Here at Levi Strauss & Co., giving back is as much a part of our heritage as the blue jean. We’ve been giving back to our communities since 1854, when our founder, Levi Strauss, donated some of his first profits to a local charity. In honor of that legacy, we allow employees to take five hours a month of paid time to volunteer. Here’s how one employee is using that time.
As part of the steering committee for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in San Francisco, I know how important it is to be engaged with our local community. That’s why I’m thankful to be part of the Levi Strauss & Co. community, where I have the freedom, encouragement, and support from my employer to volunteer time on issues I’m passionate about — and to see the company’s involvement and advocacy alongside HRC throughout the years.
My volunteer work with the HRC fits with my personal story. I’ve been involved with them for a few years, but first learned about the organization when I was coming out in high school. I always admired their work, and now co-lead Volunteer Engagement for HRC San Francisco. This entails coming up with new methods of engaging our LGBTQ + Allies community to come together for events, listening sessions, and just being there for anyone who wants to talk. A main responsibility is also running our email campaigns, especially leading up to the HRC Bay Area Gala.
After nearly a year with LS&Co. as an Internet Marketing Specialist, I know from experience that these volunteer opportunities help me in my career. Co-leading community engagement work, ideating new campaigns and activities with HRC are personal passions that have also contributed to my growth as an employee.
My volunteer work has taught me new ways of approaching situations in the office, be it around personal development, public speaking, or communication. This allows me to see different perspectives and have positive interactions with members of different teams.
When I came to Levi Strauss & Co. and saw how involved the company was in LGBTQ advocacy alongside HRC, my admiration for both organizations grew even deeper. Every day when I come into work, it means a lot knowing that I work for a company that values community work and supports me in those efforts outside of the building.
