On January 12, 2017, Los Angeles leaders gathered for an IMPACT 2030 CSR Mapping Workshop to explore how employee volunteer programs and corporate social responsibility efforts could align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The discussions centered on poverty, inequality, climate change, and how businesses might connect employee engagement with broader global priorities to create measurable, long-term impact.

The workshop reflected growing recognition that corporate responsibility can extend beyond philanthropy or one-time volunteerism toward coordinated approaches addressing complex social challenges.

The Sustainable Development Goals focus on issues including poverty, inequality, climate action, education, and economic opportunity. Through IMPACT 2030, companies were encouraged to align employee volunteer efforts with these goals to strengthen communities while advancing business engagement in social impact.

The conversations offered an early reminder that continues shaping my perspective: Progress often requires collaboration across sectors, with businesses, nonprofits, government, and communities contributing to shared outcomes.

Grateful to United Way of Greater Los Angeles, IMPACT 2030, and community leaders advancing these discussions.