Liz Baird
Autodesk’s culture of volunteerism runs deep through the fabric of our employees. Our volunteer program enables every full-time employee to use up to 48 hours per year of “paid” volunteering (on company time) for nonprofit organizations. And for every 10 hours volunteered, they receive $100 that they can gift to a nonprofit of their choice. With a collective passion for making a positive impact in the world, Autodeskers have already dedicated an astounding 17,000 hours of their time to various volunteer initiatives in 2023 alone!
The commitment to giving back is inspiring, and it was during our annual Global Month of Impact in June when Autodeskers were able to shine even brighter. During this special month, employees contributed more than 2,200 volunteer hours on activities like taking out their “digital trash” to reduce their carbon footprints, building solar lights for kids without power, creating audio libraries for the visually impaired, and building pollinator hotels to keep our parks healthy. No matter their location, Autodeskers are showing up to make a difference in the world.
Supporting causes like education, preserving nature, and caring for animals
One of the many reasons volunteering is so important to Autodeskers is a strong shared belief in the power of education. We actively support educational programs, working closely with schools and organizations to provide valuable resources and mentorship to students. We love to support causes like LatinaGeeks, a nonprofit empowering Latinas by sharing technical and business skills and entrepreneurship resources. Over the past year, Autodeskers volunteered their time as mentors to young women in STEM via LatinaGeeks. By sharing our knowledge and expertise, we’re able to inspire the next generation of innovators and creators.
But our impact doesn’t stop there. Autodeskers also understand the significance of preserving our natural environment. Last year, employees rolled up their sleeves and got involved by cleaning up local nature and waterways, planting trees, and engaging in sustainable practices. (For example, water is an important issue in Singapore, so our employees there have organized monthly waterway cleanups and partnered with local organizations to learn more about sustainable water resources.)
We also like to lend a helping hand at animal shelters and with wildlife conservation projects – like tree-planting in Costa Rica and Barcelona or making native-species seed balls in India. By caring for our planet and its creatures, we help ensure a better future for generations to come.
Join the movement
I’m always inspired by the incredible dedication of my fellow Autodeskers – if you’re also feeling inspired and want to make a difference in your own community, there are countless ways to get involved! Just as our employees can find donation and volunteer opportunities through our Match & Volunteer platform, you too can reach out to local organizations, schools, or shelters to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Whether you’re dedicating a few hours each month or participating in a global day of volunteering, every act counts!
Remember, the power to create change lies within every one of us. By embracing the spirit of giving back, together we can make a lasting positive impact on the world.
Learn more about how Autodesk fosters an inclusive culture of impact worldwide.