Alcoa Sets New Employee Volunteerism Benchmark
Record 49 percent of employees worldwide give back to communities
On the eve of International Volunteers Day, Alcoa (NYSE:AA) has
announced employee volunteerism rates significantly higher than the
corporate average, with 49 percent of the company′s workforce giving
back to their communities around the world.
The record volunteerism rate was reached during the company′s fifth
annual Month of Service in October, during which more than 29,000 Alcoa
employees across 24 countries volunteered in close to 1,000 volunteer
events. Highlights include:
59,000 children assisted through school infrastructure improvements,
literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
education.
Natural environment improved with 16,000 trees planted and 250 rivers,
parks and recreation areas rehabilitated.
3,000 non-profit organizations supported to assist those in need, with
18,000 meals served, and 300 shelters, homes and community facilities
repaired.
The 49 percent employee volunteer participation recorded during Alcoa′s
Month of Service is significantly higher rate than the corporate
average, based on data collected by the Boston College Center for
Corporate Citizenship. Between 2008-2010, the Center recorded average
participation rates in employer-supported volunteering of between 17 and
31 percent. In 2009, 37 percent of employees participated in Alcoa Month
of Service activities.
'Wherever Alcoa operates, we want to be an active and productive member
of the community,? said Alcoa Chairman and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld. 'We
encourage our people to share their time, talents and energy in
supporting those causes that are important to them, that help strengthen
our society.?
'I am enormously proud of Alcoans, they have set a benchmark for
employee volunteerism. Together with our many non-profit partners we
have helped to make a difference around the world.?
Alcoa chose International Volunteers Day to also announce the results of
its global Month of Service photo contest, with five employee winners
recognized with a $5,000 grant to the charity of their choice from Alcoa
Foundation. Their winning images depict the spirit of Alcoa volunteerism
and were selected by judging panels of Alcoa employees, leaders and
partners, including customers and NGOs. The images can be viewed at www.alcoa.com/monthofservice
.
ABOUT ALCOA
Alcoa is the world′s leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated
aluminum and alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum
industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the
aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial
transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the
past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled
products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa ® wheels,
fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building
systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as
titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral
part of Alcoa′s operating practices and the product design and
engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow
Jones Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years and approximately
75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in
active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31
countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com
ABOUT ALCOA FOUNDATION AND MONTH OF SERVICE
Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the
U.S., with assets of approximately US $420 million. In addition to
addressing local needs in communities where Alcoa operates, Alcoa
Foundation is focused on promoting environmental stewardship, enabling
economic and social sustainability, and preparing tomorrow′s leaders
through education and learning. Alcoa Foundation was founded more than
50 years ago and has invested more than US $515 million since 1952.
Through the company′s signature Month of Service program, Alcoa
employees share their energy, passion and purpose to make a difference
in our communities. In 2010, 49 percent of Alcoa employees participated
in 1,000 volunteer events, with their efforts positively impacting
290,000 worldwide. Month of Service is the centerpiece of year-round
volunteer efforts by Alcoa employees, who in 2009 gave 650,000 hours of
service to 9,000 charitable organizations. Their time was matched with
US$4 million in Alcoa volunteer grants. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com/foundation
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS DAY
In 1985, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated December
5 for an annual celebration of all that is achieved by volunteers.
International Volunteer Day is celebrated in more than half the world′s
countries. Details can be found at www.worldvolunteerweb.org.
Alcoa Inc.
Mike Belwood, 812-604-1530