Reaching Out and Making a
Difference www.sap.com/CSR
SAP Corporate Social Responsibility Germany 2023
Editors
Note Dear Colleagues, Join us as we reflect on our CSR initiatives across Germany in 2023 and look ahead to 2024. While not an exhaustive recount, we’ve compiled noteworthy activities and highlighted the partners that stirred much enthusiasm among many of you. This year, we witnessed an impressive upsurge in our SAP colleagues’ eagerness to contribute their expertise and talents: Over 1,848 colleagues actively participated in diverse initiatives, ranging from concise 60-minute professional coaching sessions to revitalizing communal spaces and gathering essentials for the most vulnerable in our society. These collective efforts have directly and indirectly impacted an estimated 276,665 individuals. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our 25 local CSR leads spread across the country’s SAP offices for their passion and commitment to driving local CSR initiatives alongside their daily responsibilities. A parting thought: It’s evident that your engagement and support significantly magnifies the impact of our work. Within the framework of the SAP CSR Policy, there exists an opportunity for corporate volunteering - eight hours per year during work hours. Reflecting on the past year, if we were to distribute the volunteering hours of 2023 among SAP FTEs in Germany, each one of us would have utilized only 32 minutes. As we consider the pressing needs in our society and the commendable efforts of our valued partners: Could we, perhaps, strive to do a bit more? Because it is your voluntary involvement that is vital in creating positive change.
About Our Cover: Elnaz Nouri, Social Entrepreneur and Social Impact Award Germany Winner 2022 Elnaz Nouri, originally from Iran, discovered her entrepreneurial calling while studying Public Health in Hamburg, Germany. Motivated by personal experiences with street harassment, she focused her research on Citizen Health, aiming to address the pervasive issue of the profound impact that harassment has on individuals. Co-founding UrbView, Nouri blends expertise in Public Health, Criminology, Data Science, and Urban Planning to create safer public spaces. The company’s goal is to combat harassment and sexual violence, providing cities with tools and expertise for lasting change, transcending mere temporary solutions. Nouri’s vision strives for fairness and societal transformation in building safer urban environments for all. UrbView was also one of the 2022 Social Impact Award winners in Germany. This photo is part of an exhibition introducing young and upcoming social entrepreneurs who participated in the Social Impact Award. We are working on showing the exhibition in Walldorf in autumn of 2024.
Warm regards,
Alexandra van der Ploeg Global Head SAP Corporate Social Responsibility
Gabriele Hartmann Lead Germany SAP Corporate Social Responsibility
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Photo: Nikolas Rode for Social Impact Award
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Our Global CSR Strategy
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The German CSR initiatives you will read about are integral elements of our broader global CSR strategy, executed across all countries and regions where SAP operates. Our collaboration extends to partners and a far-reaching CSR network, involving over a billion individuals, supported by over 20,000 SAP employees, and resulting in a positive impact on over 3.6 million lives in 2023. This impressive accomplishment stems from almost 138,000 volunteer hours. Independent assessments have underscored the effectiveness of SAP’s CSR program, scoring a noteworthy 91 in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, surpassing the industry average of 16 points and positioning SAP as a benchmark for social responsibility (2022). Furthermore, Wider Sense, an independent consultancy, acknowledged SAP as a top-tier leader among Germany’s DAX-40 companies for our Corporate Social Responsibility strategies and programs (2021). The core of our CSR strategy focuses on generating long-term social impact and business value by enabling equitable access to economic opportunities as well as education and employment. We target youth-in-need between 14 and 30 years old, as well as impact innovators. SAP employees globally engage as pro-bono consultants or volunteers, providing invaluable support in achieving these goals. Together, we accelerate social business by facilitating fair access to economic opportunities, assisting social enterprises in supply chain integration, and championing the social procurement movement. Our commitment to the Impact Economy is evident through the Acceleration Collective, where SAP employees spanning 32 countries contribute expertise to pro bono consulting projects. Impressively, 129 employees globally and 21 from Germany have engaged in this initiative, emphasizing SAP’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable business environment. The Acceleration Collective catalyzes employees to harness their capabilities, actively propelling positive change by collaborating across diverse business units and supporting pioneering global social enterprises. This program provides a unique platform for global connections, fostering insights into sustainable business methodol-
ogies and driving solutions that improve lives, paving the way for a more resilient and impactful future. For those seeking to be part of this transformative journey, registration and comprehensive information on the Acceleration Collective can be accessed here. Moreover, our focus extends to innovative educational models and multi-stakeholder partnerships, aimed at creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship in the digital and green economy for underrepresented, underserved, and disadvantaged youth. Central to our global education initiatives is Generation Unlimited (GenU). Founded at the 2018 UN General Assembly, GenU stands as a driving force for youth empowerment, anchored by UNICEF and supported by private sector partners such as Unilever, PwC, and SAP. GenU’s Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA), initiated with SAP’s early support, has evolved into a dynamic digital platform leveraging blockchain technology. YOMA empowers youth to explore opportunities while securing validated skill records, illustrating SAP’s commitment to youth advancement. Through the SAP Educate to Employ (E2E) initiative, in collaboration with UNICEF and GenU, YOMA’s reach extends to Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, and South Africa. This visionary program equips underserved youth with critical digital skills, preparing them for success in the evolving digital economy. SAP’s sustained dedication to GenU has empowered over 350,000 youths, providing transformative learning, earning, and impactful opportunities, steering them towards a brighter and more empowered future. To learn more about GenU, please click here. For a comprehensive overview of the global strategy as well as global partnerships, please visit the CSR Global SharePoint.
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Accelerate Social Business
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Empowering Social Innovators Q&A with Jonas Dinger, Managing Director, Social Impact Award
What is the goal of SIA? Social Impact Award aims to empower young people to make our society more sustainable and just through social entrepreneurial projects. Annually, we support nearly 200 teams in translating their ideas for social and/or environmental projects into reality. What has stood out the most about SAP volunteers? It’s always inspiring to witness the dedication and passion with which SAP volunteers engage. This level of commitment isn’t taken for granted and makes collaboration very gratifying for all parties involved. How can SAP volunteers best assist you? Within the framework of SIA, there are flexible ways for SAP Volunteers to support us: from longer-term involvement as mentors with a team to more occasional support as experts or workshop leaders. Each form of support is valuable to us! Your wish for SAP? Continuing to work together with innovative projects and ideas to strengthen the social entrepreneurship sector in Germany and providing opportunities for many individuals (within and outside of SAP) to engage in this realm.
