Civic Engagement|Strategic Partnerships

For 18 years, the young leaders of City Year have inspired us by their example of dedication and commitment. Each year, over 1,500 corps members from all backgrounds unite for a year of full-time service across the United States and in South Africa. As lead investor and strategic partner, Timberland helps City Year give young people the skills and opportunities to change the world. Through service events, mentoring and training, City Year builds capabilities, extends impact and motivates our commitment to global civic responsibility. www.cityyear.org

Timberland is proud to partner with Big City Mountaineers, an organization uniting volunteer mentors with urban youth for life-changing outdoor journeys. BCM treks promote relationships and leadership development as youth and volunteers travel side by side. Through education and engagement, BCM builds self-esteem, environmental awareness, and capabilities to make career, educational and lifestyle decisions. Throughout the year, Timberland’s Outdoor Gear team engages in inspirational service events and wilderness experiences with extraordinary youth from across the United States. www.bigcitymountaineers.org

Since 2004, Timberland PRO and The National FFA Organization have built a relationship based on shared values and a passion for active citizenship. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, growth and success through agricultural education. Over 500,000 members participate in FFA’s 7,200 chapters across the United States. Timberland PRO is inspired by FFA’s service ethic and commitment to leadership. Through curriculum, training and service, Timberland PRO develops the skills and impact of FFA. www.ffa.org

SkillsUSA is a partnership of 285,000 students and teachers working together with industry to ensure America has a world-class skilled work force. Timberland PRO invests passion and belief to build SkillsUSA capacity for service and youth development at the state and national level. Since founding the National Day of Service in 2002, Timberland PRO and SkillsUSA have engaged more than 6,700 students, advisors and alumni in projects improving the Greater Kansas City community. www.skillsusa.org

Unis-Cité is one of Timberland’s partners in France that engages people aged 18-25 in an innovative program of youth service. Modeled on City Year, Unis-Cité corps members impact their communities by partnering with existing civic organizations to meet critical needs, while receiving citizenship and professional training. Timberland employees take great pride in mentoring corps members and creating a range of professional development opportunities. www.uniscite.fr

Timberland’s commitment to sustainable business practices and the preservation of our planet requires worldwide cooperation. An example of our global impact is a five year partnership between Timberland Japan and GreenNet to reduce desertification in Horqin, China. Consumers, employees, students and business partners unite in this ambitious effort to plant one million trees by 2010. Guided by the expertise and wisdom of GreenNet, we will restore the desert’s grasslands by planting, and sustaining shrubs and trees while educating the local population on more sustainable farming practices.

Timberland partners with local non-profits and community groups in regions all over the world. Other organizations whose expertise guides and informs our global efforts:

• AmeriCares (www.americares.org) is a nonprofit relief organization delivering medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in crisis around the world.
• American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) provides employee training and vital support for domestic disaster relief.
• Hands On Network (www.handsonnetwork.org) is a coalition of 58 national and international organizations that unite 500,000 volunteers in service.

Timberland is also humbled by our membership in a number of leading industry associations that provide analysis, best practices, and extraordinary learning networks of values aligned businesses. These include Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, New England Business Council, Business for Social Responsibility, Ceres, Net Impact and Accountability.