• Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Login
Community Rec
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
Community Rec
No Result
View All Result
Home Column

The Value of Social Responsibility

Gary Bernstein by Gary Bernstein
January 18, 2023
in Column, Leadership
0
social responsibility
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Social responsibility is a practice that prioritizes positive social impacts in the community, often putting people first. The basic goal is to improve communities – both local and throughout the world – by including social, environmental and business governance considerations within all strategic decisions.

This effort includes promoting diversity and inclusion, creating prosperity and respecting human rights. In most cases JCCs and YMCAs usually craft a focused mission statement, which is typically developed in concert by its volunteer board of directors and paid professional staff. The mission of the organization in an ever-changing environment basically describes the reason why they exist, what business they are in and what purpose and constituencies they serve.

Even though most nonprofits have a mission statement, usually no two are alike. However, there is a common theme that runs through most nonprofit’s mission statements which is to improve and strengthen the condition of its community and the people within. To deliver unique programs and/or creative services to help change people’s lives for the better. It’s all about making the community a safer and better place to live.

Serving local communities and the act of social responsibility is an advantage with working in a nonprofit organization. There is a lot of pride to be gained with doing the right thing and making a difference. Giving back is one of the easiest, yet most fulfilling acts a person can do. When you are bettering the environment of your local community and enriching the lives of youth, it touches your heart.

The YMCA places social responsibility as part of their mission. They know that when diverse populations can work as one, they move people and communities forward. That’s why the Ys are committed to providing support to their neighbors and providing opportunities for kids, adults and families in the name of stronger communities.

The Y is all about meaningful change; individuals need ongoing encouragement and tools. According to the YMCA website, the goal of the Y is to provide the resources communities need to address the most pressing social issues: child welfare, education, employment, housing and substance abuse. The Y works to make sure every child, family and community has what they need to achieve their best.

What does social responsibility mean to you? Does it mean giving back? How about strengthening a community in which you live? If your answer was yes to these questions, then you were correct. Social responsibility is the “obligation of management of an organization to make decisions and take actions that will enhance the welfare and interest of society.”

Businesses and corporations who fully appreciate the value of social responsibility also understand how it helps individuals in need and organizations – particularly nonprofit agencies – survive. Especially for professional sport franchises and most businesses today, there has to be more to their existence than just making money.

According to Harvard Business School, “Nearly 70% of employees say they would not work for an organization without a strong purpose. Ninety percent of employees who work at companies with a strong sense of purpose say they’re more inspired, motivated and loyal. And 92% of employees who work at a socially responsible company say they would be more likely to recommend their employer to those in their network who are looking for a job.

Some organizations that understand the value of giving back to their home communities include National Football League and the NBA Cares program. The National Football League sponsors the United Way and their mission is “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.”

The NFL and the United Way have been partners in this social responsibility program for over 35 years. The National Basketball Association (NBA) founded NBA Cares in 2005. The mission is to “demonstrate leadership in social responsibility through philanthropy, hands-on service and legacy projects.”

Over the years, social responsibility has gained traction and credibility. It is now recognized that people, planet and profit are mutually inclusive. Just as quality leads to profit, responsibility leads to sustainable profit. Trends have moved from corporate social responsibility programs, to sustainable development, to sustainability, to social responsibility.

Sustainability is an ideal state, as is quality an ideal state. The aims and ideals of social responsibility as a path to sustainability make social responsibility a natural and progressive extension of the quality practitioner’s professional competency.

It is my belief the reason nonprofit agencies exist is to “make a difference,” to improve the condition and to strengthen the community in which we live. It is important nonprofit organizations work in concert with corporations and businesses to ensure our communities stay safe and strong.

For a nonprofit to survive it must have a compelling mission, which is often matched with compelling jobs and can significantly improve the prospects for recruiting the best people with the best attitudes. These people can then deliver on developing the most powerful relationships with one’s constituents.

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Tags: communityCommunity Reccommunity recreationfeaturedGary BernsteinJCCleadershipnonprofitsocial responsibility
Previous Post

Wearables Named the Top 2023 Fitness Trend

Next Post

On-Demand: Community Voices Roundtable – New Year, New Insights

Gary Bernstein

Gary Bernstein

Gary Bernstein is an instructor in the College of Business at Misericordia University and is a frequent contributor and a former advisory board member of Community Rec Magazine. Gary Bernstein has proudly authored the textbook, “The Fundamentals of Sports Marketing” with Sagamore Publishing and “Nonprofit Sport and Recreation Programs: Principles and Practices of Leadership and Management” by Sentia Publishers. For more information, call 757.667.0293 or email thebernsteingroup@gmail.com.

Related Posts

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Leadership

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Names Adam Alonso as Next President and CEO

June 10, 2025
Partnerships
Column

Unconventional Ways to Develop Partnerships

May 27, 2025
Padel
Column

Why Community Recreation Leaders Should Start Paying Attention to Padel

May 21, 2025
Engaging seniors
Column

Engaging Seniors at Your Center

April 23, 2025
food service
Column

Food Service Tips for Camps and Program Directors

April 16, 2025
Fitness Trends
Column

Wellness and Fitness Trends You Need to Know for 2025

April 2, 2025
Next Post
New Year

On-Demand: Community Voices Roundtable – New Year, New Insights

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Exposure Guide + Media Kit

May/June 2025 Issue

Get Updates in your inbox

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Contact us at info@communityrecmag.com

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us

The Current Issue

The Latest from CO

  • Jason Kunzman on Navigating Societal Divides
  • YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Names Adam Alonso as Next President and CEO
  • Daxko Announces Integration With GoFundMe Pro to Empower Smarter Fundraising for Nonprofits
  • Food Education Program Promotes Healthy Lifestyles at Central Lincoln County YMCA

© 2025 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide

© 2025 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.