Reflections

When you're judging a company, what criteria do you or should you use? Well, if you're anything like me, then you judge a company by all of their actions. You look at the quality of the products they make, what they give back and how they give back. Procter and Gamble is not simply a company in a community; Procter and Gamble is the community. Every action they take, product they make, reflects what their neighbors want and what they need. P&G's sustainability is a product of their commitment to their customers and to their values. "P&G is its people and the values by which we live."
Procter and Gamble is, of course, not the only company to practice consistency. However, they are in my backyard. They are my neighbors. From using their products, to volunteering at P&G sponsored events, to becoming associated with them through school, I know P&G. More importantly, they know me.

Classroom with a View

As a college student, nothing is more precious then real life experience. Studying and reading textbooks will only get you so far. Nothing prepares you like hands on experience.
Among other things, Procter and Gamble invests a lot of time and energy in student learning and educational growth. Not only do they contribute financially, but the company recruits extensively at local colleges and universities. Through their co-op and internship programs, Procter and Gamble gives every student the equal chance to apply their knowledge and expand their skills in a real life business setting. And trust me, there is nothing "busy" about the work they give to their co-ops and interns.
Procter and Gamble interns/co-ops are not treated like gofers. They do not run around making copies and answering phones. Instead co-ops/interns are asked for their opinions on projects and assignments. The company gives these students every chance to contribute something, purely their own, to the organization. It is one of the best educational experiences one could have.
Are you interested in applying for one of these positions? If you are, go to http://www.pg.com/ and click the career tab. It might also be beneficial to check out your school's career center. Experience is everything to a college student so go get some.

Products, Products, Products

So, you may be aware of Procter and Gamble. However, are you aware of all of the brands they produce? It is quite astonishing. From Bounty paper towels, to Secret deodorant, and Crest toothpaste, P&G is involved in almost every facet of human life. As they say, "Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world."
Procter and Gamble produces almost 300 trust worthy brands. Tide, Scope, Iams, Febreeze, Oral B, Pampers; these are products that we know and love. Procter and Gamble continually strive to improve their products and work feverishly on innovations to make life a little bit easier.
One of the ways in which Procter and Gamble delivers these superior products is by employing the brightest and best from around the world. They work extensively at recruiting minds that are opened, creative and intuitive. They travel to colleges around the country, setting up booths encouraging students to apply for co-ops and internships. They seek the best and, in return, get the best. Procter and Gamble also ensures quality by continually teaching their staff. Each employee must pass certain training areas. The organization also provides different workshops and seminars that help their employees grow both professionally and personally.
Procter and Gamble produces great products. Maybe one of the secrets to their sustainability is their staff and not just their name.

Around the World

Procter and Gamble's charitable efforts and programs exceed far beyond the United States. According to the World Health Organization , there are more than 1 billion people without clean drinking water. It is also estimated that 5,000 children die a day from diseases related to drinking unsafe water. To help combat this problem, Procter and Gamble has sent and used the technology of their Pur Water filtration system in countries where clean water is scare. The company also donates a percentage of their Pur sales to help with the effort.
Another area that Procter and Gamble focus's on is disaster relief. P&G makes contributions to established agencies such as The American Red Cross and UNICEF. The contributions come in both products and money. Temporary shelters, water and food can are just some of the ways, P&G helps provide for communities in need.
Procter and Gamble is a billion dollar company. It is their responsibility to give back. That doesn't really amaze me. What amazes me is the initiative that they take. Leaders in consumer products and leaders in contribution giving.

Home Sweet Home

Procter and Gamble's global efforts expand far beyond the United States. However, today I would like to talk specifically about a program designed for those located in my immediate area.
P&G has a volunteer support program. The program is designed for P&G employees, their families, retirees and anyone who would like to volunteer. By going to the website, anyone can access information on how to get involved. There are also everyday tips and advice on how to improve your local community.
Procter and Gamble's main focus is on children. It is estimated that there are 22,000 preschool aged children, in the Hamilton area, who are at risk of educational problems. To combat this problem, Procter and Gamble supports programs that foster in the learning and continual growth of children in need. Whether the support is in financial or volunteer terms, Procter and Gamble align with organizations in the local tri-state area to benefit children.
Procter and Gamble is also involved in generating tourism dollars for the Cincinnati area. In partnership with Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network, P&G helps promote and fund events and venues that make the city an attractive destination for residents and tourists. Events such as the Flying Pig Marathon, Music Fusion Weekend, and Holiday Dazzel are made possible through P&G and other donating sponsors.
Do you want to volunteer? Go to http://www.pg.com/ to learn how.

Participation

Procter and Gamble's motto, "Touching lives, improving life" seemed to visualized itself in an event that I happened to participate in. United Way, in partnership with P&G, gathered up as many volunteers as they could, to visit "Stepping Stones," a organization that provides programs for children and adults with all kinds of mental and physical handicaps. I was amazed at the amount of Procter and Gamble employee's who showed up to the event. I was also surprised to find out how heavily encouraged the employees were to participate by their managers. It was a great day. Everyone was engaged, and nobody left untouched.
I guess the point is not that Procter and Gamble encouraged their employees to go, but that they encouraged their employees to go on a business day; during normal business hours. They did not set a limit to the number, they did not tell anyone they could not go.
There are so many companies out there that do good things. I choose to focus and give praise to one that is located in my community, in my backyard.
I encourage anyone to talk about an organization that they respect for their charitable efforts. Are there any in your community that you feel proud to have?

Giving Back

Hello. My name is Rachel Baldridge. I am a student from the Cincinnati area. I was brought up to always appreciate a company called Procter and Gamble. Heard of them? People always talked about how much money they brought into the local community. Being a student, I decided to investigate and what I found was quite amazing.
Big business. It is everywhere. It is hard for anyone to ignore how much money fortune 500 companies make. However, has anyone ever realized how some companies give back? I certainly didn't.
Procter and Gamble, one of the biggest players in our Global economy, is invested thoroughly in the community in which they reside. Not only do they encourage their employee's to donate, but they align themselves with charitable organizations. The P&G fund contributed more than 80 million dollars globally in 2005 alone. Their main focus continues to be on children. Through their corporate cause, "Live, Learn and Thrive" P&G has, in partnership with other programs, provided children with programs aimed at ensuring their continual success in the future.
Social responsibility. We learn about it all the time. Giving back to one's own community is highly praised. Do companies do this all the time? And, maybe the bigger question, are they obligated too? I will continue to look into Procter and Gamble, a company that has already impressed me.