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n June, Social Impact Award (SIA) announced the finalist projects for its Discovery Phase in Germany. This phase, an integral part of the SIA’s yearly program, served as the initial stage for orientation and developing project ideas. SAP is SIA launch partner for Germany since 2021. This year, 21 colleagues lent their professional expertise to current SIA participants as well as SIA’s alumni. This is how Roland Auer, Senior User Experience Designer, SAP SE, describes his experience of working with SIA participants “Working with SIA has been inspiring, fruitful and effective. All teams are attentive listeners who appreciate your time and input. Supporting on a need-be basis also made sure that the time together was spent in a valuable way. Great cooperation!”. Exclusive 1-on-1 coaching sessions were provided by experienced social entrepreneurs and coaches, offering feedback on ideas and submissions. Numerous compelling applications addressing mental health, inclusion, circular economy, youth donation trends, fair supply chains, and other topics were received by mid-May. Consequently, selecting teams proved challenging for the screening team and the jury. Nonetheless, the SIA Deutschland made history by accepting 15 teams (compared to 10 in 2021 and 2022) as finalists and for participation in their summer incubation program. In July, the German and Austrian finalists came together for a weekend at the Heidelberg AppHaus to work on their ideas. The award ceremony on October 6 in Berlin saw five winning teams receiving €3,000 each. The winners attended the SIA Summit 2023 in November in Novi Sad, Serbia. This gathering brought together winning projects from 18 countries and three continents fostering networking and collaborative efforts.
SIA Winners Germany 2023: Crowdrecht - A crowdinvesting platform aiding individuals in obtaining financial support for legal disputes, aiming to improve access to justice while creating societal value. BeeCharitable - Addressing the disparity between willingness to donate and actual donations, BeeCharitable combines E-sports with charity, offering a fun and unconventional way to contribute. Claim - Anonymously helping individuals determine their eligibility for government grants and supporting the application process through an AI-assisted form submission. Senior Connect - Facilitating tailored job opportunities for individuals aged 60 and above, both pre- and post-retirement, aligning with their skills and interests while easing workforce shortages in companies. ReBe (Community Award) - A search engine locating desired clothing items across various second-hand shops, contributing to clothing circularity.
Looking ahead 2024: SIA Summit 2024 in Rot In 2024, SAP and the City of Mannheim will be the hosts of the threeday SIA Summit. Two days of the summit will be at the SAP University in Rot, gathering over 120 young social innovators from Europe, Central Asia, and East Africa on November 27 and 28, 2024.
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Coaching to Create Lasting Change Since 2019, SAP has been a key partner of startsocial, Germany’s premier acceleration competition for NGOs and social businesses. Over 160 SAP colleagues actively participated as coaches and jurors, showcasing SAP’s commitment to the initiative so far. In the 2022/2023 season, 48 SAP colleagues volunteered as coaches, while 24 served as jurors, reading, and judging applications. For the upcoming season 2023/2024 31 SAP coaches teamed up with a co-coach from another company, supporting an NGO in navigating a specific challenge over four months. This collaborative effort proved enriching, allowing coaches to learn from diverse perspectives and tackle challenges beyond their professional scope.
Alexander Kläger, President MEE at SAP Deutschland SE & Co. KG, has served as the corporate patron since the beginning of the partnership, emphasizing the pivotal role of civic engagement in addressing challenges like pandemics, climate change, and migration. “SAP remains dedicated to improving people’s lives, actively contributing professional skills to support non-profits and social enterprises in tackling pressing issues, fortifying our societal fabric.”
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“SAP remains dedicated to improving people’s lives, actively contributing professional skills to support non-profits and social enterprises in tackling pressing issues, fortifying our societal fabric.”
25 NGOs and social businesses were recognized as the “Bundesfinalisten”, celebrating their growth in the coaching process. At the Award ceremony, which was celebrated in June at the Allianz Forum in Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who serves as national patron of startsocial, was also in attendAlexander Kläger ance, and handed out one of the President, SAP MEE seven coveted awards, each with a prize of 5.000 euros. This year, many enThe impact of these initiatives extends beyond the tries to the startsocial competition focused on professional realm, empowering SAP colleagues and emphasiz- critical issues like homelessness, mental health, and incluing the importance of addressing societal challenges. Nikolaus sion. Among the 25 finalists, four teams had an SAP colGauer, Cloud Partner Director at SAP SE, served 2022/2023 as league as one of their coaches: Congratulations to Manuel one of the coaches and had this to say, “The crucial aspects of Pfeiffer, Claus von Riegen, Marie Simone Proksch, Nikolaus these initiatives is the belief in making a sustainable impact and Gauer, and of course all the other coaches for their outthe passionate pursuit of this idea.” standing work.
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Bringing Change to the Supply Chain Q&A with Birgit Heilig, Project Manager Buy Social Germany, SEND e.V.
What is the goal of SEND? The Social Entrepreneurship Netzwerk Deutschland e.V. (SEND) aims to connect, empower, and provide a unified voice for social enterprises. SEND establishes crucial connections with policymakers, civil society, and traditional businesses to drive positive change in our society and enhance the framework for social innovations. How can SAP Volunteers best assist you? SAP volunteers can support us as mentors in the Buy Social Grow program, aiding social enterprises seeking broader B2B market integration. The differing structures of large corporations and social startups bring diverse corporate cultures, work methodologies, and languages that may initially complicate collaboration. SAP volunteers can serve as mediators and facilitators, enhancing mutual understanding through exchange between social enterprises and corporations. This helps lay the groundwork for potential partnerships. Your wish for SAP? We hope for SAP to continue as a strong partner, jointly improving the conditions of the social entrepreneurship sector in Germany. We aspire to deepen our strategic work in the realm of Social Procurement. SAP stands as a potent advocate and multiplier for responsible business practices and constructive partnerships characterized by innovation - and we hope this collaboration continues to thrive!
