PITTSBURGH - While the country is still reeling from the impact of two natural disasters, our communities face crises every day - fires, floods, blackouts. The question of "what can I do?" takes on many nuances - what can I do to help, to be better prepared to learn how to respond, to get more information. The business community can play a vital role in helping their stakeholders answer those questions, and, as evidenced by the level of response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, do so in a cost-effective and impactful fashion. The key, according to The McWilliams Group, a professional services firm dedicated to the business of responsible and effective philanthropy, is being proactive.

"Businesses are an excellent 'distribution channel' for practical information to employees as well as an ideal conduit for collections and volunteerism," says Paula G. McWilliams, president, CEO and co-founder of the firm. "Responsible organizations have an outlet for their employees and their families, their customers and vendors. The result is a better informed public. Crisis preparedness and response should be an inherent part of every business's Corporate Social Responsibility program."

The firm, whose founders have over 70 years' combined experience leading both national for-profit and nonprofit businesses, works with investors in charitable giving to make intelligent decisions about their giving as well as nonprofit service providers to maximize their funding and resources.

Paula McWilliams brings the unique perspective of an individual who has lived on both sides of disaster services. At AT&T Wireless Services (Cingular), she rose to become Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and was charged with establishing the company's civic guidelines and initiatives. During her 13-year tenure, she developed and steered the company to implement Telecommunications Disaster Services (TDS) in conjunction with the American Red Cross. The program was the first of its kind to provide wireless technology and support to all Level III and above disasters in North America.

She voluntarily coordinated the response effort with first responder groups and the federal government during over 60 national crises including Hurricane Andrew, the Oklahoma City bombings, the crash of US Airways flight 407 and the 9/11 attacks, providing thousands of wireless phones and millions of dollars of airtime, telecommunications technical support, volunteers and ongoing collection efforts. She built the company's corps of volunteers, led an initiative to train employees in CPR and first aid, and developed and launched national school safety programs.

Her efforts in disaster relief have been recognized by FEMA, the FAA, the FBI, the Congress of the United States, the Department of Homeland Security, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Red Cross of Taiwan. Additionally, she has held senior positions with the American Red Cross, including first woman elected chair of the board. She recently was appointed to the board of American Humane Association.

The last weeks have seen corporations executing programs and aid to employees of the affected regions to organizing fundraising drives, employee-match programs and cash and in-kind donations - efforts that are predicted to surpass past levels of giving to similar relief efforts, such as the tsunami and 9/11.

"Americans generosity of spirit is never more evident than during national crises," McWilliams states. "And the level of outreach by the private sector has been exceptional. Determining how to sustain that compassion after the cameras are gone is part of the complex business of philanthropy. The aid required goes far beyond the first responders. That's where businesses and creative partnerships can make an enormous difference. The organizations that are most impactful are proactive - they have plans in place that address prevention and response year-round."

ABOUT THE MCWILLIAMS GROUP

THE MCWILLIAMS GROUP is a professional services firm dedicated to the business of philanthropy. The organization's mission - to enhance the growth, impact and effectiveness of charitable giving in our nation - came as a direct result of the founders' combined experience of more than 70 years in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.

The McWilliams Group works with investors in charitable giving and the nonprofit sector to develop and implement strategic initiatives that yield meaningful and measurable results. The firm guides corporations, foundations and individuals in making investments that benefit stakeholders and have a significant societal impact. The McWilliams Group's work with nonprofit service providers is focused on enhancing their positioning, innovation, competitive strategies and ability to attract additional revenues. Core services of the organization include strategic planning, innovative program development and implementation, assessment and analysis, measurement and evaluation, alliance-building and brand positioning campaigns. For information, call 412.344.5444 or email, info@themcwilliamsgroup.com.

McWilliams Group, The

McWilliams Group, The

THE MCWILLIAMS GROUP is a professional services firm dedicated to the business of philanthropy. The organization's mission - to enhance the growth, impact and effectiveness of charitable giving in our nation - came as a direct result of the founders' combined experience of more than 70 years in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. The McWilliams Group works with investors in charitable giving and the nonprofit sector to develop and implement strategic initiatives that yield meaningful and measurable results. The firm guides corporations, foundations and individuals in making investments that benefit stakeholders and have a significant societal impact. The McWilliams Group's work with nonprofit service providers is focused on enhancing their positioning, innovation, competitive strategies and ability to attract additional revenues. Core services of the organization include strategic planning, innovative program development and implementation, assessment and analysis, measurement and evaluation, alliance-building and brand positioning campaigns.

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