Community
Disney gives back to communities around the world. Our corporate contributions and Disney VoluntEARS aim to make a difference in the lives of kids, families and the communities where we live and work.
COMMUNITY IMPACTS AND COLLABORATION
We believe being a good global citizen means using our companywide resources to make a positive change in the communities in which we live, work and do business. We collaborate with local organizations and engage the time and talent of our cast members and employees to provide inspiration and opportunities for kids and families to enhance their local communities.
Economic Impact
All Disney business units have an economic impact in the communities in which they operate. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Disney Parks & Resorts segment. Our parks conduct periodic economic impact studies to understand our contribution to local communities through direct and indirect employment, taxation and other factors. We regularly share key findings from these studies in our local community reports.
Local Business Leadership
Disney is active in local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations in many communities. We participate through financial assistance and by lending our leadership and business expertise. For example, in Los Angeles we are active on the boards of the Los Angeles, Burbank, and Glendale Chambers of Commerce. CFO Jay Rasulo is also a board member of the Los Angeles Coalition for the Economy and Jobs, which works to develop and advance public policy initiatives that will grow the economy and create jobs throughout the Los Angeles region.
Executive Board Service
Every year, Disney executives serve on various nonprofit boards of directors around the world. In Florida alone, cast members hold more than 130 board appointments with organizations important to the community. These executives lend their personal expertise to increase the capacity of nonprofits in governance, strategy and fundraising.
Disney Ambassadors
Disney started the Disney Ambassadors program at Disneyland Resort in 1964. Ambassadors serve a vital function: to share the magic, inspiration and optimism of Disney destinations with the world. Disney Ambassadors, who are full-time cast members at each site, are focused on engaging with our guests, our communities, and our cast members. They bring goodwill in the community by visiting children's hospitals, participating in VoluntEARS events and supporting other local efforts.
New Development
Disney seeks the advice of local community leaders on development projects around the world – from California to China. For example, Disney is actively collaborating with cultural leaders in Hawai’i in building Aulani Resort. We want to honor the spirit and culture of the islands. We find the best way to do that is by inviting local community members to share their advice, ideas and creativity. Learn more about how Disney approaches new development in the feature story.
