Challenge #23 – Solidarity and Care for our Members and Communities

In partnership with our friends at Deskpass, we’ve decided to challenge individuals and organizations to consider those in need and those currently facing challenges in their local communities. This isn’t just the December IDEA Challenge or a holiday initiative, but something we should be considering all year.

The past few years have been particularly difficult for our friends and neighbors experiencing poverty, food insecurity, and/or houselessness. We want to encourage coworking communities and their members to act in solitary. To take some kind of action, and to find ways to partner with or to support groups who are working locally to make a difference year-round.

 

Here are some options to consider as a starting point;

• Volunteering at your local food bank

 

• Making a financial contribution to a local shelter

 

• Organizing a fundraiser or collecting donations for a local charity that is well positioned to serve the community

 

• Delivering gifts, warm clothing, socks, toiletries, transportation passes, or gift cards

 

• Making fundraising phone calls or donating other services to a non-profit organization

 

• Donating or discounting space for a charity or grassroots organization making a difference in your community

 

• Supporting a school lunch program

 

The coworking community Office Nomads in Seattle, Washington has organized a fundraiser annually since 2013. Members and their companies donate funds for a local food bank, and a group of members will volunteer to help sort or serve food for their neighbours. You can see their 2022 fundraiser here – it’s a great example of a member engaged initiative with a lot of local impact. 

Because Deskpass is international and has fully remote team, they are approaching the challenge a bit differently.

Deskpass has committed a paid day for every staff member to use as a day of service in their own communities. Staff are encouraged to pick an organization or initiative that is meaningful to them and to volunteer or support that org where they live. Deskpass team members will have an opportunity to share their experiences volunteering, as a team building and learning opportunity for everyone. 

 

We’d love to hear more about what your coworking community or company is doing so we can elevate your work and the organizations you choose to support.

 

Please add your initiative or commitment here, and take a look at what others are doing in their communities. You can also tag @coworkingIDEA on Instagram and we will be sure to share.

Wishing you the best of luck with the December challenge, and with the good work you are all doing in your communities, and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year!
Happy Holidays!

 

The December Coworking IDEA Challenge was brought to you by Deskpass.

Deskpass allows you to work from anywhere.
Connecting you to the amazing workspaces you need today, while helping companies build the hybrid workplaces of tomorrow.