It requires a bit of compassion, empathy and an understanding of society as it is, not as it should be perceived. It calls for integrity, a higher purpose and a will to accomplish something that will make a difference – a social impact.

To me, social responsibility means giving back to the community without expecting anything in return AND being accountable for both the actions and inactions that take place in our society.

When I chose to become a Project Management Professional (PMP), I made a commitment to uphold and expand the mission and values set forth by the Project Management Institutes (PMI). I became an active member, voice and advocate for the PMI, and took on part of the responsibility of spreading the project management knowledge and carrying out the code of ethics. It’s not a task I take lightly and throughout the journey, I’ve found that it has inspired positive behavioral changes that integrate my work with life experiences and services to society.

As a project manager, I have gained a unique skillset that has enabled me to connect with fellow project managers at the PMI, partner with non-profits to support their cause, educate and encourage others to join this profession, and become an advocate and participant in a community that is part of an epidemic to become socially responsible and accountable. As an engineer, programmer, marketer, sales representative, lawyer, doctor, social worker or whatever life calls, you too have the ability to actively partake in this movement towards a more civil, compassionate and giving community. Leveraging the skills you have acquired over the years and sparing a few hours of your time has unspeakable benefits to society:

It creates a positive impact. When you give to the community, you can take pride in knowing that you’re making a difference in someone’s life, society and organization that wouldn’t be able to thrive without talented and spirited individuals like yourself. You’re standing up for a cause that you believe in and have the ability to influence and inspire change.

I remember volunteering at a convalescent home in high school and each week, I met with this lady named Marilyn who was a strong-willed, animated character. The first time I visited her, Marilyn greeted me with a heartwarming smile and enthusiasm as she relived her childhood as a soft-shoe dancer. She’d tell me the story of her on-stage performance at the age of 16, how she dazzled the audience with her rhythmic tap dancing and her fanciful costume, and then she’d give a twirl in the hallway as she led me back to her room. As I continued to visit Marilyn, I learned she had Alzheimer’s disease. And each Tuesday evening, she’d tell me the same story and recreate the same experience, and it’d warm up my heart. I can hardly imagine the number of hours she spends in her room, confined behind four walls and nurses who check up on her and give her medication every couple of hours. People like Marilyn need volunteers, so they can relive that happy moment. And volunteers need to make the time to listen and learn, so they can make an impact on someone’s life. Volunteering gives you a sense of responsibility and accountability, and a place in someone’s heart.

It makes you socially accountable to the community and its well-being. I’ve found that joining a cause is a way to educate yourself and make yourself more attuned to what’s going on in your surroundings. When you’re aware of the challenges facing an organization, you have the opportunity to react, respond and take action, thereby holding yourself accountable to the outcome.

Most recently I volunteered with the East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC) on behalf of Taproot Foundation. EBAYC is an organization that has been a long-standing community advocate to children and young adults. They provide trusted mentors, educational programs and grass-policy work to help kids grow and realize their path to success. It’s not until I partnered with EBAYC and conducted a series of discovery interviews did I learn what it meant to be a “passionate advocate” for society and to support their movement in ensuring all youth to be “safe, smart and socially responsible.” EBAYC specializes in empowering local youth, building mentoring relationships, creating effective student programs, improving performance and quality of life and education. However, they experience challenges with building awareness and reach, positioning themselves in the growing communities and communicating their message to their partners, donors, foundations and affiliates. They are not marketers, but I am and taking on an initiative with fellow Taproot consultants to develop their key messaging and brand strategy has been both a privilege and honor. It is beyond words to join in their movement to provide kids with the safety and support, and witness the impact of their contribution to their communities. It’s volunteer opportunities and moments like these that really add color to your life.

It promotes, sustains and provides value. When you offer to share your skills, open yourself to new opportunities and give just a little bit of your time, you’re channeling behaviors and values that might not have gotten stimulated otherwise. Your intent, emotions and actions become one – one that continually evolves your lifestyle, work ethics and habits.

When I was young, I went to a Jesuit high school that required each student to complete a 100 hours of community service in order to graduate. Initially when I learned about this requirement, I questioned how an institution focused primarily on academics can require its students to complete a 100 hours of community service in order to graduate. You can say I was reluctant at the start, but then I researched a couple of organizations to decide how and where to spend my time, and I found a unique story for each organization. Overtime, I narrowed my selection to three organizations and dedicated hours to UCSF Pediatrics, 19^th Avenue Healthcare Center and Laguna Hondo Hospital. From reading stories to bingo night to afternoon manicures to bedside conversations and lunch-ins, I experienced a change in paradigm for this volunteer initiative. In fact, I was able to complete over 200 hours of volunteer service. Building new relationships and learning about these different causes changed my life and gave me a sense of community, well-being and inspiration.

Since then, I’ve taken it upon myself to find ways to immerse myself with the community and actively seek out volunteer opportunities. Making it a priority and a ritual integrates my personal lifestyle with work and society. It makes you socially responsible. You learn more about yourself and others, while evolving society as a whole. You stand taller. There are countless reasons why you should get involved, but ultimately, the reason I choose to volunteer is because it just feels good – plain and simple.

Social responsibility is no longer an emerging practice.

More and more, we’re finding that social responsibility is no longer an emerging good practice, rather it has matured overtime in the community as well as in the corporate environment. Companies are taking strides to align social, economic and environmental activities with the company’s mission, values and purpose. According to Jane Nelson, Director of CSR Initiative “some 93% of the world’s largest 250 companies now publish annual corporate responsibility reports, almost 60% of which are independently audited,” which means billions of dollars are being spent to help solve challenges within today’s society. At the same time that companies are willing to integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into business goals, consumers as well are willing to “put their money where their heart is” when it comes to buying goods and services according to Nielsen. “Fifty-five percent of global online consumers across 60 countries say they are willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies that are committed to positive social and environmental impact.” CSR activities contribute to higher level of thinking; bolster workplace discipline, focus and morale; and bridge the work environment with the community.

CSR has been an integral part of my career growth and is part of the reason why I consciously choose to work for companies such as Blue Shield of California, The Nielsen Company and Thomson Reuters. Time and time again, these companies have found ways to integrate CSR as part of your everyday duty and life. From inviting non-profits to come onsite and present, to internal communications and bulletins, to events and sponsorships, companies are making CSR a priority and a workplace ritual. At Thomson Reuters, they even give their employees two full days of volunteer time at the start of the year to encourage you to participate and contribute to a cause.

Social responsibility is a way of life that breeds tremendous opportunity and gain. It fulfills a higher purpose both individually and collectively, and its benefits are invaluable to society as a whole. Social responsibility doesn’t start with the person to the right or to the left of your shoulder. It begins with you. What are you doing to become more socially responsible in your community?