FAAN's Day of Service: The Power of Volunteering
Maya Angelou once said that people won't remember your words or actions, but they'll always recall how you made them feel. This really hits home for Alicia Roberts, who wears two hats as the Co-Global Lead for Community Collaboration and Engagement at Ford and Co-Chair of the Ford African Ancestry Network (FAAN). She recently reflected on FAAN's Global Day of Service, made possible by Ford Fund and the Ford Volunteer Corps in honor of Black History Month.
"The Day of Service goes beyond just doing good," Alicia shared. "It speaks to the power of community partnerships and highlights the transformational experience of volunteering."
The Day of Service goes beyond just doing good; it speaks to the power of community partnerships and highlights the transformational experience of volunteering.
Ford African Ancestry Network (FAAN)
Founded in 1994, FAAN is committed to cultivating an inclusive environment and fostering the progress of Ford employees with African ancestry. FAAN's mission is anchored in three strategic pillars: a focus on people, collaboration within the community, and a pursuit of excellence in business. Alicia, a devoted FAAN member since 1996, attests to the mentorship and unwavering support she's gotten as part of the network.
FAAN's Day of Service
On February 22, FAAN members volunteered their time across the Detroit metro area and the U.S., making an impact by delivering essential food supplies to support Ford Fund grantees, Focus: HOPE, Gleaners and Forgotten Harvest. Virtually, another group of FAAN volunteers worked to mentor the next generation of leaders in collaboration with ITExperience Inc. and Stillman College.
At Focus: HOPE, FAAN members helped deliver essential food supplies to homebound seniors. A critical need heightened during the winter season for seniors who have difficulty traveling in cold, harsh weather.
In partnership with Gleaners, volunteers also packaged food for 400 pantries across Southeast Michigan. The food bank distributes more than 50 million pounds of food to Michigan residents each year.
Volunteers also spent time with Forgotten Harvest.
"In three hours at Forgotten Harvest, we had the honor of being able to help feed over 9,000 families," said Strategy and Transformation Lead and FAAN Co-Chair, Reina Carlisle. "Assisting an organization that gives people access to a basic human need is very important work."
Connecting virtually, FAAN volunteers worked directly with college students through a collaboration with ITExperience Inc., and Stillman College, sharing insights and recommendations for compelling LinkedIn profiles, refining resumes, mastering networking strategies and honing interview skills.
The FAAN Day of Service is an example of the network's dedication to giving back and investing in our communities through the power of volunteerism.