KPA Mission, Purpose & Impact

Describe how KPA gives back to its communities. What impact do these efforts have on both those in need and employees themselves?

KPA gives back to the community in a variety of ways, and what I like best is that employees have a choice in how we give back. KPA employees have two paid volunteer days to use annually, which can be used however you like. That volunteer time can be spent on projects that have a personal meaning, around the holidays, used alongside your friends or family, or as a group event organized by employees. The volunteer days were inspired by a young KPA field consultant, Brandon Baker, who passed away unexpectedly. Brandon volunteered with kids and youth programs regularly, so giving back was the best way KPA could honor him. 

To strengthen our volunteer options, KPA has partnered with Percent Pledge. Monthly volunteer opportunities are highlighted through the company’s platform, which can be completed virtually or in person. It allows you to find both local events and public charities and recognizes your personal volunteer time. Percent Pledge plants a tree for every volunteer hour logged, and KPA often matches donations, which doubles our impact. KPA also has a DEI committee that puts a spotlight on different cultures and communities. Speakers and lunch-and-learn sessions are scheduled for employees to learn and grow together.

How do these community outreach efforts bolster KPA’s mission and culture?

KPA’s mission is to build an environment based on respecting our talented colleagues’ individual experiences and mutual respect for our customers and partners regardless of color, religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Through the lens of DEI, our mission is to make meaningful contributions to celebrate our differences and learn from each other, uniting us in an open and accepting culture that acknowledges everyone’s workplace safety as well as their physical and psychological safety.

KPA employees feel seen and recognized. I appreciate having the opportunity to give back with my team as part of an organized volunteer event but also on my own. I like that I can spend a workday at my Central Texas Food Bank and invite my nieces and nephews to come with me, so I can inspire and show them the importance of spending your time on others — away from your phone. I love that Percent Pledge will highlight virtual volunteer opportunities that I can pick to fit into my day with time that I am already spending on my computer. Those projects have included everything, from screening resumes to helping with scientific research by spotting pictures and listening to sounds.

What advice would you offer to leaders at other organizations interested in implementing more volunteer opportunities? Which efforts have had the biggest impact at KPA?

I would vote to empower your employees and value their time and contributions. It can be hard for employees to know where to start, so as a company, become a leader that provides options for team and individual contributions. Community impact events can be as small as an office canned food drive and a YouTube speaker to highlight an upcoming holiday. They can also be highly organized, ultra-glossy events. Community impact and volunteering have to be prioritized and recognized by company leaders. Do not offer paid volunteer days while simultaneously discouraging your employees from using them. Back up your offer. Remind people regularly that this resource is available.

At KPA, we utilize Slack, our company newsletter and town hall events to highlight the time and projects that employees contribute to. Our #Community Slack channel is an easy way to show your experience and remind others to make time to give back. As a manager, I will organize a volunteer event for my team in a region, and we’ll spend the day together as a team volunteering together. We always leave fulfilled and with a full cup, recharged and ready to give back again.