Since the day we opened our doors, TI employees have wanted to give back to their communities. As operations expanded, we became involved in supporting worthy causes and local events.
We encourage our workforce year-round to make a difference in their communities. In the U.S., we coordinate volunteer projects with the United Way and its service provider agencies, and this gives us a true understanding of community needs and our impact. The program matches volunteer opportunities with those willing to help.
Elsewhere in the world, employees drive volunteer programs to meet the needs of their specific communities, whether they are planting trees, mentoring children, or helping disadvantaged students succeed.
To honor employees for their efforts, we held our first-ever TI Founders Community Service Awards in 2010, which recognized five U.S. winners out of more than 50 nominations. We gave the winning employees certificates of appreciation and made $1,000 donations in their honor to the nonprofit agencies where they volunteered. Next year, we plan to pilot the awards program in India, with hopes of securing at least 75 nominations.
United Way
TI’s largest employee philanthropic project in the U.S. is our annual United Way campaign. This partnership allows TI to rely on the United Way to identify the most pressing community challenges, work with proven community organizations, and provide financial support for measurable results.
During the 2010 campaign, Dallas-area employee participation in giving was 44.4 percent, up from 43.4 percent in 2009 (the 2010 goal was 45 percent). More importantly, TI employees and retirees raised nearly $2.6 million for chapters across the nation – $2.3 million of which supported the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. When combined with the TI Foundation’s contribution, a total of $4.7 million was given through these efforts to the United Way, up from $4.4 million in 2009.
Community leadership
TI employees are often called on to help govern nonprofits, state and local councils, and business groups. Being active, successful board members takes experience and education, and in this tough economic climate, nonprofit agencies need leaders who are well-prepared to help manage their scarce resources wisely.
In an effort to prepare employees for effective board membership, TI partners with the Center for Nonprofit Management to develop community ambassadors. We offer courses on nonprofit legal obligations, fundraising and other basic tenets of board service. TI also hosts an internal website dedicated to employees serving in the community and provides regular educational materials with tips and guidance on effective board membership.
In 2010, we surveyed our ambassadors to determine training topics of interest and held sessions each quarter. Next year, we will expand the program to other TI sites in hopes of training 100 employees who provide leadership roles.
Employee-driven volunteerism
To strengthen our global communities, our employees spearheaded a number of programs in 2010.
Celebrating 25 years in India: Bangalore, India
In 1985, TI set up a research and development facility in Bangalore, becoming the first global technology company to establish a presence in India and bringing global attention to the country’s technological capabilities. TI employees in the region recognized the company’s quarter-century presence in India with several events, underscoring the site’s commitment to innovation and community. Activities included the planting of 25 saplings on the Bangalore campus on Earth Day and celebrations such as a 2,500-meter run for employees and family members. On TI India's Silver Jubilee Day, employees visited the Bangalore Kidney Foundation Center for Dialysis to cheer up patients undergoing treatment. Twenty-five needy patients received a free dialysis treatment on that day, and TI employees presented bouquets and get well cards to the patients. The site hosted many other activities throughout the year, including continued support of local education as well as national competitions to encourage innovation among lower-level and university students.
Planting Trees: China
More than 100 TI employees and their family members participated in annual tree planting events in Shanghai and Beijing.
Volunteer Center of North Texas: North Texas
About 350 TIers participated in TI’s second annual volunteer fair. More than 30 agencies, including arts and culture, education, environmental, and other health and human services organizations participated in the event, which familiarized employees with community needs and a variety of local volunteer opportunities.
Cottonwood Park cleanup: Dallas, Texas
Employees supported the 16th annual Cottonwood Park Cleanup by picking up trash and beautifying the grounds and nature area.
City of Hope Day: Dallas, Texas
More than 90 TI employees assisted elderly and disabled residents needing home improvements and landscaping in an annual cleanup of the Hamilton Park neighborhood, which is adjacent to TI’s headquarters. We participate annually in this program, which is sponsored by the Dallas Leadership Foundation.
United Way Days of Caring: Dallas and Sherman, Texas
From volunteering at food banks to supporting Meals on Wheels, TIers spent the day helping those in need in their local communities.
Soup kitchen/food drives: Sherman, Texas
A team of employees volunteered one day per month in a soup kitchen. Employees also participated in semiannual food drives for the Salvation Army.
Feeding the poor: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Employees contributed food and educational products for the less fortunate and underprivileged children living in orphanages for the “buka puasa,” or breaking of fast dinner at the close of the annual Ramadan observance.
Helping hands: Baguio City, Philippines
Employees participated in quarterly road cleanup and tree-planting activities, and delivered safety and environmental lectures in schools. They also paid for the primary and secondary education of 100 homeless children through the “Uplift the Child” program, and financed daily meals for 450 children in three elementary schools.
Safe driving: Miho, Japan
Approximately 50 employees spent two days supporting a student road safety program.
Community support: Hiji, Japan
Since 2005, TI employees, contractors and their families have participated in an annual seaside cleanup campaign. They also pick and supply oranges to orphanages annually, as well as support the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon.
Treeing the town: Richardson, Texas
Approximately 80 TI volunteers planted 100 trees along a hike/bike trail near the University of Texas at Dallas. TI sponsored the event, which is part of the City of Richardson’s “Tree the Town” urban forestation initiative. The initiative has an ambitious goal to plant and care for 50,000 new trees over the next 10 years.