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n this partnership, SAP plays a pivotal role as a “facilitator” and “enabler,” working in collaboration with the executing organization, SEND e.V. The organization aims to bolster the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Germany, specifically focusing on creating a robust business exchange between social enterprises and traditional companies. The goal is to enhance the volume of transactions between these entities significantly by the year 2025. This ambitious target involves increasing the number of purchasing organizations and active social enterprises, stimulating innovative behaviors within social enterprises through avenues such as novel products, impact models, and revenue strategies through the Buy Social initiative. The larger vision is to cultivate thriving SocEnt2B (Social Enterprise to Business) and SocEnt2G (Social Enterprise to Government) markets beneficial to all involved entities. Identified gaps within the German social entrepreneurship ecosystem present key hurdles on the path toward an expanded and functional business exchange between social enterprises and conventional companies. These gaps involve a lack of information for potential customers regarding “sales-ready” social enterprises and their impact models, the variable sales readiness among social enterprises, inadequate linkage between supply and demand, the absence of transparency and certifications for social enterprises, and limited channels for collaboration among social enterprises. SAP is working alongside SEND e.V. and other partner organizations to address these challenges strategically. The initiative named “Buy Social Grow,” operating under SEND, focuses on all aspects of social procurement. Within this framework, “Buy Social Grow” specifically targets support for social enterprises, aiming to advance the social enterprise landscape by enhancing their readiness for business transactions, establishing connections between supply and demand, fostering certification processes, and facilitating exchanges among social enterprises. The larger network, inclusive of partner organizations, seeks to collectively tackle these challenges, thereby propelling social enterprises toward greater competencies and access within the German business ecosystem.
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Making a Difference in 60 Minutes Q&A with with Elena Schleicher, Program Manager, Haus des Stiftens
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he Meetwoch initiative exemplifies SAP’s dedication to social engagement and knowledge exchange. Coordinated in collaboration with Haus des Stiftens, Meetwoch is an online individual coaching format where SAP employees pair up with non-profit organizations. This unique format aims to offer valuable expertise on entrepreneurial topics directly catered to the needs of the non-profits, all within a succinct one-hour timeframe. The exchanged knowledge is not limited to the coaching session but can also be utilized by the organizations even after the engagement concludes. The coaches at Meetwoch play the role of attentive guides and listeners. Their focus is on delivering targeted guidance, asking insightful questions, providing empowering feedback, and offering practical examples from their own experiences. They aim to empower non-profits to develop their solutions while expressing sincere appreciation and admiration for their work.
What is the goal of MEETWOCH? The objective of MEETWOCH is to sustainably strengthen and professionalize the nonprofit sector. To achieve this, we intertwine volunteerism with professional core competencies. SAP employees contributed to this project by engaging in one-on-one exchanges with nonprofit organizations for an hour, addressing the specific needs and challenges of the organization. The knowledge imparted remains useful beyond the engagement period, ensuring long-term benefits for the nonprofit organization. What has stood out the most about SAP volunteers? SAP volunteers involved in MEETWOCH have left an exceptionally positive impression on us. Their open, friendly, and appreciative demeanor, coupled with their wealth of knowledge and expertise, is a tremendous asset for our nonprofits, rendering the exchange invaluable. We’re delighted that the individual coaching sessions were enriching and enjoyable for the volunteers as well. How can SAP volunteers best assist you? For our upcoming online individual coaching sessions in 2024, we primarily seek proactive volunteers willing to dedicate their time to this impactful project. Moreover, we highly appreciate committed SAP team members setting an example and rallying team members to participate in this initiative.
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SAP colleagues participating as coaches effortlessly navigate the digital space, relying on their proficiency in digital tools, such as Teams, and mindfulness practices that have become inherent to their work culture. They share these experiences and offer guidance to non-profits, acknowledging the considerable challenge digital transformation poses for many of these organizations. This year, a total of 101 SAP colleagues provided advise for 95 non-profit-organizations in 1-on-1 coaching sessions. In 2023, three Meetwoch events encompassed various sessions, each featuring distinguished executives and experts from SAP who introduced and delved into pertinent topics for discussion. Among them were Catharina Riedl, COO & Head of Cloud Transformation, SAP Deutschland, Nicole Häffner, Expert for Organizational Development and New Work, SAP SE or Dr. Thorsten Paul, Director Digital Health & Well-being, SAP SE The Meetwoch initiative not only benefits non-profit-organizations but also enriches SAP employees by providing a platform to contribute their expertise and insights while learning about the tremendous potential non-profits hold in creating positive changes in social and sustainable sectors. This shared knowledge exchange stands as testament to SAP’s commitment to driving meaningful societal impact through collaborative engagement. Maybe SAP colleague and Meetwoch-Coach Mynyna Chau, Community Experience Team, SAP SE summarizes it best: “It is not only gratifying to know that I was able to contribute with my experience and perspective as a corporate employee to the non-profit-organization, but I have also learned about the immense potential of non-profit-organizations to effect positive change in social and sustainable realms.”
Looking Ahead to 2024 Pioneering Sustainable Social Impact Q&A with Matthias Scheffelmeier, Co-Founder and Managing Director, ChangemakerXChange
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midst vast social innovation, ChangemakerXChange stands as a formidable support network, empowering young social entrepreneurs, activists, and changemakers worldwide. Founded on three pillars - Community, Facilitation, and Ecosystem - this influential network spans across 130 countries, directly engaging with nearly 1,000 changemakers to drive tangible change. The ChangemakerXChange Community serves as an inclusive platform fostering knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and capacity-building opportunities. Through flagship summits and ongoing engagement, the community strives to bolster changemakers in elevating their impact and well-being. At the heart of the initiative lies the program - Facilitators for Change. This unique undertaking imparts facilitation skills to civil society leaders, aiming to amplify collaboration and collective impact within the social enterprise ecosystem, nurturing a culture of connectivity and resilience.
