You may have seen the commercials or highlights of the event just put on.  Usually it is a few NBA athletes, coaches, and league employees that donate their time to give back to the community by being a part of the NBA Cares Program.  NBA Cares is a global community outreach that focuses on educating kids, youth and family development, and being active.  The NBA and its teams assist with various programs, partners, and initiatives that help children and family globally. Since October 2005 when the program was launched the program has raised 160 million dollars, provided 1.7 million hours of community service, and have built 610 places where families and kids live globally.

NBA teams have plenty of opportunity to give back to their community through these various programs.  Some of the programs they offer are NBA/WNBA fit, which focuses on physical activity and healthy living through various events and programs.  Another event is NBA’s Read to Achieve program which helps kids develop their reading skills and explain the importance of reading.  Lastly another program is Basketball without Borders, which is a program that uses the sport to create positive social change in the areas of education, health, and wellness.

Many NBA Cares has community partners to assist with the positive impact in their areas to assist with these various ventures.  Some companies such as the UNICEF, YMCA, American Red Cross, and The Boys and Girls Clubs of America do their part to assure success across the board.

Many of these programs that are being conducted are a great way to not also give back to the community, but a great way to network as well.  By being a part of that specific philanthropy it can be a great way to meet with people in the field you may want to work with someday.  Due to the fact they see you in a different light and not as someone looking for an opportunity or handout, it will give you an edge.  Usually people that are involved in various events such as these, give themselves great opportunities to meet individuals that can have the final say on a specific position with the company.  These programs are very important to the industry because it gives you another avenue to network into that field by helping out in the community.  In a way it is very positive because if nothing becomes of that specific opportunity at least you made somebodies day brighter.

References:
www.nba.com