Not often do you get to group your passions into one project, but last Saturday I had that opportunity, as it was Comcast Cares Day across this nation. Comcast Cares Day is one of the ways in which Comcast, like other corporations, gives back to the community it serves. But this is just a little different. First, it’s the largest corporate employee volunteer day in the nation, and this year there were more than 80,000 volunteers.
Here’s how it works: Employee groups from Comcast, or even individual staffers, will suggest projects in their communities that need a little assistance. This grew from doing a little gardening, painting a room or just cleaning up to this year’s event, in which they undertook more than 800 projects across the nation and beyond. Included were schools, daycare sites, senior and youth projects, underprivileged neighborhoods and computer-literacy efforts. The projects have branched out from little touch-ups to installing complete computer labs, electrical work, carpentry and so much more, all based on employee suggestions. The employees volunteer their time and energy, and the company buys the needed supplies. At the end of the day, we’re talking tens of millions of dollars.
As a member of Comcast’s Joint Diversity Council, whose mission is to increase diversity, this brings joy to my heart since among the projects around the country were many LGBT projects. Here in my hometown of Philadelphia, there were two such projects and they showed the magnitude of the project, the pride of Comcast employees and the growth of our community.
The Attic Youth Center building has seen better days. As it has grown dramatically, the staff has not had time to consider the building’s own needs. Comcast volunteers came in and not only spruced it up with new cabinets and shelving, but also a coat of paint. At the other end of the scale was another group of Comcast workers at the John C. Anderson LGBT-friendly senior affordable apartments. There, they were installing a computer lab, doing a computer-literacy lesson, painting walls and doing gardening. And we must mention that not all the volunteers were LGBT; many were allies, and for some, this was their first LGBT-focused volunteer effort.
What a joy to watch members of our community helping each other and corporate America involved in making our community a better place to live. Comcast owns NBC, and if you know my history, about 40 years ago NBC had me arrested for disrupting “The Today Show,” as I pressed for LGBT inclusion. Last Saturday, I was able to witness the parent company of NBC giving back to our community and including us in their civic work. What a turnaround in 40 years; now you understand the smile on my face.
Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at [email protected].