UPS
Jeff Steilen Volunteer ACS Global Director Information Technology, Contract Logistics Systems at UPS
Over the years UPSers annually Relay in more than nine countries. Within the United States, UPSers annually Relay in more than 28 different states. In total, UPSers participate each year in more than 95 events. UPSers participate and organize at various levels.
– “For some events, they are members of the Event Leadership Team (ELT). UPSers take on all roles, in some cases being the event chair or lead. In many situations they form a UPS Team. They will “advertise” internally on our UPS internal company portal and via strategic news releases across email. This will include recruitment to assist the events with logistics, setup, or at event coordination, including UPSers being the DJ”, Jeff Steilen at UPS says.
The employees also engage the UPS business partners in activities.
– “Based upon common interests such as known cancer impacts and the level of the relationship, the engagement is extended to business partners by UPS’ers, friends and family. This is generally employee driven, not organizationally driven”, Steilen explains.
The activities during the event vary, depending upon the level of engagement and size of the event.
– “Where our team members serve on the ELT, we begin taking part in committee meetings literally weekly eight months in advance of the event to manage all aspects of event planning. We enlist and assign volunteers and train and educate them. When the event is school based, we train and educate the new students that are part of the ELT and all students in “how to fund raise”, Steilen elaborates.
UPS also does fundraising events.
– “We make the ask of family and friends and host at workplace events with bake sales, dunk tanks and silent auction”.
Being involved in Relay for life, is of great value for UPS both as organization and for the employees. – “They value the experience, being introduced to Relay and becoming personally connected, Steilen says”, and adds:
– “Everyone truly realizes that they have been impacted by cancer in some way, by family, friends or other. They value taking part and knowing that they are not alone. There becomes great gratification in volunteering and giving”.