Tech Networks of Boston is actively engaged in building local economic, social, and democratic institutions. We create, support, and sustain innovative programs to strengthen our community.
Internal Sustainability
Tech Networks implements sustainability measures throughout its business practice. Our website is hosted by Canvas Dreams, a B Corporation that purchases renewable energy credits to offset its electricity use. Back at the home office, we green our electricity usage by purchasing credits from New England Wind. We recycle and compost our waste, provide plant-based food options at all events and give our employees a choice of green transportation options, including unlimited use of our SmartCar electric vehicle, Hubway and ZipCar memberships, and the MBTA pass incentive program.
Community Commitments
Tech Networks is the founding member of the Climate Action Business Association, a group of community businesses leading the battle to stop climate change, incorporate the cost of pollution into market prices, and build resilient local economies.
We participate in Green Street’s Walk/Ride Day Corporate Challenge, where employees “check-in” their commute on the last Friday of every month, providing a recurring opportunity to think about – and often to explore – more environmentally friendly and healthy commuting options.
Tech Networks hosts nonprofit technology Roundtable sessions, where area professionals present topics of vital interest, including nonprofit management, social media strategies and best practices for technology in a rapidly changing landscape.
In 2002, we created the Boston Charity Events website to help our non-profit clients spread the word about upcoming fundraising events. Boston Charity Events is an online calendar featuring fun events where all the profits go to a worthy cause. Charities can submit their own listings by filling out a form right on the website. We also send a monthly Boston Charity Events newsletter to over 10,000 subscribers.
Tech Networks partners with nonprofit technical assistance providers, Annkissam and 501 Partners to co-host interactive events to support nonprofit development such as Pro Bono Consulting nights and panel discussions.
Workforce Development
Through partnerships with local educational institutions, Tech Networks provides internships for participants in computer training programs. We hire successful graduates as deskside support technicians (DSTs); they work with our client organizations while receiving benefits and training from Tech Networks. Tech Networks offers all employees opportunities for professional development, training and incentives for Microsoft certifications. As part of our commitment to spending our money where our values are, TNB invests in the local community by creating a bright career path for disadvantaged youth in the IT profession.
Organizations seeking to achieve mission-based outcomes face challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled technology resources with a long-term commitment to the sector. Tech Networks of Boston has created an IT Community of Practice where professionals with the desired nonprofit experience will be available on a consulting basis to supply our clients with the skills and specialized nonprofit expertise that they need, when they need it.
Our Ten Year Target is to provide one million hours of mission-focused training and services by 2025.
Corporate Commitments
Tech Networks is a Certified B Corporation. Our 22 years of service to community-based non-profits earned TNB 146 points out of 200 on our most recent B Corp certification. We recently became a Benefit corporation and committed to a bottom line that includes far more than shareholder returns. Tech Networks recently created a Board of Directors, who who will focus on our strategic plan, mission, vision and values. The Board will also ensure sustainability and stability, especially important during our next phase of anticipated growth. The Benefits Director of our Board will also annually report on our mission achievements.