Get to Know Goodwill During Goodwill Week

By Laura Walling, Vice President of Government Affairs, Goodwill Industries International

Every year during the first full week of May, local Goodwill organizations across the U.S. and Canada celebrate Goodwill Week to shine a light on the Goodwill mission — transforming lives through the power of work.

This Goodwill Week, which runs May 5-11, the organization is encouraging you to “Get to Know Goodwill.” Throughout the week, community members are encouraged to be curious and find out more about the Goodwill mission. Community-based Goodwill organizations will host events like job fairs, tours of career centers, awards ceremonies, retail store promotions, and other donor and customer appreciation events. These activities also serve as a great way to engage with community stakeholders and partners including lawmakers at the local, state, and federal level may be joining in these activities. Many local and state governments have recognized their local Goodwill’s contributions to creating empowered and sustainable communities with proclamations.

For more than 120 years, Goodwill organizations have helped people find jobs, support their families, and feel the satisfaction that comes from the independence that stable employment provides. When you support your local Goodwill, you are helping people earn jobs, advance their careers and care for their families in your community. Advocates play an extremely important role in our work as well.  We need your voice to help educate lawmakers about the issues of concern to Goodwill and the communities which we serve.  Visit our Legislative Action Center to learn about our policy issues and connect with your lawmakers.  You can also help amplify our message by following the GII government relations team on twitter @GoodwillCapHill.

Your support helps us achieve our mission, not just during Goodwill Week – but every day of every week.