Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

In the United States, April is recognized as National Volunteer Month. The aim is to celebrate and draw attention to the millions of volunteers who actively support their communities to make them a better place for all. This observance dates back to Canadian history when Canada designated a National Volunteer Week in 1943 and recognized women who helped with the World War II effort. In the U.S., President H.W. Bush founded the 1000 Points of Light Campaign in 1990 and called on volunteers to serve to deepen community impact, and a full month was set aside to celebrate volunteers since. Despite our busy schedules, volunteering is an important part of society, the cornerstone of American culture, and a critical component of the nonprofit model. It brings communities together and allows people to put some of their time to good use by giving back. We celebrate this month and advocate for more individuals to allocate and commit some valuable time to helping in their neighborhood, uplifting someone, a family member, a friend, an elderly person, or a coworker while creating a long-lasting impact in the community for years to come.

National Volunteer Month is a time to observe and honor volunteers, host volunteer appreciation events, or say a simple thank you to individuals who provide acts of service. It is a time to market your non-profit brand, recruit additional volunteers, get more involved, and create an impact in your communities. Some common ways for organizations or individuals to volunteer this month include, park clean-ups, food distribution or delivery, loneliness guardians, animal care, and tutor/coach.

Study shows that women and parents volunteer the most, while Baby Boomers and Gen X have the highest rates of volunteering. Veterans volunteer at higher rates than nonveterans. The State of Utah has the highest rate of volunteering, while Florida has the lowest. Statistics further show that teen volunteerism is worth over $34 Billion, which accounts for 2.4 billion hours of volunteer work.

At Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, we value volunteering. Our commitment to volunteerism is beyond limits. We encourage our employees to use a certain number of approved hours to volunteer in their communities each year. This year, we will celebrate National Volunteer Month by partnering with our local Park District and helping to clean the park. Our Youth Services department is looking to fill micro pantries in and around the cities.

References

• National Volunteer Month – April 2024
• Volunteering in America: New U.S. Census Bureau, AmeriCorps Research

Celebrate Diversity Month is observed in every April. It was initiated in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity of the world in which we live. As we celebrate Diversity, it is important to recognize and understand our differences, be it gender, race, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation and other factors while honoring the common essence of humanity. By embracing our similarities and differences we can create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued. This celebration aims to encourage a deeper understanding of others, regardless of who they are or how they live. It’s also an opportunity to promote inclusivity and increase diversity in the workplace and various fields. Diversity Month serves as a reminder to seek knowledge in this space and recognize the value individuals from different backgrounds can bring to society so that we can build a tolerant world that welcomes everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

Some ways to celebrate Diversity Month:

• Talk to someone from a different culture about the traditions and practices they observe and share yours with them.
• Ask colleagues to share examples of music and food from their culture
• Watch a movie or documentary that explores different cultures and lifestyles
• Read a book about a different culture or by a writer from a different ethnicity
• Explore local ethnic restaurants or cook a meal using a recipe from a different culture
• Listen to music from around the world
• Check out a cultural art exhibit or take a virtual tour of art and culture museums
• Learn a new language

References

• Celebrate Diversity Month – April 2024

As Earth Day approaches, it’s essential to reflect on ways to promote environmental sustainability and reduce waste. Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, Inc. (LLGI) like many other Goodwill organizations is becoming a leader on the circular economy. With generous donations and purchasing items in our retail stores, individuals can make a positive impact on both; the environment and their communities.

The Environmental Impact of LLGI
Land of Lincoln Goodwill operates on the principle of reusing, repurposing, and recycling items rather than discarding them. When people donate clothing, furniture, electronics, and household items to us, we extend the lifecycle of these items by preventing them from ending up in landfills. This unique ecosystem significantly reduces the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing new products and disposing of old ones. Also, we recycle cardboard, metal, and certain grades of plastics.

In the year 2023, LLGI diverted more than 11M pounds of usable goods from landfills. As a result, our waste diversion grew from 79% in the previous year to 85%. This translates into significant environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy savings, and conservation of natural resources.

Promoting Sustainable Consumption
In addition to preventing waste, LLGI promotes sustainable consumption by offering affordable, secondhand goods to the community of Central Illinois. By shopping at Goodwill Stores, individuals can find high-quality items at a fraction of the cost of buying new. This not only saves money but, also reduces the demand for new products, which in turn decreases the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and transportation.

Furthermore, supporting LLGI’s mission contributes to job creation and skill development programs for individuals facing barriers of employment. We help people gain the skills and confidence they need to secure stable jobs and build better futures for themselves and their families.

Earth Day Partnership with LLGI
Here at LLGI, we celebrate Earth Day all year round and it all starts just by continually encouraging support from our valuable donors and shoppers. In April, we are planning to be more intentional at organizing events in collaboration with local businesses. Several initiatives have been in place in years past. In 2023, we organized a donation pickup with the Lincoln Library in Springfield and collected close to 26,000 pounds of books. We are partnering again this Spring and look forward to increasing our Goodwill libraries. LLGI has a partnership with Dell Reconnect and collects computer electronic-related items such as computers, scanners, keyboards, monitors, cell phones, etc. Dell reuses or repurposes all of the materials we provide, and it gets diverted from our local landfills. Because of this program, last year we diverted 85,804 pounds away from the landfill. Also, The University of Illinois in Champaign is partnering with LLGI every year for its Dump and Run event. All of the materials that the students leave behind at the end of their semester, are collected and looped into the Goodwill sorting and recycling cycle. These collaborations not only raise awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship but, also provide tangible ways for individuals to take action and make a difference to support a greener planet.

Conclusion
As we commemorate Earth Day, let’s recognize the vital role that organizations like Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries play in promoting sustainable waste reduction. By donating, shopping, and collaborating with Goodwill, individuals can contribute to a more environmentally conscious society while also supporting job creation and community development efforts. Together, let’s make every day Earth Day embracing the principles of reuse, reduce and recycle.