How can SAP volunteers make the most meaningful impact? The support of SAP volunteers is instrumental in addressing the multifaceted challenges encountered by founders in the realms of leadership, project management, sales, marketing, financing, and HR within social or ecological startups. Leveraging the wealth of experience and knowledge among SAP employees can significantly contribute to overcoming these challenges, providing practical solutions, and fostering the success of these initiatives. Your aspirations for SAP’s future involvement? As a cherished and enduring charitable partner of SAP, our shared vision is to continue the journey of learning and collaboration for many more years. Together, we aim to create an environment where innovative social initiatives thrive, equipped with the optimal conditions for success and positive impact. With the collective commitment encapsulated in the mantra “Let’s help the world run better - together,” we look forward to furthering our collaborative efforts for the betterment of society.
The last part of the initiative is The Possibilists - a global youth innovation network that understands the needs and challenges faced by young changemakers. By creating conducive conditions and addressing critical issues highlighted through bi-annual monitors, the goal is to empower these changemakers to deepen their impact. A pivotal facet of the partnership between ChangemakerXChange and SAP in Germany revolves around connecting and supporting ten innovative changemakers from diverse networks. These changemakers possess impactful solutions within social businesses, future skills, and sustainability realms. The program focuses on nurturing their well-being and capacity-building, aiming to expand their influence and impact. It comprises a comprehensive five-step journey, beginning with a careful identification process based on venture maturity and impact readiness. Subsequently, a thorough evaluation delves into individual development, leadership competence, and the specific needs of their ventures, ensuring a holistic understanding. Tailored support plans are then crafted, incorporating personal coaching, well-being tools, fundraising strategies, legal aid, advocacy support, and more. Our collaboration further enhances this initiative by offering resources and expertise that complement the tailored support plans, ensuring a well-rounded developmental trajectory. Culminating in a collective gathering in Berlin, this program facilitates peer-to-peer learning and consulting opportunities with SAP employees, fostering an environment conducive to impactful growth and collective exchange. 9
Build Future Skills
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The UN SDGs in the Classroom
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cience on Stage is the largest teaching network in Europe, which supports teachers with mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, and technology (MINT) teaching ideas. SAP enabled the latest valuable resource titled “Act Now – The UN Sustainable Development Goals in MINT Education.” This publication provides practical and concrete concepts aimed at seamlessly integrating the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals into MINT education. Crafted collaboratively by educators from more than ten countries, these materials comprise interactive worksheets and videos that address pertinent topics such as: What insights can be derived from weather data, how the city of the future will manifest, and what approaches can be employed to produce sustainable products. Tailored for both primary and secondary MINT education, these resources are readily accessible for free viewing and classroom utilization. In conjunction with this initiative, the “Future League” competition by Science on Stage Europe invited European primary and secondary MINT educators to collaborate creatively with their classes. The challenge posed was to explore the implementation of one or more of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals in their curriculum. The competition attracted over 60 submissions from 15 European countries, showcasing
project ideas through posters and short films. The top ten teams were invited to the Future League final held in Berlin in November. Expressing his enthusiasm for the event, Dr. Marcus Krug, Head of SAP Innovation Center Berlin/Potsdam, said: “I found the event very successful and it’s certainly one of the highlights of my year. It was inspiring to witness what teachers and students accomplished together.” Notably, three projects captivated the expert jury: Seewache from Greece, Honey - the Sweet Gold and how it influences my life! from Germany, and School of Future from Georgia. The educators behind these winning projects have also secured a place at the next European Science on Stage Festival in 2024 in Finland. Explore a gallery of images from the finale here. The development of these teaching materials and the competition were made possible through the collaboration of SAP SE, which has partnered with the non-profit initiative Science on Stage since 2011 to support MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology) educators.
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Passing on the Baton
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ince 2017, Meet and Code has been a signature initiative for SAP, reflecting our commitment to empowering Europe’s children and youth with essential digital skills. To date, the program has supported NPOs in facilitating events in 35 European countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 300,000 individuals through over 8,000 events.
With the revamped CSR strategy in education and an increased focus on employment, it is time to say goodbye to SAP’s engagement with this initiative. Throughout the years, Meet and Code has been a driving force in introducing young individuals from diverse backgrounds to the world of technology and coding, with the overarching mission of bridging the digital divide across the continent. In 2023, Germany was home to the second-highest number of participating organizations hosting 230 coding workshops for 12,880 participants across 87 cities. Meet and Code will continue, with the Amazon Future Engineer Program, alongside Haus des Stiftens and TechSoup Europe to continue to inspire young people everywhere for coding.
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Providing Job Opportunities for the Next Generation
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SAP CSR introduced a ‘Learn to Earn’ pathway mand planning that forecasts internship and employment pilot – SAP Educate to Employ in 2023. The pilot opportunities for early talent. marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering inclusive corporate learning and sup- Grounded in the principles of the ‘OECD Learning Frameport for youth-in-need. This innovative post-secondary work 2030’, our learners will acquire a comprehensive set program is meticulously designed for individuals who of Skills, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Values, forming the fall under the categories of underrepresented, bedrock of their competencies within the SAP underserved, underprivileged, or underecosystem. The curriculum is meticulousemployed youth. Targeting those ly crafted for three pivotal roles within who have successfully completed the SAP Ecosystem — Consultant secondary education, possess Associate, Developer Associproficiency in English, and ate, and Support Associate. demonstrate a dedicated Leveraging educational concommitment to completing tent from industry-lead“Aligning skill supply and all assigned learnings, this ing organizations such as demand, SAP Educate to initiative aims to empower Coursera, Accenture, EY, Employ serves both youth deserving candidates for and SAP Learning, we aim success in the SAP ecosysto provide a globally relparticipants and supports SAP tem. evant educational expericustomers and partners in digital ence. The final outcomes is transformation.” Key to the success of this a qualified supply of trained, program is the rigorous sediverse and inclusive talent to lection process, wherein all apmeet the job demand for Digital plicants undergo an aptitude test Transformation of industries. to identify those who possess the potential to thrive in the demanding curThe program’s impact is poised to resoriculum. By aligning the supply and demand of nate across borders, as we evaluate additional skills, our initiative stands as a beacon in addressing the countries for inclusion in 2024. Apart from Germany, proneeds of both our youth participants and SAP customers spective countries include Australia, Brazil, France, India, and partners undergoing digital transformation. Through Japan, the United States, and Mexico, reflecting our dediextensive surveying of the local SAP user group and the cation to creating a global impact and fostering a new genbroader partner & ecosystem community, followed by eration of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the meticulous data analysis, we ensure a strategic skills de- SAP ecosystem.
