This is a quote from 18^th century theologian and social reformer John Wesley, co-founder of the Methodist movement.  How can RightStar, an IT consultancy, do “all the good we can do?” One way: by pledging 1% of profits.

Last week, RightStar joined Pledge 1%, a corporate philanthropy movement dedicated to making the community a key stakeholder in every business. Spearheaded by Atlassian, Rally, Salesforce and Tides, Pledge 1% empowers companies to donate 1% of product, 1% of equity, 1% of profit or 1% of employee time to improve communities around the world.

RightStar is joining an impressive network of entrepreneurs and companies across the globe that have committed to philanthropic efforts through the Pledge 1% movement. By pledging 1% of its profits, RightStar is demonstrating a commitment to philanthropic leadership.

RightStar is a National Capital Area Ethics Award winner, having demonstrated a commitment to business excellence and to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct, along with civic and social responsibility.

Ethics, honesty, integrity, and civic and social responsibility are the foundation of RightStar and our success. I see Pledge 1% as something that adds value to our customers, employees, and partners. I am delighted to have made a formal commitment and joined the Pledge 1% movement.

“We are thrilled that RightStar has joined the Pledge 1% movement and is committed to sharing its success with the community,” said Scott Farquhar, co-founder and co-CEO, Atlassian. “Employees, shareholders, customers, and the community all benefit when a company builds giving back into its DNA. It’s one of the best decisions we ever made.”

“We are incredibly excited that RightStar has taken the pledge,” said Amy Lesnick, chief executive of Pledge 1%. “RightStar can play a pivotal role in building this movement and promoting a new normal in which all companies—big and small—integrate giving back as a core value in their business.”

Even more reason for RightStar to be profitable. RightStar will continue to give to local, regional, and national charities.  In 2016, we already donated to heart transplant research, spinal cord injury research, and to an organization providing eye glasses to the underserved in the developing world.

What else does RightStar do? In addition to regular paid-time-off, RightStar offers two days off per year to use on pre-approved volunteer activities.  We’ve had excellent participation this year.  For example, this past weekend, an employee assisted on a church project, helping repair a facility in central Pennsylvania.  Another employee earlier this year volunteered her time on a model UN project, someone else worked on a fund raiser for his church, and yet another spent a day with a vet for an organization called Honor Flight Chicago.

Thanks, and I expect to share even more volunteer stories before the end of 2016!