Today, outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland announced a new commitment to further the brand’s longstanding history and dedication to service. Starting in October, any verified alumni of AmeriCorps or Peace Corps who apply for corporate job opportunities at Timberland will be guaranteed consideration. The brand will also actively recruit national service alumni for open positions. Through this new hiring practice, Timberland is now recognized by Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) as an Employer of National Service, which helps connect graduates of its programs with potential employers.
Corporate service has been core to the Timberland brand for more than two decades, and the company has witnessed first-hand how it benefits its employees – allowing them to give back to their communities as well as develop important leadership skills. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Timberland’s award-winning Path of Service™ Program, which gives employees up to 40 paid hours each year to serve their community and encourages employees to become proactive agents of service in and out of the office.
“The recent discussions around budget appropriations for the CNCS served as a reminder of the undeniable value that national service provides to our country,” said Jim Pisani, global brand president for Timberland. “From our own experience we know that service not only positively impacts our communities, but also develops engaged citizens and leaders who will lead us into the future. Being an Employer of National Service makes business sense, and we encourage other businesses to support and grow service opportunities for their employees and America’s youth as a whole.”
National service programs provide a unique opportunity to the individuals who choose to serve. Programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps teach leadership and other critical skills that prepare graduates to contribute to society in meaningful ways, and set them up for successful lives. In fact, a recent Columbia University study found that each $1 invested in national service programs returns nearly $4 in value in terms of higher earnings, increased employment, lower spending on government programs and other improvements to community infrastructure.
Over the last 25 years, Timberland has observed how service develops tomorrow’s leaders. It has the power to provide a pipeline to businesses of well-trained and experienced employees who have the passion and skills to solve problems creatively and inspire others to make positive change. Service can also strengthen business relationships, as the brand has experienced by regularly engaging business partners in shared community service events.
To learn more about Timberland’s commitments to create responsible products, protect the outdoors and support communities around the globe, visit timberland.com/responsibility.
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Sustainable Brands Staff
Published Oct 27, 2017 1pm EDT / 10am PDT / 6pm BST / 7pm CEST