Over the past year, we, like every company, were challenged to navigate a world facing a pandemic, social movements for justice and racial equity and an increasingly polarized political arena. In the face of this environment, our people responded with resilience and compassion.
Our mission of connecting people with products that bring them joy isn’t only centered on our customers—it also enables us to bring joy and do good within our broader communities.
The Chariterable (Char-ITERABLE) Volunteer Program, launched in 2018, supports and invests in our employees’ personal growth by contributing to local non-profits. Prior to the pandemic, employees around the world would apply their skills, experience and energy in volunteer activities (carried out in-person) that helped improve education, provide basic needs, foster new business opportunities and strengthen our communities. The program’s purpose peaked during annual volunteer weeks, during which Iterators would come together to work with local community organizations like GLIDE, SF Recreation and Parks, and the Denver Rescue Mission.
Now, over a year into COVID, we’ve added to our ethos of giving back with the launch of Iterable’s Donation Matching program, an evolution of Chariterable. Starting this year, Iterators have the opportunity to help organizations and causes that they are passionate about. To extend the impact of this program, Iterable promises to match the donations made by employees. Although the program is relatively new, we’re proud to share that just over $4,000 was donated by Iterators last quarter! Iterable matched that 1x, for a grand total of $8,000 donated collectively.
But we thought we could do a little better! This quarter, we’re ramping up our commitment: now Iterable will match donations made by employees 2x, tripling the impact of employee donations.
If the pandemic was proof of anything, it’s that we live in a connected world. What we do has a direct and measurable impact on our communities. We’re excited to make an impact together. Here’s some ways you can join us.
Informing our (Your) Giving
Sometimes the hardest part about giving back is…getting started. If you’re wondering where and when to make an impact, look no further. We tapped into our employee-led Affinity Groups and active members of the #Chariterable Slack channel to collect some charity endorsements for you to consider.
“In the United States, access to a high-quality education is not a given. Depending on the zip code you live in, schools vary drastically in quality and funding. When students graduate high school, they have better access to high-paying jobs, are less likely to go to prison, and have better health and longer life expectancy. City Year is an education-focused non-profit that engages young adults in a year of full-time national service focused on keeping students in school and on track. City Year members serve as student success coaches, supporting the development, growth and success of students in systemically under-resourced schools by applying a holistic, integrated model that builds skills and supports mindsets critical for students’ success in school and beyond.
As a City Year alum myself, I served for 2 years in Boston, and spent 5 years total with the organization because I am passionate that high-quality education should be a human right. I’m proud to be part of a community of 34,000+ like-minded individuals who have served since 1988 and are passionate about making a difference in their communities. I’m thankful because my students taught me how to lead with inclusivity and empathy, and firmly established the value of being civically engaged and active in the world around me.”
“International Justice Mission partners with local authorities in 24 program offices in 14 countries to combat slavery, violence against women and children and police abuse of power against people who are poor. Their three areas of focus are rescuing and restoring victims of sex trafficking, slavery and abuse with basic needs, counseling and education; bringing criminals to justice by working with local law enforcement in investigating, arresting and charging slave owners with crimes; and providing training, mentoring and support to local law enforcement and other community leaders to slow down and stop the cycle of violence.”
“Started by the Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council (A3PCON), Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) and the Asian American Studies Department of San Francisco State University, Stop AAPI Hate is a reporting “center that tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
Recent attacks to AAPI communities have increased due to various factors and these attacks hurt my heart. I worry what could possibly happen to my family (who are Asian Americans).”
“My two teenage boys have been giving a garage concert for our neighbors every Sunday evening since the beginning of shelter in place. For the past few weeks they have been raising money for various organizations that focus on fighting injustices in the country. Last night they raised over $100, which we’ll donate to The Marsha P. Johnson Institute. They’ve also raised money that was donated to George Floyd’s Family Fund, the Anti-Police Terror Project, and to Color of Change. I can’t take any credit, other than producing two really good boys.”
“The Black Fairy Godmother Foundation uses the power of networking and social media to connect families in need with people that can help. They have a variety of programs to help meet the needs of those who need assistance from food assistance, a domestic violence fund, emergency funds for families in need and daily fundraisers. These programs help give mothers, families and children what they need and get them to a place of stability. You can participate by making a donation of any size to one of their funds, adopt a family with donations or help them complete a wish list of items they need off Amazon that will be shipped to their house.”
Empowering People
At the heart of the Iterable mission is our vision to set a standard for its people, partnerships and performance. We strive to create an inclusive work environment that values the uniqueness of each individual’s talents, experiences and ideas! Our culture allows ingenuity to thrive and creates an atmosphere where diverse voices, ideas, experiences and backgrounds are not only respected, but celebrated.
Together, with our employees, we can make human progress and community impact a reality, by contributing our time and resources to initiatives and programs that reduce poverty, drive economic and social opportunity, and enable technological progress. We focus on building local capacity and making social investments that help communities succeed.
