April is National Volunteer month and a great time for employers to encourage volunteerism and celebrate the employees who participate in giving back. Supporting employee volunteerism is not just about giving back to the community; it’s an investment in the overall well-being and success of both employees and the organization. By encouraging and facilitating volunteer opportunities, employers can foster a culture of social responsibility, teamwork, and personal growth among their team. Studies have also shown that volunteering provides employees the opportunity to develop valuable skills, expand their networks, and gain a deeper understanding of societal issues, all of which contribute to their professional development and effectiveness in the workplace.

For our team at ALTRES, volunteerism is deeply rooted in our company culture and our passion to make Hawaiʻi a better place to live and work. Throughout the year, our employees are provided company-sponsored opportunities to volunteer with various Hawaii-based non-profit community programs and are also encouraged to volunteer on their own. We asked three of our employees to share their stories for National Volunteer month.

Joshua Laguana, Senior Solutions Engineer

President at Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor – RotaryHPH.org | Facebook, Instagram: @rotaryHPH

What inspired you to start volunteering?

My inspiration to start volunteering came from a deep-seated belief in the principle of “service above self.” Witnessing the profound impact that collective community efforts could have and understanding the role of leadership in spearheading such initiatives, propelled me to take action. The Rotary’s global network of professionals and community leaders provided the perfect platform to translate this inspiration into meaningful contributions.

Why do you volunteer and why do you think it’s important for people to give back to their community?

I volunteer because I believe in the power of collective action to create positive change. It’s a way to directly contribute to the betterment of our community, to help those in need, and to drive forward initiatives that can have a lasting impact. Giving back is crucial not only for the tangible improvements we make but also for the sense of unity and purpose it fosters within the community. It reminds us that we are all part of something larger than ourselves and that we have the power to make a difference.

If someone was thinking of volunteering what would you say to them?

I would say, “start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.” Volunteering doesn’t require you to change the world overnight; it’s about contributing what you can to make a difference. Find a cause that resonates with you and take that first step. The rewards—personal growth, community connections, and the joy of helping others—are immensely fulfilling.

What is your favorite volunteering memory?

One of my favorite volunteering memories was early in my rotary career serving pizza for dinner at the Next Step Shelter. One of the residents was a young boy, maybe aged seven or eight, he smiled at me and said, “thank you, pizza is my favorite food.” His smile was unable to contain the excitement he had for this meal. I then asked him if he wanted a second piece and his eyes grew so large and they started to fill with tears, he replied, “I want one, but I want to make sure there’s enough for others.” I had to fight back my own tears and tell him that there would be enough. After serving him that additional piece, I became overwhelmed with emotion.

The time I spent at the Next Step Shelter over the next few years until its closure would be a testament to how that memory affected me. Since then, I’ve been volunteering with my Rotary club at Keauhou Shelter once a quarter to serve dinner.

How has ALTRES supported you in your volunteering journey?

ALTRES has been incredibly supportive of my volunteering journey. Not only do they provide employees with sixteen hours of volunteer time off each year, but they also match our donations to nonprofits like the Rotary Foundation. The culture at ALTRES encourages us to ask, “If not me, then who?”—motivating us to take personal initiative in community service. I look forward to continuing this work and am thankful for the support of ALTRES.

Continue reading the article on ALTRES' website.