Communities rely upon the involvement and leadership of citizens. Our nation and the planet require informed advocacy. At MediaFirst, we consistently strive to learn more about the world we live in and take part in making the world better for all.
Fostering Community & Community Goals
We help charitable organizations selected by the staff through:
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Helping existing partners operate more efficiently and effectively
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Building local community relationships
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Targeting issues and causes
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Supplementing the capacity of partner organizations to better achieve their mission
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Giving programs that reach current and new partner
Amnesty International: Worldwide, Amnesty supports the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, freedom of conscience, and an end to torture.
Youth Soccer. Mr. Caruso served as an assistant coach for Boys Under-12, U11, and U10 Select Soccer teams. For two and one half years, Mr. Caruso helped Samson Siasia as assistant coach and manager. This team attained a southeast rank as high as 17th. Mr. Caruso continues to coach youth soccer clinics, emphasizing individual player development, making soccer fun, and skills that build confidence. He holds a US Soccer National Youth Coaching "Y" License. He has served as head coach for youth teams from age U-8 to U-19.
Clear Landmines, a PHR program: Every year 26,000 people, 8000 children, are killed or mutilated by landmines.
High Meadows School: Mr. Caruso served more than a full term as a member of the board of directors of this extraordinary pre-K through 8th grade school. He led the first annual campaign for fundraising, developed template for school Press Releases and issued a press release when High Meadows was awarded a Goizueta Grant.
Kiva: Loans That Change Lives. Kiva empowers individuals to lend to an entrepreneur across the globe. By combining microfinance with the internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending. Kiva promotes dignity, accountability, and transparency. MediaFirst staff have made more than 26 loans, of which more than 19 have been repaid in full. There have been no defaults or delinquencies on any loan.
National Kidney Foundation of Georgia: Noelle Rutecki and Jim Caruso developed a brochure, which presented of giving opportunities. This work was performed for Sue Hughes.
Rugby: Mr. Caruso is a long-term member and supporter of the Atlanta Renegades Rugby Football Club (RFC).
Men's Soccer Over-30 League: MediaFirst created and maintained a league Web site for Over-30 and was instrumental in organizing Over-40 and Over-50. Mr. Caruso ran an adult Over-30 team, many-time season and tournament champions. He orchestrated the founding of Future Stars, an adult soccer club, Future Stars fielded several adult teams in various leagues and in tournament competitions in Georgia and beyond, winning in Orlando and Charleston. Mr. Caruso was asked serve as mentor and chair for the founding of a new youth summer soccer camp, Future Stars Soccer Camp and wrote the announcement press release. In 2012, MediaFirst supported the two time national champion, Veterans Cup winners FC Georgia United with a press release.
Previously, Mr Caruso served on the boards of the: Education Information and Referral Service (EIRS), which became the Career & Education Information Center,
Early in his career, he was a member of the board of directors of Metro Industries, and the Bluegrass Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC). As a board member of the Bluegrass ARC, Jim spearheaded efforts to refurbish a facility for the Growing Together Preschool (GTP), which enabled grow in program offerings, an integrated program that included normal and developmentally disabled children, and allowed the pre-school to be spun off as an independent non-profit organization. He conceived of the plan and spearheaded board approval for funding a new home for the preschool, enabling expansion of the program. The efforts involved renting and renovating a dilapidated, two-story house owned by the city.
Jim developed a Press Release for a local youth wrestling program: Roswell Junior Hornet Wrestling Tournament 8 Jan 2005.
Becky Boyd is a member of Roswell United Methodist Church (RUMC) and volunteers as their PR Coordinator, generating and placing press releases for the church, Adult Education, and Women's Ministries in local media. She also helps design brochures and presentations for the Cancer Support Ministry, Women's Ministry, Adult Education, and Women of Faith Sunday School Class.
Pro Bono Activities For Business Goals
Pro bono service provides value to your company, internally and externally, via:
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Recognition for having an innovative giving strategy
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Expanded community impact without adding significant costs
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Brand and company visibility
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Reputation and leadership role in corporate philanthropy
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Team-building and leadership opportunities for staff
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Attracting recruits who recognize your company as offering a unique way to give back
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Demonstrating company core competencies
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Drive revenue or sales by connecting with prospective and current clients, customers, or alliance partners
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Demonstrating commitment to the community
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Fostering innovation and given staff field-based experience
