Importance of Community Outreach

As a way of gratitude for their success and compassion for those around them, many large companies serve their community through different events and services.  Community outreach, though not essential for the survival of a business, encourages generosity in the company so they can use their wealth to bring together a struggling community.  Although larger, more developed companies may spend money on outreach projects, it is becoming evident that wealth is not a prerequisite to serving your community.  In reality, it is possible to serve the community without the exchange of money, allowing small businesses to give back as well. 

Tutors for Tots is a great example of how the size and age of a company does not need to be a hindrance in community involvement.  This young business is establishing a mentorship program at Beach High School, a school in Long Beach for high school students who are missing credits.  As a part of their outreach project, Tutors for Tots is finding students at CSU, Long Beach who are able to serve at Beach High School for academic credit.  As mentors, these college students will help these high school students with their school work and encourage confidence in academics.  This project is allowing Tutors for Tots to serve the community, providing additional assistance for the students at Beach High School, and allowing CSULB students to receive academic credit for meaningful work.  

No money needs to be spent for this community outreach project to be successful and all three groups can benefit from its establishment.  Tutors for Tots' work at Beach High School is simply one example of how wealth and size are not always necessary to serve your community.  Even small businesses have their own specialities and talents, they just need to find away to use what they already have to serve the people around them. Giving back to the community may not always be free, but I guarantee you will always gain from whatever you lose.