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Bridging Opportunities for Disadvantaged Youth Q&A with Georgina Heyland, Team Lead Brand & Fundraising, Joblinge
What is the goal of Joblinge? JOBLINGE helps to combat youth unemployment by integrating disadvantaged young people between the ages of 15 and 27 into the labor market. We have already reached 15,000 young people and have a strong placement rate of 80% and a retention rate (measured after passing the probationary period in training) of 84%. Our aim is to ensure high-quality and retainable placement that is tailored to the needs of young people. How can SAP volunteers support you? The 6-month JOBLINGE program includes a variety of opportunities to become a volunteer. A core element of our program and an essential component of successful placement is mentoring, which is carried out by volunteers from our partner companies. The young people benefit from the professional and life experience of their mentors. Workshops and job application training can also be offered. Our branches are very much looking forward to working with you. Your wish for SAP? A great partnership that benefits both sides.
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OBLINGE is a collaborative effort in Germany that aims to prepare disadvantaged young people for the job market by uniting the private, public, and volunteer sectors. Operating as a social franchise system, local branches work with the national organization to expand the program where needed. Over 9,000 youths have participated so far, benefiting from vocational orientation, skills coaching, cultural activities, and real job opportunities. The partnership with SAP involves integrating employees as volunteers to mentor participants, enhancing their skills for the workforce. The impact partnership with SAP focuses on practical relevance, 1:1 mentorship, local commitment, and an entrepreneurial approach. Starting in 2024 the collaboration is set to be implemented in five locations: Munich, Gerlingen (Stuttgart), Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin.
Breaking Barriers in Job Placement Q&A with Mozamel Aman, Founder and Managing Director, StartSteps
What is the aim of StartSteps? StartSteps is dedicated to offering comprehensive guidance and training in diverse digital career paths. Our primary objective is to empower participants by providing them with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to excel in the most in-demand technical professions. Through our structured programs, we aim to bridge the gap between aspiring individuals and the dynamic tech industry, ensuring they are well-prepared and qualified for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the digital landscape. How can SAP volunteers best assist you? SAP volunteers have a tremendous opportunity to support our participants as mentors, sharing their expertise, insights, and experiences within the tech industry. Serving as mentors, they can provide valuable guidance, career advice, and encouragement to our participants, nurturing their professional growth and assisting them in navigating the complexities of the job market. Moreover, SAP Volunteers can play a pivotal role in connecting our participants with potential employers, facilitating opportunities for internships or job placements, thereby contributing significantly to their career development and success.
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espite the abundance of opportunities that SAP Educate to Employ offers, job placement can often be a challenge for underrepresented individuals. Corporations in Germany frequently adhere to strict criteria and predefined standards, which can act as barriers for those who do not fit the traditional mold. These requirements may be overly specific or inadequately addressed in generic training programs. StartSteps will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges young, disadvantaged individuals face when it comes to job placement. This social enterprise is committed to working closely with employers and partners to design and develop programs that meet the specific needs of both the workforce and the talented individuals eager to contribute. Together, they ensure that every young person, regardless of their background, has a fair shot at success. The first cohort to pursue a certificate as SAP Consultant Finance is scheduled to begin in April 2024. The integration of these partnerships into SAP Germany’s educational and employment initiatives is a strategic step towards creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the empowerment of Germany’s youth. Together we can work towards bridging the skills gap, providing equal opportunities, and empowering young individuals from all walks of life to excel in the tech industry.
Your wish for SAP? Our aspiration for SAP involves fostering a sustainable and enduring partnership that transcends the immediate horizon. Collaborating closely, we aim to create lasting impacts by jointly empowering more individuals to access and thrive in meaningful tech-based careers. We envision a future where our partnership with SAP results in a widespread and positive influence, ensuring that a greater number of individuals from diverse backgrounds can engage in fulfilling and impactful roles within the tech industry.
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Serving Our Communities
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Corporate Volunteering Q&A with Ellen Sturm, Project Manager Corporate Volunteering, UPJ
What is UPJ’s goal? We work towards a sustainable society where businesses conduct their operations responsibly. As a nationwide non-profit organization responsible for corporate management, social engagement, and cross-sector cooperation, we connect individuals and organizations committed to driving a fair transformation in both the economy and society. Through our initiatives in Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Volunteering, we support and guide companies in their civic engagement efforts while promoting social cohesion.
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orporate volunteering has become one of the driving forces for societal change in Germany – and SAP-employees are being part of this change. The NGOs Freiwilligenagentur Heidelberg and UPJ in Berlin support the search for organizations in these two locations where SAP can make a difference. This collaborative synergy between corporations and grassroots initiatives highlights the intrinsic value of businesses actively engaging with their communities. SAP champions this ethos by encouraging its employees to volunteer their time and skills toward diverse community projects, spanning education, environmental conservation, and social welfare. This concerted effort isn’t just about charitable acts but represents a commitment to fostering a more inclusive society. By participating in corporate volunteering, SAP employees not only contribute meaningfully to societal causes but also forge stronger bonds between businesses and the communities they serve. This collaborative spirit underscores the profound impact that corporate volunteering initiatives have in nurturing a culture of shared responsibility and social progress in Germany.
How did SAP volunteers contribute? First of all, I would like to say that I think it is great that SAP provides employees with one day for corporate volunteering. The different engagement opportunities in Berlin did not only bring joy but also showed that even small actions can make a meaningful impact. Volunteers were able to witness the immediate results of their efforts or receive immediate feedback, such as a smile in return. The participating NGOs were able to realize special projects and win new partners and advocates for their causes. They have achieved things that wouldn’t have been possible without SAP’s energy and commitment.
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Earth Day
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arth Day, marked annually on April 22, presents an opportunity for corporations to engage in purposeful endeavors through corporate volunteering. This significant day serves as a global reminder of our shared responsibility towards environmental conservation.
green brand, navigates challenges in market positioning, target audience identification, and communication channels following their 2021 SIA competition participation.
