addressing sustainability in your business. Net Impact created “Making Your Impact at Work” to inspire and empower social INTRApreneurs — individuals working within organizations to find ways to integrate sustainability into their day jobs—to create positive social and environmental change. “Making Your Impact at Work builds upon Net Impact’s successful impact at Work program, which cultivates a network of social INTRApreneurs and provides them with support and resources to change their workplace. The Impact at Work Program engages thousands of committed professional members in workplace change programs.”
I am so impressed with the organization, I hope to develop a greater Orlando Net Impact Chapter. You might saying using a sustainability lens on your own job or working sustainability projects within your own company is not volunteer work or community service. It absolutely is. Business pollutes the most and provides the quickest avenues for sustainability progress. Net Impact resources are extensive and their case studies in depth are excellent. Check it out, better yet join at www.netimpact.org . The experience you get from the Net Impact experience will enhance your leadership skills and add to your sustainability foundation.
By Debbie Deland, Director of The 10% Initiative. She works with Green Cities Florida, the Chamber of Commerce, and NetImpact.
Tags: Green Jobs, Net Impact, Sustainability, USA
