Feb 25th, 2014
Global, Pro Bono Summit
Now in its second year, Taproot and BMW Foundation staff have been working side-by-side, in the true spirit of partnership, to plan and execute the 2014 GPBS in San Francisco. We’ve designed a week-long series of dynamic peer discussions among pro bono leaders from around the globe, from Saudi Arabia to South Korea, and across sectors and industries. But how did it all begin?
Four years ago, the BMW Foundation invited Taproot founder Aaron Hurst to participate in its Transatlantic Forum for Young Leaders. From that invitation, a deep friendship and partnership formed between Aaron and BMW Foundation CEO Markus Hipp. Aaron understood BMW Foundation’s mission to inspire executives and engage them in service to work for the common good and for a society that is capable of meeting the challenges of the future by engaging in cross-sector collaborations with partners across the globe. Markus saw Taproot and pro bono as a means to achieve that mission. From there, the Global Pro Bono Summit was born.
Pro Bono is alive and well across the globe.
The first day of the 2014 GPBS began with a warm welcome at Deloitte. 30 Global Fellows from more than 15 countries across three continents gathered to build partnerships and learn from each other in what is shaping up to be a global engine for social good. They shared the secret sauce that drives pro bono within their own unique markets, along with their models, values and experiences; after which, a group of fellows from Asia announced their intention to form an Asian pro bono coalition.
The day culminated with an evening reception and dinner hosted by Adobe, whose contributions helped make the Summit possible. Over 150 Summit participants filled Adobe’s offices to dine, drink, network, and enjoy a round of pro bono speed dating, fostering collaboration and friendship.
At the end of the festivities, Ann Burroughs, Global Fellow and Taproot Los Angeles Executive Director noted, “Pro Bono is alive and well across the globe.”