KJ’s Cornerstone Volunteering Program harnesses the collective passion of our people for volunteering and supporting the communities we serve. This employee-driven program supports employee volunteers and celebrates their efforts. Promoting volunteer opportunities and sharing our community commitments is part of KJ’s work culture. This volunteer spirit is the cornerstone of what we do professionally.
Our Defining Principles
ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups fostering diversity and inclusion within Kennedy Jenks (KJ). These employee groups help employees build stronger internal and external connections; create development opportunities for future leaders; offer social, educational, and outreach activities; and increase engagement among KJ employees at all levels.
Our KJ ERGs provide input and insights to business operations, increase employee contributions and retention, attract diverse talent, advance cultural competency, and more. The activities of KJ ERGs provide group members with the opportunity to identify common interests and determine how they can be shared with others. Below are more details about our KJ ERGs.
Volunteer Spotlight
Using my professional skills to give back to the community is a special way to say thank you for what it has given to me.
Volunteering advice?
Every little bit counts! Volunteer to open the door for someone, volunteer to give someone a ride, volunteer to cook a meal, the possibilities are endless.
I was a Girl Scout in elementary school and still keep in touch with friends I made 30 years ago. I’m glad to carry on the tradition with my daughter.
Volunteering advice?
Show up! It’s okay to start slow – soon you’ll see it’s less daunting than it appears.
Giving back to the community where I live is really fun and rewarding.
Volunteering advice?
You are donating your time, so find an organization you are passionate about or have a personal connection to.
I’ve had many volunteer mentors that made a huge impact on my life. Now I’m in the position to pay it forward and help others.
Volunteering advice?
Find a cause that you’re passionate about and connect with other volunteers.
As an engineer working in the water industry, I want help people with less access to clean water.
Volunteering advice?
Know what you are passionate about. Check out Volunteer Match and social media to find local opportunities that match your skills or passions.
I wanted to get more involved in my community while helping those in need.
Volunteering advice?
Serving your community can be fun and challenging.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
KJ’s strong emphasis on giving back to the communities that support us is reflected in our annual celebration of our committed volunteers during National Volunteer Week in April. In alignment with KJ’s Cornerstone program, our volunteers turn challenges into opportunities for good. Take a look at some of our recent volunteer spotlights.
Volunteer Activities
- Habitat for Humanity – building homes with those who need them.
- YMCA – volunteering to support a variety of family and self-development activities.
- Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America – helping awesome young people learn new skills and chase their dreams. Humane
- Societies – supporting the wide range of agencies that protect and rehabilitate animals in need. KJ staff love their pets and companions!
- Job Shadowing for Schools – helping the next generation learn more about engineering, construction, water treatment, and water resource management.
- Professional Organization Partnership Volunteer Activities – KJ staff join and participate in a wide range of professional organizations in their communities.
Past Volunteer Events
KJ Blood Drive
KJ employees are proud to give back to their communities through blood donations (and more!)
Pies For People (Water For People)
Water For People is a global nonprofit working across nine countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa to address the global water crisis and equip communities with lasting access to clean water and sanitation services. KJ supports Water for People through direct donations and fundraising events. KJ’s Annual TechEx Conference, our Pies for People fundraiser enlisted valiant KJ volunteers to take one–or several–pies for the team, ultimately raising over $10,000 for Water For People! KJ’s efforts were featured in ACEC’s Engineering Inc. magazine.
STEAM Exploration Night
KJ employees help facilitate STEAM (previously STEM) Exploration Night for Federal Way, WA public schools. STEAM Exploration Night provides an opportunity for students to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math, with community members, while learning about career opportunities in these fields.
Green Kent
KJ staffers headed the the City of Kent “Green Kent” work party at the Green River Natural Resources Area in Washington. Green Kent volunteers planted over 800 native plants along the pedestrian trail.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) UCLA
KJ staff support ASCE in multiple volunteer professional activities, such as a Resume Bootcamp that enlisted volunteers to help edit students’ resumes and provide guidance on interviewing.
ASCE City of Renton
KJ staff worked with the ASCE, the City of Renton, and various groups in the community to educate neighbors about where stormwater in the area goes. They placed “Only Rain Down the Drain” markers by catch basins and as door tags on homes in a local neighborhood in Renton, WA to raise awareness.
Camp Seymour
KJ staffers helped the YMCA lay paving stones to create paths in the pumpkin patch at Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor, WA.
