History

TelecomPioneers is the world's largest corporate volunteer organization, a dedicated group of more than 620,000 men and women committed to serving their communities throughout the United States, Canada and beyond.

Founded in 1911 as the Telephone Pioneers of America, the group changed its name to TelecomPioneers (one word) in 2002. The name change was instituted to better reflect the evolution of the companies that sponsor Pioneers. Once known for providing basic telephone service and products, today these companies have grown to encompass the vastness of telecommunications.

And as long as there is a need, no matter how large or how small, Pioneers in the United States and Canada answer the call for help in every way imaginable.

In 2005, Pioneers introduced "Project:Connect." A series of seven web-based games, Project:Connect enables students in fourth through seventh grade to have fun while learning lessons in the telecommunications products and services provided by the sponsoring companies of TelecomPioneers.

Whether it's a cash donation to support a homeless shelter or a one-on-one tutoring project to battle illiteracy, Pioneers offer a conduit through which their sponsor companies can contribute to the well-being of the citizens who comprise not only their customer base, but their pool of potential employees.

Corporate volunteerism gives the company "a face" in the community, setting a tangible example that the company cares, that it has taken an active interest in its customers and that it is willing to invest in their future.

The return on Pioneer sponsorship can be evidenced by the leadership and administrative skills employees develop through volunteering and ultimately apply in the work place. As members of a team, Pioneers learn the value of working together to confront problems and devise solutions; they learn that working as one, they can accomplish the goals of many.

When Pioneers work on a community service project it is an opportunity to learn more about one another and to build friendships they might not have developed in the work place. The resulting camaraderie only serves to solidify their working relationships and strengthen communication on the job.

Pioneer membership is comprised of current employees and retirees of the telecommunications industry. Current employees pay annual dues of $15. As Life Members, retirees are exempt from paying dues.

Sponsor companies provide the funding for the operation of the national Pioneer staff, as well as local operations and the annual business meeting. Sponsors also support local Pioneers activities by supplying office space and other in-kind resources. In addition, sponsoring companies provide loaned executives to serve on the Board of Directors and Advisory Board.

It is this sponsorship that enables Pioneers to take a proactive approach to bettering the lives of others. It is this sponsorship that enables the company to build a positive image in the community, an image that says it stands ready to uphold the Pioneer credo of "Answering the Call of Those in Need."