Employee Volunteerism Accelerates Progress in Latin America’s Social Sector

PagerDuty employees, through their roles as 'Community Responders,' collaborate with the nonprofit Propel to support Latin American nonprofits in addressing critical challenges by leveraging technology and strategic partnerships. Propel, co-founded by Claudia Belmont and Maria Fernanda Sierra Perea, aims to cultivate a collaborative social impact ecosystem in Latin America by engaging volunteers in fast-paced problem-solving events that enhance the effectiveness of mission-driven organizations. These initiatives not only assist nonprofits like Kantaya and TeenSmart in optimizing their operations and reaching ambitious goals but also foster a philanthropic culture in the region. By offering pro bono support and integrating digital tools, Propel's model has enabled 94% of its participating nonprofits to improve operational efficiency, leading to significant achievements such as Kantaya's 74% employment rate for graduating teachers and TeenSmart's doubled user base. Beyond benefiting nonprofits, PagerDuty's volunteer engagements enrich employee experience by promoting a sense of purpose and community, encouraging participation, and reinforcing the company's commitment to social innovation. This approach is part of a broader effort to grow Latin America's philanthropic culture, emphasizing the importance of corporate investment and public sector support in reshaping societal perceptions around volunteering. Propel's strategy, characterized by its multiplier effect, is set to expand with future engagements, including participation from Spanish-speaking employees outside Latin America, thereby enhancing leadership skills and global problem-solving capabilities within the PagerDuty and Propel communities.