Corporate Team Building
August 24, 2011 at 8:21 AM
The day begins at 8:30a.m with introductions and a "go-around." Team members are asked to identify whether or not they have any previous "Habitat experience" or general construction knowledge. Many laugh at this question, making note that they spend most of the week in business attire in front of the computer. Others are familiar faces from past Habitat projects and some are weekend warriors who have completed renovations on their own home. Regardless of skill, they work together to complete the set tasks for the day.
Out of the office and onto the construction site, co-workers are able to get to know eachother in much different context. Led by an experienced construction supervisor, these volunteers are taught everything they need to know to accomplish the work scheduled on their day. From siding to painting, our volunteers do it all. In fact, 95% of the work done on a Habitat construction site, is done by volunteers- and our homes are still standing!
When we break for lunch at noon, many volunteers are reluctant to put down their hammers. Although tired, the experience of working alongside co-workers and Habitat's partner families is invigorating. Each nail, each paint stroke brings the house that much closer to becoming a home for deserving family in need.
At the end of the day, our volunteers are able to see the results of their hard work. A wall has been erected, now creating a room. Or drywall is hanging where it had been just insulation. Their scheduled task has been completed, and it was completed together. By the time the house is finished, hundreds of volunteers will have held some role in the process. Through this, the modest house is not just a home for a local family, but a representation of hard work and unity. It is a demonstration of what a community can do, together.
G.S.H.F.H would like to thank our Corporate Team Building Partners:
For more information about how you can schedule your own corporate team building day, please contact Nicole Williamson at williamson@habitatspringfield.org
Nicole Williamson
Donor and Volunteer Coordinator at The Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity
