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March 29, 2023Making an Impact with Volunteer Time Off
By Christine Godbey, VP, Human Resources Director
At Access, making an impact doesn’t start and stop with our clients. Our team has a deep appreciation for the communities we work and live in, and we believe in giving back.
But the reality for many of us is that finding the time to take an active role in our communities can be a real challenge. To help, Access offers its employees the benefit of Volunteer Time Off (VTO), enabling everyone to step up and make an impact.
Employees receive two paid days off to use on any activities they’re most invested in. These VTO days make it possible to take on anything from working on the board of a local non-profit to mentoring students and countless other forms of community activism.
With the holidays right around the corner, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what we’re thankful for, and on how we’re giving back. We thought there’d be no better time to check in with our team and learn more about how a few folks are spending their time off volunteering.
First, let’s hear from Ava Klinge, a research and analytics associate at Access, who used her VTO to work with and tutor students with the STAR Learning Center in New York City:
Ava Klinge
“This past summer, I volunteered as a tutor at the STAR Learning Center in NYC, where I worked with a student on organization skills, math review, and a summer reading project. Thanks to Access’ VTO policy, I participated in all tutor sessions, fostering a deeper connection with the student and my fellow community members. I hope to take advantage of the benefit again next year.”
Next up, Paige Fleming, an account coordinator who took advantage of her VTO to speak during Career Day at her former middle school:
“I was so excited to participate, as this was a great opportunity to showcase my knowledge of the PR industry in fun and educational ways for students. I created a PowerPoint presentation detailing the basics of public relations and presented to five classes. Afterwards, some former teachers and I got together to talk about my job and catch up, and they treated me for lunch!”
Paige Fleming
We also chatted with Mary Burke, an account supervisor at Access, who uses her volunteer time every year to work with a non-profit aimed at helping those in need of assistance in the local community:
Mary Burke
“I use my volunteer time off every August to help run the Raising Hope for Others, Inc. Golf Outing and Dinner in Manalapan, N.J. Raising Hope for Others, Inc. is a 501(c)3 founded fifteen years ago with a mission to assist fellow human beings during life’s most difficult times. Each year they select a new recipient from the local community in need of just that – a little assistance as they go through a trying time.
While I spend my time outside of work helping to prepare for the big event by driving all PR and communications efforts for the organization, the actual outing requires a full day of prep work before the golfers and dinner guests arrive. I’m so grateful that Access offers time off separate from PTO to encourage employees to give back to their communities!”
Leading by example, senior team members also participate. Each year during the holidays, Lindsay Scalisi and her family adopt a family in need. Lindsay, our SVP and Tech and Corporate Group Director, uses her VTO to buy and wrap the gifts with her family:
“Giving back is a core component of our purpose and what Access as an agency stands for – it’s part of our DNA. Taking time with my family for our own giving back tradition is so important and I love that Access supports each employee in their own way to make a difference.”
Lindsay Scalisi
Meaningful and differentiated perks like this are a big reason our staff appreciates working here at Access. Each November, we also provide paid time off to vote. Interested in applying for a position at Access? Learn more here!