A Festival for Good
Since 34 by 34 launched , the corporate responsibility team and many others have helped spread the word virtually through remarks , articles , videos and presentations . But the next step to bring the vision to life can ’ t be done online .
“ We knew that for something as big as 34 by 34 , we needed a way for employees to touch it and participate directly to gain momentum and galvanize us forward toward that 34 million goal ,” said Maury .
The roadshow will crisscross the country beginning in Orlando and ending in Atlanta at the close of 2022 . While every stop on the tour will have similarities , each will have its own distinct flavor . Louisiana , California and Vermont are all very different places , with different cultures and communities . These differentiators will serve as an invaluable source of innovation for 34 by 34 , and a key part of each stop will involve tracking each of the experiences so everyone in the company can learn from each other .
Rolling into a City near You
Every stop will feature a half-day festival full of educational content about 34 by 34 , food and games . Each festival location will offer volunteer opportunities , and employees will be able to share their own stories about making an impact . Cox ERGs are also partnering with the planning teams to bring heritage months to life along the way .
Throughout the planning process , the team aligned with the 34 by 34 ethos by limiting the tour ’ s overall environmental impact and keeping diversity in mind when choosing suppliers . For example , the Airstream RV at the center of the roadshow will be towed by a Ford F-150 Hybrid to reduce total carbon emissions . Other roadshow details , like the sustainable materials used in the T-shirts for employees , will be closely monitored and measured throughout .
For Cox employees who can ’ t attend the roadshow , an “ Event in a Box ” will be created chock full of swag like T-shirts and all the marketing materials needed to host a local 34 by 34 event .
Phoenix Will Rise to the Occasion
One stop on the tour is Phoenix , Ariz ., where Astrid Magnolia Valencia began her career in sales and marketing for Cox Communications and is now a community relations specialist . Astrid is leading the company ’ s efforts in the area to connect with charities and organize Cox employees to volunteer in the community for organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs .
Astrid loves her work but misses seeing others in person , especially at volunteer events . For her , the 34 by 34 roadshow stop will be a unique and memorable event and will also help return her and others to normalcy , offering a place to gather in pursuit of a common goal .
“ It ’ s a breath of fresh air , a reset , that ’ s how I see this concept ,” said Astrid , who is helping plan and organize the event in Phoenix . “ It couldn ’ t have come at a better moment . It ’ s been a challenging time and this is the perfect way to hit that reset button .”
Astrid plans to highlight volunteer programs at local organizations , like where Cox employees have supported after-school STEM ( science , technology , engineering and mathematics ) programs at local Boys & Girls Clubs . She also wants to shine a light on the many nonprofit partners and charities doing great work , not just in Arizona but across the Southwest .
The ripple effects of these efforts will leave an impact long after the tour has moved on .
Our 34 by 34 program seeks to help people live more prosperous and fulfilling lives .
12 WINTER 2021