Something New

We restated our purpose last year as “One Write, supporting the act of giving.” This was to clearly identify what we wanted our company to stand for. But beyond the words, we want to press into the ideas of giving and generosity. So this year we decided to try something new to engage all our employees in the act of giving.

One Write sets aside the first 10% of its annual profit to be used for charitable contributions. It is somewhat like a corporate tithe, but because we don’t all go to the same church, we usually support worthy causes in our community. Employees have always been encouraged to suggest organizations or groups they would like to see receive help from our company. But earlier this month, the announcement was made that each employee would be personally responsible to designate $500.00 as a contribution to a group or an individual in need. Each person was asked to identify a recipient, and then, once the check was written, to make sure it was delivered.

Over half of the contributions have been made, and an interesting pattern is developing. There is a wide range of recipients, from well-known organizations like the Humane Society to individuals who have been laid off and are trying to afford school clothes for their kids. The diversity of choices means that the help is being pushed further out into the community than before, and in sometimes small, unseen circumstances. The best part is the way each person takes the giving choice so seriously. Where most of us see a need and wish we could help, we don’t always have the means to follow up with. But now, in this case, it is possible to be generous.

We have always heard that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and now we’re getting to experience that blessing firsthand.