Stephanie Moe

Purpose hero

Stephanie Moe started her career at the American Automobile Association (AAA) in public relations. Even though it wasn’t part of her role, she’d find ways for her AAA colleagues to do good, through committees and other groups. When a corporate social responsibility (CSR) position to develop AAA’s giving and volunteering program opened up, Stephanie raised her hand. Now she feels she has the best job at her company.

“I’ve always had a passion for social impact and giving back. I’ve always volunteered and found a way to donate and be involved at the workplace. I’ve always had the desire to help my employer and other employees connect to the community by doing good.”

Stephanie Moe, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at AAA

Purpose program

The American Automobile Association is a federation of affiliated motor clubs that offers roadside assistance, insurance and services to make car ownership and travel more enjoyable.

AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah has over 5,400 employees. Their team members are encouraged to become community champions and create group volunteer opportunities on the Benevity platform. This helps ensure their people give back to the nonprofits they care about, instead of being told where they can and can’t give.

Volunteering is the way to give back that their team members prefer. In 2019, AAA’s people had planned nearly 400 group volunteer opportunities — the most since the organization launched with Benevity in 2017.

“It made me happy that many people felt empowered to give back and were connected to their local communities.”

Stephanie Moe, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at AAA

Use technology to make life easier

When Stephanie started her purpose program, she didn’t have the budget to launch with a technology platform. She relied on spreadsheets and manual reporting and managed a calendar of events herself. There was also no way for employees to coordinate group volunteer projects or log unpaid volunteer time.

“Having a technology platform will not only make your job a lot easier and give you the ability to demonstrate results, it makes it possible to grow and scale your program.”

Stephanie Moe, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at AAA

Develop a network of champions

Stephanie suggests investing time up front to build a network of people across your organization who can help create events, get people involved and spread the word. Having people on the ground in areas where you can’t be is critical to your program’s success.

The impact

Stephanie feels most successful when she helps her team members feel connected to their local communities. In 2019, when AAA had those 400 group events, they achieved 73% participation in giving and volunteering.

“Given the nature of our workforce, where so many people aren't always able to get out of a tow truck or repair shop to volunteer, the fact that we had a majority of our team members engaged really made me feel good. I feel like it really does show what we’re about as an organization.”

Stephanie Moe, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at AAA