As social issues grow increasingly complex, it has become clear that no single organization can address them alone. Today, there is renewed attention on collaboration—bringing together the knowledge and strengths of companies, nonprofit organizations, governments, and citizens to create meaningful solutions. At the same time, even when the need for collaboration is recognized, many on the ground still ask: "Where do we begin?" 
To address this challenge, the Tokyo Voluntary Action Center (TVAC) held a seminar.

Supporting this initiative was the NEC Pro Bono Club, a voluntary group of NEC Group employees established in 2020. As part of NEC's commitment to its Purpose of creating social value, pro bono activities provide a way for each employee to engage with society by applying their professional expertise and experience. NEC and TVAC entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement in 2019, and this pro bono support was carried out as part of that ongoing collaboration.

Moving beyond learning to co-creating collaboration

In November 2025, the Tokyo Volunteer and Citizens' Activities Center (TVAC) hosted the fifth session of its "Corporate Employee & Nonprofit Collaboration Seminar 2025," titled "Let's Design a Corporate Volunteer Program!"

A team of nine members from the NEC Pro Bono Club supported the planning and operation of the seminar, while also delivering presentations and facilitating group discussions.

Two preparatory meetings were held in advance. Taking into account the different perspectives and backgrounds of both corporate and nonprofit participants, the team carefully explored what kinds of dialogue would help translate collaboration into concrete action.

On the day of the seminar, 26 participants from various nonprofit organizations took part. They openly shared challenges and engaged in active discussions around the theme, "What kind of corporate volunteer program could our organization develop?"

From dialogue to action: 95% found it valuable

In the post-event survey, 95% of respondents indicated that the seminar was useful, reflecting a high level of satisfaction among participants. In addition, some organizations expressed interest in further consultation following the seminar. This led to individual online meetings with TVAC and NEC Pro Bono Club members, creating momentum for next steps and continued engagement.

One of the key outcomes of the seminar was that it did not end as a one-time learning opportunity but instead inspired concrete actions and behavioral change among participants.

Voices from participants reflect the potential of collaboration

Participants shared the following feedback after the seminar:
"Even when we wanted to engage volunteers, it was difficult to build ongoing relationships. Through the discussions, we were able to view our activities from new perspectives."
"It was very helpful to hear concrete examples of the conditions that make it easier for companies to collaborate."

The TVAC secretariat also commented: 
"We are always grateful for the support of the NEC Pro Bono Club. Thanks to their contribution, this seminar was also very well received."

For NEC Pro Bono Club members, the seminar was also a valuable learning opportunity:
"It was my first time participating, and I learned a great deal from interacting with people with diverse career backgrounds."
"I was able to draw on my previous experience and facilitate the discussions while genuinely enjoying the process."

Creating social value through the actions of each employee

Dialogue that emerges from engaging with social issues gradually reshapes the relationship between people and society. When individuals with different perspectives and backgrounds come together, exchange ideas, and seek to understand one another, new actions and possibilities begin to take shape. 

Each employee brings their own experience and expertise to society, supporting the challenges and aspirations of others. NEC will continue to play a role in connecting people and organizations, working toward the realization of social value creation through the actions of every individual.

Related Links

In 2010, NEC became the first company in Japan to launch a pro bono program. 
A decade later, in 2020, employee volunteers from the NEC Group established the NEC Pro Bono Club, a pro bono community helping to address challenges faced by local communities, NGOs, NPOs, educational institutions, and others. Today, the NEC Pro Bono Club comprises approximately 900 employees.