Corporate volunteering during Earth Day allows businesses to harness their resources and manpower toward initiatives like tree planting, beach clean-ups, waste reduction, and renewable energy advocacy, contributing meaningfully to a healthier planet. Here are some examples of how we turned Earth Day into action:
In a proactive move against plastic pollution, Hamburgbased SAP colleagues teamed up with Clean Up Your Alster, an organization dedicated to environmental cleanliness. With a staggering 8 million tons of plastic infiltrating oceans yearly, these individuals braved adverse weather to tackle the issue. Despite the challenging conditions, 11 SAP employees managed to gather over 50 kg of litter in just two hours. Their collective effort emphasized the impact of unity in combating plastic waste, highlighting the significance of every small action. Clean Up Your Alster organizes regular cleanup events in Hamburg, fostering a sense of community among participants of all ages, united in the common goal of enhancing the city’s beauty.
Pro-Bono consulting challenge Germany Marketing Team
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SAP
Under the leadership of Maša Schmidt, Head of Marketing Deutschland and Member of the Executive Board, SAP Deutschland, SAP Germany and in partnership with Social Impact Award (SIA), we held a Pro-Bono Consulting Challenge, for social enterprises with a sustainability focus.
Hamburg: Pollution
Joining
Forces
Against
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Walldorf: Safeguarding Hardtwald Forest Gathering momentum in a dynamic virtual arena, a transformative pro bono consulting session brought together 10 seasoned corporate marketing experts from SAP Germany Marketing and 8 visionary social enterprises from Europe and Africa for a concentrated 90-minute consulting session. These enterprises collectively represent a tapestry of challenges encompassing market entry, branding, targeted marketing, and community engagement crucial for their sustained impact and growth. Here are some examples of the challenges presented: Reform Africa from Uganda, focusing on transforming plastic waste into durable bags, grapples with hurdles in devising a successful market entry strategy and establishing a compelling brand identity, despite being in the scaling phase post their participation in the 2019 SIA competition. ClimateMind from Germany, pioneering climate psychology and communication, aims to bolster its social media presence and expand its ClimateMind Academy outreach among various stakeholders, while Gardenthe, a Croatian
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Walldorf colleagues teamed up with Pro-Waldschutz, a dedicated association committed to nature conservation and landscape preservation, specifically within the Sandhausen Hardtwald. The primary focus of the association lies in combating invasive species, particularly the pokeweed, which has overrun the Hardtwald forest and the Schwetzinger Hardt forest conservation area, impeding natural forest regeneration. By actively pushing back against the pokeweed invasion, the aim is to foster the growth of new woodland. The collaborative effort saw a team of 15 SAP colleagues dedicating their time and effort to reclaim a portion of the forest from the invasive pokeweed. This invasive plant not only disrupts the natural balance of the forest ecosystem but also spreads rapidly through bird-dispersed seeds, exacerbating ecological damage. Through their efforts, the colleagues were making a significant contribution towards protecting the biodiversity and sustainability of the Hardtwald forest.
Dresden: Enhancing kids outdoor space
Munich: Compassion for furry friends
Located on Radeberger Straße, Kinderhaus Rabe serves as a refuge for children and adolescents unable to reside with their parents for various reasons. Operated by the Dresdner Diakonie and rooted in the historic tradition of Dresden’s orphanage, the house dates to the 17th century. At Kinderhaus Rabe in Dresden, 11 SAP colleagues dedicated four hours to revamping the outdoor area, recognizing its significance for children with special educational needs. Their efforts included improving accessibility and adding a fresh coat of paint to create a brighter environment. These impactful endeavors underscore SAP Germany’s ongoing commitment to fostering positive change within their local community.
In Munich, Earth Day was marked by a show of compassion for animals. A team of 12 SAP colleagues provided much-needed assistance to the Munich animal shelter, contributing their skills to repair outdoor and indoor facilities. From working on dog kennels to small animal and wild animal enclosures, these efforts helped improve the living conditions for our four-legged friends. Beyond tangible environmental benefits, this engagement fostered a sense of unity among employees, strengthened local corporate social responsibility, and boosted morale by uniting individuals in a collective effort toward a sustainable future.
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Highlights from the SAP Offices
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ut Earth Day was not the only time, colleagues throughout the country became active. Here are some examples of other activities which were executed throughout the year.
Ratingen: Rallying against poverty To tackle the urgent challenge of poverty, CSR took center stage during dedicated Action Week, where colleagues rallied to support Tafel Ratingen through both generous donations and hands-on assistance. Tafel Ratingen, a local organization dedicated to combating food insecurity, saw a meaningful impact, resulting in the provision of essential groceries to 70 households.
St. Ingbert: Fighting food insecurity In a dedicated campaign week focused on tackling poverty in Germany, 25 SAP colleagues took charge, conducting a powerful donation drive for the St. Ingbert food bank. Their impactful efforts resulted in 15 well-filled boxes handed over, weighing nearly 200 kg.
Hamburg: Combatting poverty Amid the ‘Poverty in Germany’ week campaign, about 25 colleagues joined forces to gather crucial donations for Bergedorfer Engel, an organization devoted to aiding homeless individuals. Together, the team successfully amassed approximately 150 kg (about half the weight of a large motorcycle) of essential contributions.
Munich: Bringing joy to the elderly For over 14 years, our CSR Leads in Munich have been supporting adults with disabilities at the Lebenshilfe Munich residential group twice a year. Fourteen colleagues once again made the long-awaited excursions possible for the residents at Willinger Weg. These excursions could only be realized with the help of colleagues. The residents talked about the wonderful day for a long time.
Markdorf: Pioneering digital transformation Berlin: Addressing social needs of the capital In a special volunteering reach out, six impactful volunteering opportunities throughout the capital were offered, and 48 Berlin colleagues participated: •
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The emergency shelter run by Johanniter received a refurbishment of its premises before the onset of the cold season. With the diligent hands of SAP volunteers, a fence for the animals on the premises of Haus Natur und Umwelt was erected at an education center for nature and the environment. At the nursing home Dr. Günter Hesse, objects crafted by seniors with dementia for sale at the winter bazaar were completed. Street College, a youth education project received a beautiful space through SAP’s involvement, allowing young people to learn autonomously. The soup kitchen of the Franciscan monastery in Berlin-Pankow was able to offer warm waffles to its clientele thanks to the help of SAP colleagues, providing more care through conversations. TheNachbarschaftsEtage neighborhood center organized a winter festival in a socially disadvantaged neighborhood, facilitated by SAP volunteers.
