Coding to Conservation: Frank’s VPTO in Houston’s Parks

Volunteer paid time off (VPTO) is an incredible opportunity that many companies adopt to encourage community engagement among employees. This allotted time benefits the community and gives employees a sense of purpose beyond the workplace.

At Good Agency, we believe in empowering our team members to pursue their passions and make a difference in the ways that matter most to them. Our VPTO program reflects this commitment, allowing employees to choose volunteer opportunities that align with their interests and values. Guided by our core values of integrity, service, mastery, communication, entrepreneurship, and hospitality, we strive to make a positive impact on the world, both as a company and as individuals.

I recently enjoyed chatting with Franklin D., our senior web developer, about his VPTO day. Franklin, who’s been with Good Agency for three years, plays a crucial role in our team. He brings our designers’ visions to life by developing websites and applications, maintaining sites, coding back-end scripts, managing DNS, and handling all facets of custom development and integration.

When asked about his motivation for taking a VPTO day, Franklin shared a moment that left a lasting impression on him. “I saw this photo of a man holding up a ‘before’ photo of a forest that he had replanted over a decade in Asia with the replanted forest behind him in the frame.” Inspired by this, Franklin sought local volunteer opportunities related to environmental restoration, leading him to the Houston Parks Board.

The Houston Parks Board is a nonprofit dedicated to creating, improving, protecting, and advocating for parks in Houston. Their mission resonated deeply with Franklin, who has always appreciated projects aimed at restoring native landscapes, especially in areas affected by industrialization. His passion for the environment and community service can be traced back to his childhood when he participated in community programs, some of which were led by the Boy Scouts.

During his VPTO day with the Houston Parks Board, Franklin engaged in physically demanding but rewarding work. “We planted several hundred structure-providing plants along a bayou embankment.” Despite the challenges of Texas heat and hard dirt, Franklin found the experience fulfilling. “Through it all, I met some incredibly kind individuals and had meaningful discussions.“

Reflecting on his work, Franklin felt a deep sense of accomplishment. “We are restoring habitats to their natural state and providing areas of respite for underprivileged communities.” The work done by Franklin and other volunteers will have a lasting impact, helping stabilize the bayou’s embankments, reduce erosion, and create thriving habitats for local wildlife. These restored areas also offer green spaces for local communities, providing much-needed places for recreation and relaxation.

Franklin also learned more about the Houston Parks Board’s broader mission. “We talked about their mission to create, improve, protect, and advocate for parks for everyone.” This conversation deepened his appreciation for the Houston Parks Board’s integral role in preserving and enhancing Houston’s green spaces.

Franklin’s experience reinforced his belief in the importance of community service. “Volunteer opportunities are a great way to meet other people with a genuine interest and selfless desire to see improvement in the world.” The sense of community and shared purpose among volunteers can be incredibly motivating, as it brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds who are united by a common goal and purpose.

For Franklin, this VPTO day was about more than planting trees; it was about contributing to a cause he is passionate about and making a tangible difference in his community. He even noted that he gained new insights into the planting technique. “It was a fun opportunity, and I like to see any effort towards beautifying the city of Houston, where I have spent the majority of my life.“

When asked what advice he would give to colleagues considering their VPTO days, Franklin emphasized finding a cause that resonates personally. “Be open-minded in your search, and aim for things that you are passionate about and think will make a difference,” he advised. This approach ensures the volunteer experience is both meaningful and enjoyable.

One key benefit of the VPTO program at Good Agency is its flexibility, allowing employees to balance their work responsibilities with their passion for volunteering. As Franklin reflected on his experience, he noted that this flexibility made it easier to give back to the community without feeling overwhelmed by work commitments. Motivated by his first VPTO day, Franklin plans to continue volunteering with the same organization next year, indicating how even a single day of service can spark a lasting commitment to making a difference.

For those interested in supporting the Houston Parks Board, Franklin suggests visiting its website to find volunteer opportunities, noting that they regularly post them. Donations are also an effective contribution for those unable to volunteer.

Franklin’s story is just one example of how our VPTO program empowers employees to contribute meaningfully to the causes they care about. At Good Agency, we are proud to support our team members in their efforts to make a positive difference in the world, through environmental conservation, community outreach, or any other form of service. We foster a culture of service, encouraging every team member to find a cause, give back, and see the impact of even small acts of service. To learn more about our company, click here.