As we celebrate Safer Internet Day, Symantec volunteers have been busy educating communities around the world on best practices to protect children and families online.
Today, February 9, is Safer Internet Day, an annual campaign that started in Europe more than a decade ago and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries—all empowering people to stand up and make the Internet a safer place.
The theme for this year’s awareness-raising day is, "Play your part for a better Internet.” This motto encourages everyone to play a role—both in increasing the number of people who use the Internet safely, as well as growing the amount of good and positive opportunities online.
This week, Symantec employees in the UK and Ireland are volunteering at schools, delivering online safety training to more than 1,000 students in honor of Safer Internet Day. But online safety education is a commitment for Symantec year-round.
Recently, Symantec teams from around the world—from Singapore to Chile to Mexico—have stepped up to Take 5, leveraging the Online Safety in the Community (OSIC) materials created in partnership with Common Sense Media, to educate communities, students, and parents about how they can participate safely online. Led by Symantec volunteers, the OSIC program empowers employees to become ambassadors for Internet safety.
Training Guides and Scouts in Chile on Social Network Safety
The Symantec Chile team recently delivered online safety training to Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and leaders about both the risks and opportunities associated with the Internet.
Symantec participated in a seven-day Jamboree event—a large gathering with Girls Guides and Boy Scouts coordinated by the Association of Guides and Scouts of Chile—with upwards of 11,000 participants. During the event, Symantec employees conducted 13 two-hour training modules on Internet safety and social networking to more than 1,000 Guides and Scouts.
“The Guide and Scout organization is very big and highly-respected in Chile which presents a great opportunity to educate youth. It’s incredible to see the smile of the other person when you share your knowledge,” said Patricio Villacura, System Engineer.
Symantec Mexico Helps Girls Get “Surf Smart”
In Mexico, the Symantec team joined with Asociación de Guias de Mexico, a group that helps girls build courage, confidence, and character. Rafael Aguilera Zubiaga, Solution Sales Engineer, developed a presentation to educate participants—including girls and women ages 5 to 30 years old, as well as parents and other community members—on Internet safety. While there were prepared materials, the question and answer session proved to be the most impactful, allowing parents and students to gain insight related to many of their technology challenges.
“Having this kind of open dialog helps people that aren’t familiar with technology minimize their fears. It also empowers them to help their kids both get the value and the protection from these tools,” said Rafael.
Surf Smart shared their appreciation of the event on the organization’s Facebook page.
Singapore Teaches Children the ABCs of Online Safety
In Singapore, Symantec joined with Veritas to Take 5 and promote online safety among children and families. The team, which included 49 employees, partnered with the Science Centre Board and organized a two-day workshop, which included a keynote from Gavin Lowth, Vice President of Norton Sales APJ, and interactive games and materials from Common Sense Media, designed to teach both children and their parents how to stay safe while online.
Approximately 100 students from four primary schools participating in the Young Scientist IT Whiz programme attended the workshop, and were rewarded with an “I’m an IT Whizkid” badge.” Symantec volunteers put in more than 160 volunteer hours to make this unique event possible.
Children proudly left the program holding their Whizkid badge.
TAKE 5 INSPIRATION SPREADS
Beyond online safety, Symantec Take 5 teams have been busy providing humanitarian aid, delivering holiday cheer, and making a positive impact in the communities where they live and work.
Emerging Markets Provide Humanitarian Aid and More
After learning about Symantec’s Take 5 challenge, employees in the Emerging Markets region saw a great opportunity to not only get involved but also give back as a team.
The team launched a task force to oversee six regional volunteer projects. They identified non-profits, organized employees, promoted the events, and even created t-shirts. Across the region, the Emerging Markets team supported six different organizations: The Little Wings Foundation (United Arab Emirates), the United Way (Russia), LATET Israeli Humanitarian Aid (Israel), Beyond Education Recycling Empowerment Initiative (Cape Town, South Africa), and SANAD Children’s Cancer Support Society (Saudi Arabia).
The volunteer activities varied based on the specific needs of the organization. The team that worked with the Little Wings Foundation helped carry 400 kilograms (881 pounds) of medical equipment that was being shipped to children in need of medical care. Across the six events, more than 40 employees collectively volunteered 153 volunteer hours helping to support children and families in need, medical assistance, food banks, recycling, and environmental causes.
“Volunteering is empowering, emotional, and exciting. It puts things in perspective in our hectic and crazy lives. The fact that we are able to give and are not on the needed side is a gift. I believe this will not just be a one time activity and hope the team will engage in volunteer work again soon,” said Gily Netzer, Marketing Manager Emerging Region, EMEA.
Taking Electronic Recycling to the Next Level
After attending Oregon’s Lane County Master Recycler’s program, designed to prevent waste and motivate people to recycle, Brad Baker, Senior Remote Product Specialist, was immediately inspired and saw an opportunity to utilize his team’s computer skills to benefit others and the environment.
The team of eight employees met at the NextStep Recycling center and worked for five continuous hours disassembling 2,000 pounds of old computers and other electronics. They then sorted the materials into various groups so they could be distributed to buyers who would reuse the components—rather then sending them to a landfill.
“I am very proud to tell others about Symantec’s volunteer activities and how we, as employees, are encouraged to take part in those activities. I love the fact that Symantec will match our donations to the charities we support and the Dollars for Doers program is fantastic,” said Brad.
Brad Baker, Chris Smith, Nathan Worth, Micah Magpale, Chris Hay, Boyd Milliken, Chris Beeck and Charles Merritt take a break from disassembling 2,000 pounds of electronics.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit at the United Way
For senior product marketing manager Bill Hansey, “trust, communication, and gratitude (and having fun) are the ingredients for building stronger teams.”
The past four years, Hansey’s team has spent the holidays volunteering with the Bay Area United Way, sorting, wrapping and delivering gifts to children. This year the team also sponsored a classroom of children, bringing holiday cheer to those in need.
The team enjoyed coming together and working as a team outside of the office to make a difference in the lives of others.
Hansey’s team at the United Way after delivering holiday gifts for children.
Around the world, we’re extremely proud to see so many Symantec employees out in full force supporting their communities. If you have a Take 5 story to share, please join the conversation on Chatter or contact, community_relations@symantec.com.
For more information on Take 5, visit: