Background

Throughout history, a defining human attribute has been a sense of communitas- people helping people for the benefit of their community. Today, communitas is thriving in businesses, organizations, and individuals dedicated to community service and social responsibility.

The need for communitas has never been more important as society battles social and environmental problems such as poverty, illiteracy, pollution, and dwindling natural resources. Benevolent companies, their employees, community organizations, and individuals are contributing skills and resources to take on these challenges. Volunteers, many with the support of their employers, can be found mentoring underprivileged students, helping families clean-up after disasters, rebuilding dilapidated homes for the elderly, administering legal services for the underrepresented, providing healthcare for the indigent and giving food and shelter to the homeless. Many businesses are also contributing financial resources and aligning themselves with causes through sponsorships for fundraisers and research.

Heightened awareness of community service and social responsibility is also finding its way into business practices. Companies are placing additional emphasis on ethics, making a concerted effort to be green, and are promoting sustainability. Many also have a keen interest in how workers are treated in their supply chain, who they and their suppliers do business with, and the effects their products have on the environment.

The Communitas Awards is an international effort to recognize exceptional businesses, organizations, and individuals who are unselfishly giving of themselves and their resources, and those who are changing how they do business to benefit their communities. Nominees will be evaluated on the extent and effectiveness of their efforts.