(BPT) - If you want to make a difference, you're not alone: New research shows that 61% of people consider giving back and making a positive impact on their local community as "very important," rising to 68% among Gen Z and 67% of millennials. The study, conducted by Lenovo, also reveals that the ability to work remotely opens up more possibilities to do this, with four out of five people ages 18 to 40 viewing working from anywhere as beneficial to society, communities, employers and employees. The survey also shows the younger workforce's mindset towards community engagement, as 86% of Gen Z members see the importance of supporting their local community in areas like environmental and social issues.
One unique way to make a difference
For those wanting to make an impact on the world but wondering what to do, there's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity available: experiencing firsthand how to make a long-lasting difference with a remote island community while working from one of the most remote offices in the world, enabled by today's advanced technology.
Lenovo's Work for Humankind initiative, in partnership with Island Conservation and the Robinson Crusoe Island community in Chile, is calling on volunteers from around the world to participate in this unique opportunity to take their hybrid work to the island and collaborate on life-changing restoration projects on Robinson Crusoe Island. The projects will focus on helping to protect endangered species, as well as supporting the local community on its journey to sustainability.
Where is Robinson Crusoe Island?
One of the most ecologically rich places on Earth, Robinson Crusoe Island is located over 400 miles off Chile's coast in the southern Pacific Ocean. The island faces many challenges, including access to education and health care, plus the impact of habitat degradation and invasive species.
The local community, the international nonprofit Island Conservation and the Chilean Government have initiated community-driven projects over the last decade to address these problems. However, their efforts are hindered by telecommunications and technology limitations. Despite this, the island community is committed to protecting their natural and cultural legacy and aims to achieve sustainability through greater independence to meet their food and energy needs, as well as conserving their natural and cultural heritage.
What this program will do
Work for Humankind will select volunteers with a range of skills and backgrounds to help with a variety of projects on the island, including developing much-needed connectivity solutions for the island's infrastructure, all while being able to continue working their current jobs remotely.
Lenovo is creating a cutting-edge technology hub with a range of technology devices, services and solutions from the company's Intelligent Devices Group, including high-speed internet connectivity, to help the island advance its goals - and equipping volunteers to do their day jobs remotely while volunteering to support conservation projects on this haven of wildlife and cultural diversity. The company is committed to leaving a lasting legacy on the island to support the community's goals, and for these benefits to be felt long after the volunteer project is completed.
"Due to the life-changing nature of the pandemic and society's increased focus on sustainability, people are recognizing the weight of doing good," said Emily Ketchen, vice president and CMO of Intelligent Devices Group, Lenovo. "To help us achieve this, we need to work differently, and we're relying on technology to help us do so. That's why we're launching Work for Humankind, to draw attention to the importance of our individual well-being as well as that of our communities, by showcasing how innovation in technology can enable us achieve both."
How you can volunteer
Some of the many wide-ranging skills and expertise needed for the volunteer positions include:
- Computer/data scientist
- Radio/communications specialist
- Field biologist
- Sustainability manager/specialist
- Social/digital marketer
- Content creator
- Sports fitness coach
- Food content creator/chef
- Renewable energy specialist
- Spanish/English translator
If you're interested in becoming one of the lucky volunteers to support the project on Robinson Crusoe Island while still being able to continue working your current day job remotely, learn more at www.LenovoWFH.com by Dec. 30, 2021.
