Frequently Asked Questions
1. What difference does it make if my company is socially conscious? We are only ONE company, how can what we do have any effect on the world’s social and environmental issues?
2. How will doing a socially conscious teambuilding activity or impact my business?
3. What will my employees think?
4. What are the benefits of my company doing community service?
5. What is a green/environmentally friendly incentive program or corporate meeting?
1. What difference does it make if my company is socially conscious? We are only ONE company, how can what we do have any effect on the world’s social and environmental issues?
To answer your question, we’d like to start with a quote from the famed anthropologist, Margaret Mead. We think her words say it all:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does."
–Margaret Mead
or, in the words of Dr. Seuss:
"UNLESS someone like you cares a whole lot,
nothing is going to get better. It’s not."
–From Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
Even one socially conscious activity can make a difference. By engaging in socially conscious activities, you are making a difference to the inhabitants of the communities that Impact 4 Good associates with. By running environmentally friendly incentive programs and corporate meetings you are making a difference to people at the shelter who receive food leftover from your banquets, to the children who use the pads, pencils, and other assorted remaining items for their art projects, and to the planet – because trees were not cut down and waste was diverted from landfills because you were aware of what you used and how you used it. Plus, you will be a catalyst 4 Good and an inspiration for other businesses to become more environmentally responsible and socially conscious.
As the travel industry is the world’s largest industry, making a difference in incentive travel industry practices will have a large Impact 4 Good on the world. By changing standards and practices within the travel industry to a more environmentally responsible model, we can make real impact on the earth’s environment. Even, if it is one corporation at a time!
2. How will doing a socially conscious teambuilding activity or impact my business?
It will give your company positive PR. Your corporate image will be one of caring for the environment and sharing your resources with those less fortunate. Your company will be a role model for others to follow.
3. What will my employees think?
They will feel proud to work for a company that makes a positive difference in the world and therefore, their loyalty will increase.
4. What are the benefits of my company doing community service?
- As previously mentioned, your employees will feel proud to work for a company that makes a positive difference in the world.
- Your efforts will have a lasting impact 4 good that will be memorable for participants and community beneficiaries alike.
- Positive public relations will make members of your community and your current and future customers take pride in their association with your company.
- In some instances, tax breaks are applicable to your community service activities.
5. What is a green/environmentally friendly incentive program or corporate meeting?
A "green/environmentally friendly" incentive program or meeting is one that considers the effects that the program will have upon the environment and incorporates procedures such as recycling, minimizing waste, and partnering with environmentally responsible supplier companies.
In 1995, SITE (The Society of Incentive & Travel Executives) developed a definition of a green incentive travel program and guidelines for such a program.
SITE’s Definition of a Green Incentive Travel Program:
"A green incentive is a motivation program whose reward is delivered in a fashion that employs recycling, conservation of natural resources and which does not contribute to the detriment of the environment."
SITE endorsed the following definition of eco-tourism developed by the Audubon Society.
"Purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the cultural and natural history of the environment while maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem and providing economic opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources financially beneficial to the inhabitants of the host region."
SITE’s Suggested guidelines for Implementing a Green Incentive Travel Program:
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- All Partners in the design and delivery of the program practice environmentally friendly operations.
- Respect the local people and their customs.
- Use local talent and products whenever possible and consider activities that contribute to the local economy.
- Educate attendees on local customs and traditions.