In the forefront of digitization, the Markdorf Multigenerational House (MGH) stands out as a regional leader. With a diverse digital offering and an internet café, digitization is also making strides in administration. However, the current digital infrastructure has reached its limits. SAP colleagues Andreas Scherer and Sven Merk provided valuable advice and even assisted in the installation and wiring of electrical components to address these challenges.
Walldorf: Partnering with “Die Tafel” One of our key initiatives was the establishment of a partnership with the Foodbank Walldorf. To launch this, we organized an informative call on February 28th to introduce our colleagues to the Tafel Walldorf and offer them the opportunity to become volunteers. We were thrilled to have 19 colleagues step up to the plate, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact in their community. In addition, two collections were held this year for the Tafel Walldorf food bank. Food and hygiene articles were collected in canteens and parking garages on May 16 and October 17 as part of the nationwide campaign week “poverty in Germany”. An incredible 1.8 tons of food and hygiene products were donated by SAP colleagues in May and 66 boxes in October. The food bank was also able to collect more than €5,000 in donations.
Walldorf: Visit of Ukrainian Youth from Klitschko Foundation’s School of Resilience Amidst the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, a surge of empathy led many individuals to express solidarity through generous donations. In February 2023, an initiative fueled by contributions from SAP employees and the SAP Solidarity Fund, materialized on the ground—the School of Resilience, a project, supported by the Klitschko Foundation. Specifically geared toward empowering teenagers navigating the challenges of war, this endeavor reflects the foundation’s extensive experience working with children and adolescents since 2003.
thoughts on career paths, choices, and professional journeys. Notably, Luka Mucic, SAP’s CFO (until March 2023) and Chairman of the SAP Solidarity Fund, actively participated in the session, graciously addressing deeply personal inquiries from the youth. Learn more about the visit in this TV report by German channel SWR (starting at 3:37).
The Klitschko Foundation, well-versed in guiding young minds, tailors its methodology to the unique needs of each participant, creating a supportive and empathetic environment. Executed as a 5-10-day camp conducted both online and offline, the initiative focuses on providing psychological support to help participants adapt to a new reality while maintaining their focus on shaping their own futures. Engaging 80 teenagers aged 15 to 17, accompanied by 15 supervisors and interpreters from the Klitschko Foundation, the program connected with around 25 SAP volunteers, many of whom shared Ukrainian heritage or nationality. The session’s format fostered a relaxed interaction between SAP employees and teenagers, facilitating an exchange of
Gerlingen: Reaching out to the homeless As part of the week of action against poverty, colleagues held a fundraising campaign in Gerlingen for the magazine Trott-War which offers homeless and formerly homeless people the opportunity to earn an income by selling street magazines. Our colleagues in Gerlingen were actively involved and the results are impressive: A whole VW busload (around 20 boxes) full of donations in kind and food was personally handed over to Trott-War in Stuttgart. These donations will directly benefit people living in poverty and the homeless.
Frankfurt: Sharing holiday kindness Our Frankfurt colleagues and CSR leads organized a special holiday initiative. They baked 200 bags of cookies, collected donations in the coffee corner by selling homemade cake treats and gathered gifts for children aged 3-14 to support Victory Homes, an initiative guiding individuals from drug addiction towards a self-determined and responsible life.
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Christmas Trees on Wheels Q&A with Jana Peeters & Beate Ebeling, Program Managers, Freiwilligenagentur Heidelberg
What is the goal of the Freiwilligenagentur? Staying true to our motto, “Making engagement easy,” we aspire to build bridges between different work and life realms, seeking suitable engagements for companies and their employees to foster compelling collaborations: Volunteer actions facilitate encounters with individuals in unique life situations that one might not typically encounter. They provide insight into the operations and perspectives of nonprofit organizations, contributing to a better understanding of “others’ lives” and societal connections. What stands out most about SAP Volunteers? SAP employees exhibit high motivation and swift, handson execution in project implementation. The most frequent feedback from our contacts within the institutions is pure enthusiasm for the team’s enthusiastic and rapid approach. How can SAP Volunteers best assist? By demonstrating openness towards institutions and projects oftentimes, even the smallest adjustments, inconspicuous at first glance, can lead to significant and invaluable contributions that remarkably aid these institutions. Your wish for SAP? We hope that the teams maintain their motivation and commitment to supporting social, nonprofit institutions. Additionally, we wish for a touch more openness towards projects and ideas that might not immediately align with conventional expectations of aid efforts. With sufficient flexibility and, above all, commitment to execution, the magic within the small things can be discovered!
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ooking back on SAP’s community initiatives in 2023, the year witnessed impactful endeavors that brought warmth and connection to various groups. For Easter and Christmas, SAP collaborated with Freiwilligenagentur Heidelberg and the Bammental Family Center, where 100 colleagues penned heartfelt letters to senior citizens, aiming to bring joy during the holiday. The letters often came accompanied by thoughtful and small homemade items such as Christmas ornaments.
As the holiday season approached, SAP volunteers in Heidelberg, Speyer, and Mannheim continued their spirit of giving. A total of 110 small Christmas trees were decorated and delivered to people who otherwise would not have been able to afford one. Teams in Heidelberg and Speyer delivered trees to marginalized senior citizens. In Mannheim, volunteers joined vulnerable youth at the Johann-Peter-Hebel-Heim, decorating their trees together and sharing the joy of the season. These community engagements underscore SAP’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and spreading goodwill with marginalized groups throughout the year.
