This story was submitted by rready AG
In a world where corporate social responsibility often feels like an abstract concept, at rready, we've turned words into actions, following one of our core beliefs ‘no bla just do’ Our journey began with a distinctive initiative blending cultural enrichment and the 1% concept, emphasizing our commitment to making a meaningful difference.
At the core of this initiative lies a simple yet powerful idea: dedicating one hour each month to sharing our passions beyond the confines of our workspaces. In these sessions, team members take the stage to discuss personal passion projects, hobbies, and initiatives, fostering a sense of connection and purpose.
During one such session, Daniela, a member of our Marketing team, seized the opportunity to spotlight a transformative project her and three others had undertaken—a community dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship in Namibia, a country grappling with significant business challenges. Named "It Takes a Village," their project echoes the African proverb that emphasizes the collective effort required to nurture both a child and a business.
As dedicated volunteers, Daniela and her team have partnered with a local event space, offering crucial support and guidance to young founders and startups in Namibia. Their bi-monthly events feature knowledge-sharing sessions, insightful discussions, and speakers with invaluable experiences. It's a project fueled by dedication and a profound desire to instigate positive change in their community.
Daniela's passionate presentation resonated deeply with all of us at rready. Inspired by her commitment and the remarkable work unfolding in Namibia, we decided to take action as part of our 1% Pledge. Recognizing the potential of our monthly sharing sessions as a platform for more than personal stories, we transformed them into a source of support for initiatives like "It Takes a Village."
In the true spirit of the 1% Pledge initiative, every employee contributed to fundraising based on their comfort levels. Going a step further, the company matched these donations, demonstrating our unwavering support for our employees' causes. Additionally, we provided valuable resources, such as sets of books on the Kickbox method—an innovative approach to boosting entrepreneurial skills. In the end, the total amount donated by rready constituted about 1% of our Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR).
These funds and materials will significantly impact the initiative, considering that "It Takes a Village" operates entirely through voluntary efforts and offers its services free of charge. The resources will support the organization in hosting events, creating marketing materials, and conducting workshops to empower young entrepreneurs in Namibia.
