We’ve received so many fantastic nominations for our Taproot Role Model of the Year contest that our judges are having a hard time choosing just one! So we’re looking back to you to help us decide in a Bonus Round who will be this year’s pro bono hero. We have selected our Top 6 finalists and want your feedback on who you think is most deserving of the prize. Read more about our contestants below, then check our Facebook page to cast your vote , and don’t forget to ‘like’ us while you’re there!
Voting for this Bonus Round closes at 6 p.m. PST on December 3rd, and the winner of the contest will be announced shortly after! You can vote as many times as you like and have your friends vote too.
Remember, there’s a lot at stake–the winner will receive the title of Taproot Foundation’s first-ever Pro Bono Role Model of the Year and represent us at the 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service from June 6-8 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In addition to an all-expenses paid trip to the conference in New Orleans, our new spokesperson will be decked out in brand new fits courtesy of gift cards provided by Banana Republic. We’ll capture the story of why they are Pro Bono Role Model of the Year by way of a super-sick illustration by Kevin McGrath (valued at over $2,000) of the work that they do both at the office and pro bono. Finally, they will be featured on our website and invited to guest blog for a full year!
Thanks for helping us MAKE IT MATTER.
CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE!
Pro Bono Hero Nominee: Joanna
Why Taproot?
I am currently on my 4th Taproot consulting project. As nonprofits struggle to gain the eyes and ears of funders and volunteers while doing their every day jobs, I am proud to give them new language, new images and new approaches to speak about the work they are doing.
Despite the ups and downs of each project, I am always appreciative of the new marketing skills I have been able to hone while getting to know other individuals with the same desire to have a positive impact on the community. Every project has opened my eyes to a new organization and a new issue with passionate people working hard to make a difference.
What’s your vision for the future of Pro Bono in America?
Giving back is no longer just about donating money or time. The opportunity Taproot has provided me to take my existing strengths and professional background to give back has opened new doors to me both personally and professionally.
Why should you be our hero?
I should be Taproot’s first-ever Pro Bono Hero because despite a 45 minute commute, a full-time job, a toddler and a wonderful husband I like spending time with, I am excited to spend time giving back through pro bono work.
Pro Bono Hero Nominee: Anthony
How do you do Pro Bono?
I started Philadelphia Service Corps through Net Impact – a non-profit that organizes young professionals who are interested in using their business skills to improve the communities in which they live and work. We’ve successfully completed five projects with non-profits that vary in size from a very small Community Development Corporation to a very large Business Improvement District.
How has Pro Bono changed you?
My pro-bono experience has had a profound impact on me as a person and professional. As a person, I’ve found an outlet for my passion of applying business skills to solve tough societal problems. As a professional, I’ve improved my ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team, understand the unique objectives of non-profit executives and develop relationships that will last forever.
What’s your vision for the future of Pro Bono in America?
I envision a future in which pro-bono volunteerism narrows the gaps between the for-profit, non-profit, higher education and entrepreneurial sectors. I strongly believe that the solutions to the world’s most challenging problems hinge on effective cross-sector collaboration. Pro-bono volunteerism is the first and most powerful step in closing the gap between sectors and realizing our full potential as local and global communities.
Why should you be our hero?
I’ve helped our volunteers see the very best within themselves and apply their skills to fundamentally alter the quality of life in Philadelphia and beyond.
Pro Bono Hero Nominee: Shylo
Why Taproot?
I have completed several service projects with Taproot. Before getting involved with Taproot, I was thinking about going to culinary school or even law school — anything than another year in marketing. I didn’t believe I was making a positive impact on the world by writing copy for direct mail that would end up in the trash unread. My experience working with non-profits has allowed me to take pride in my professional skills and really feel like I’m doing something–anything–that matters.
What’s your vision for the future of Pro Bono in America?
Taproot’s businesslike, straightforward approach to working with non-profits will absolutely result in more corporate workers teaming up with charities to produce effective work, not just good feelings. Sometimes charity work can feel like drudgery or make you feel like a fish out of water. Taproot’s growth will mean that seasoned pros will being to see volunteering as something that’s easy, comfortable and impactful.
Why should you be our hero?
I should be Taproot’s first-ever Pro Bono Hero because I’m an example of how men and women at any stage in life can use hard-won professional skills to fuel the soul.
Pro Bono Hero Nominee: Joanie
Why Taproot?
My experience with the clients and with my fellow Taproot-ers has been terrific. I have been so impressed with how Taproot is run, and what positive and impactful experiences the model creates for both grant recipients and PBCs. I am also very inspired to be part of an organization that is participating in and driving forward the national conversation on service.
What’s your vision for the future of Pro Bono in America?
I believe more people would “Make it Matter” if they could get in touch with what they personally have to offer, and how easy and energizing it can be to offer it. Every person has something to contribute – something that is natural and inherent – something that brings joy to them and benefits to those around them. My vision is to create the space for people to do that in service of choosing their cause and method for impact – to help people reach that “a-ha!” moment and then channel that into action.
Why should you be our hero?
I am ready to complement my Turnip tie with the Pro Bono Hero Cape! I will represent Taproot with pride and energy at the 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service, and am excited to gather, share, and create ideas in service of getting more and more people to Do It Pro Bono.
Pro Bono Hero Nominee: James
How do you do Pro Bono?
My pro-bono experience was separate from my professional career until recently when I left my job to create my own business that is committed to making a positive impact on the world and providing pro bono services. I traveled to Honduras this past October to bring wireless communications to a school system. I now run my own company called Twomile, which builds websites that promote social change.
What’s your vision for the future of Pro Bono in America?
My hope is that Pro Bono work can become a form of social currency that can help improve our society. Many issues today revolve around misunderstandings and the inability to relate with others. However, working Pro Bono breaks these boundaries — regardless of age, political group, professional background, religion, or legal status — by creating relationships and uniting people over a common goal. I passionately feel that if Pro Bono work is respected as a form of social status, our society can create a culture that not only focuses on helping people in need, but has purpose and understanding at its core.
Why should you be our hero?
The diversity of my Pro Bono work — from local to international, from virtual to personal — is a reflection of my lifestyle to help bring social change, and I hope to be a model that inspires others to also combine passion and relationships to create real, long term, sustainable change.
Pro Bono Hero Nominee: Stephen
How do you do Pro Bono?
As the president of SDA I have donated not only my own time, but that of my employees as well. As a group, pro bono services account for approximately 5% of SDA’s annual services. I have worked with five non-profit groups, including two school districts, the Boys and Girls Club, a community group and the Hanna Fenichel Center for Child Development (HFC). My work with these groups has helped broaden my architectural practice, including national recognition from the American Institute of Architects in 2009 for the HFC pre-school remodel.
What’s your vision for the future of Pro Bono in America?
The economy will cause people to reassess priorities and is stretching government budgets to the limit. Through pro bono service, people will re-discover the non-monetary rewards and personal satisfaction gained from volunteer work. Their efforts in turn will increase the capacity of non-profits to fill the void created by reduced public sector spending.
Why should you be our hero?
This award would re-assert the practice of architecture as a public service. One with the power to transform lives and communities rather than a luxury afforded only to the wealthy.