Makeover for Restcent
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ince 2009, SAP employees in Germany have been able to donate the cents after the comma of their net salary, or “Restcents”, with a simple click in the ESS-Scenario. With almost 40% of all colleagues participating, Restcent is sometimes called “the largest unknown SAP employee initiative”. From the outset, SAP CSR has matched the annual amount collected with up to 50.000 Euro. 2023 saw the launch of a new platform that provides the opportunity for a transparent application as well as voting process. And it serves as documentation of all the programs supported by Restcent from now on. Each year in January, all SAP employees in Germany can nominate organizations and submit them for consideration. A jury of last year’s winners decide who makes it on the voting list. It does not matter where in the world these projects are implemented. But only colleagues who participate in Restcent can vote on the allocation of the funds. This year’s recipients showed the width of causes that SAP colleagues are passionate about. About 30% of all SAP colleagues eligible to vote casted their three voting-codes to help determine the recipients among the 12 projects vying for support from this year’s 103,000€ funding pool. Following the voting process, a total of ten projects received funding. Here are some examples of the funded projects: Unsurprisingly, this year’s voting was prominently led by the project titled Emergency Relief in the Northwest Syria Earthquake Zone by SyrienHilfe e.V. Since the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, the organization has been providing crucial emergency aid, tending to the affected individuals. Thanks to your donations, this invaluable work will persist, enabling the construction of additional emergency shelters, provision of medical assistance, and the distribution of warm meals to numerous individuals.
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When a child goes missing from a playground or an elderly person with dementia suddenly disappears, the Rettungshundestaffel Allgäu-Oberschwaben e.V. aims to enhance their aid to those in distress and greatly appreciates the support received. Our colleague, Jascha Kanngiesser, along with his dog Zora, has been part of the unit for a year and serves as a project patron. “Whenever a loved one goes missing, it’s an immense emotional burden for their family. This is where our search and rescue dogs come into play, attempting to locate the missing person.” By acquiring a professional drone equipped with a camera and thermal imaging technology, they aim to assist rescue dogs in their search for missing persons. The Elisabethstift stands as one of Berlin’s oldest children’s homes. Due to its experience and specialized pedagogy, it receives nationwide requests to accommodate so-called “system-challenging children.” Our colleague, Kathrin Beuermann, has been volunteering for the Elisabethstift for some time and has successfully submitted the organization’s projects to Restcent in the past. “I’m delighted to witness how these children, with their unique protective status and unfortunate circumstances, flourish under the care of Elisabethstift, showcasing how, with minimal resources, we can achieve significant changes. Children are the future.” With Restcent funding, the Elisabethstift aims to share its expertise and experience through an online platform, offering free educational videos via YouTube to other institutions and parents. Restcent 2023 stands as a testament to collective goodwill and the impact that can be achieved when communities unite for a greater cause. Your contributions have facilitated remarkable initiatives, transformed lives, and shaped a brighter future. To be informed about new submission dates and to join Restcent, please click here.
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Connecting with You
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midst the bustle of overflowing inboxes and hectic calendars, reaching out to you remained our priority. In 2023, we ventured into uncharted territories, exploring new communication channels to not only update you on our endeavors but also to spotlight the diverse avenues available for your personal and professional development.
Digital Lunch Breaks with the FreiwilligenAgentur Heidelberg We started a special offering for our colleagues in Walldorf/ Rot with a 30-minute lunch break with the FreiwilligenAgentur Heidelberg.
initiatives were warmly welcomed. We hosted a total of four digital lunch breaks, and if you’d like to catch up on the sessions, recordings are available here. Plans are underway to expand this format nationwide in 2024.
E-mails, Newsletters, and Localized Updates This year the CSR Germany team distributed 19 newsletters in both German and English. Looking ahead to 2024, our newsletters will undergo a transformation – incorporating localized updates at the outset, featuring current engagement opportunities tailored to your locations (as available), followed by nationwide prospects.
Informative Calls and Coffee Corners During these digital interludes, attendees had the chance to acquaint themselves with the Volunteer Agency’s offerings, explore diverse team engagement possibilities, and get to know nonprofit organizations in the Heidelberg region. Questions about engagement and planning your own
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Informative sessions in 2023 were insightful, ranging from discussions with Alexandra van der Ploeg, Global Head CSR, on the new CSR strategy, to spotlighting child poverty, homelessness, and senior poverty during Poverty Action Week, featuring organizations and experts in these domains. Recordings are accessible here.
Our two Coffee Corners held in Hamburg and Berlin this year provided a wonderful platform for direct interaction with many of you. This success prompts us to continue this endeavor next year, with upcoming stops scheduled for Frankfurt, St. Ingbert, and Gerlingen.
Gatherings and Acknowledgments We were immensely grateful for the opportunity to present CSR at the LGD Works Council Meeting thanks to the initiative of their chair, Johannes Lohmeier. A heartfelt thank you to Sven Mulder and his team, particularly Carmi Corona, for graciously allowing us to contribute to the November All Hands – a remarkable occasion against a seasonal backdrop.
Team Engagements and Advocacy It has been a privilege to accept invitations from CSR Leads like Alf Schweiker to present the CSR Strategy and Policy to key managerial stakeholders in Dresden. As we step into the new year, we aim to expand our efforts to connect, inform, and inspire. Your engagement remains the cornerstone of our mission, and we eagerly anticipate further collaboration and interaction in the upcoming year. Together, let’s continue this journey of impact and growth.
We invite you to stay in touch with us and keep the conversation flowing. Here are links to all the resources at your disposal. We also invite you to sign up for our CSR Germany Newsletter to always get the latest information. Information
Useful Materials
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SAP CSR Global: Global CSR Sharepoint SAP CSR Germany: CSR Deutschland SharePoint CSR Germany SharePoint
SAP CSR Policy Field Donation
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A big Thank You to all our CSR-Leads!
Dresden Karina Stricker-Kössler Alf Schweiker Berlin Neslihan Kismir Potsdam Hendrikje Schavemaker Hamburg Felix Heckmann Ratingen Andreas Prinzler, Martina Bork, Marcel Kohn, Horst-Peter Hufenstuhl Frankfurt Jasmin Bickel, Katharina Henkel St.Ingbert Christian Klein, Volker Klaes, Dagmar Schwan, Christian Neu Walldorf Ulrike Grendel, Nathalie Boulay, Vivien Karcher, Johannes Mayer, Stephan Jung Gerlingen Roberto Giunta Markdorf Jochen Rominger München Daniela Brummer, Johannes Lohmeier, Michelle Jetter and last, but not least to the CSR Germany Team Nisah Gür, Merve Yurtsever , Orhan Gül www.sap.com/CSR