This column is written for those interested in learning about the world of Data for Good, where statistical analysis is dedicated to good causes that benefit our lives, our communities, and our world. If you would like to know more or have ideas for articles, contact David Corliss.

With a PhD in statistical astrophysics, David Corliss works in analytics architecture at Ford Motor Company while continuing astrophysics research on the side. He serves on the steering committee for the Conference on Statistical Practice and is president-elect of the Detroit Chapter. He is the founder of Peace-Work, a volunteer cooperative of statisticians and data scientists providing analytic support for charitable groups and applying statistical methods to issue-driven advocacy in poverty, education, and social justice.

As we explore different opportunities for Data for Good (D4G) projects, it is important to mention one avenue becoming more widespread today: statistical volunteering through work. Companies often encourage employees to volunteer in the community where they work, with many offering time off for teams or individuals volunteering for local organizations.

Common projects include cleaning up parks, volunteering at a school for a day, working in community food banks, and participating in construction projects for Habitat for Humanity. While supported by the employers, which provide critical infrastructure and logistics, individual projects are usually proposed and led by individual employees. This makes Data for Good a project many of us can consider for the next team-building service project where we work.

Often, employee-led community service projects in D4G can spring from existing activities with favorite charities at your company. The membership and volunteer study for a local Habitat for Humanity group described in the November issue started when two work colleagues, one of them a statistician, volunteered for the same organization. Likewise, the food pantry where you volunteer now might need a seasonal analysis. Science fairs need judges who understand statistics. The school partnering with your company might benefit from a data dive to better understand their changing demographics and forecast changes.

Many companies engaged in data science and technology have sponsored projects in which groups of employees apply the same skills they use on the job to support important causes on a pro bono basis. Well-known employers supporting statistical volunteering include Cloudera, which recently sponsored a hackathon to compile data on the spread of the Zika virus. Also, DataKind has partnered with Teradata, Pivotal, Informatica, and others. The number of companies supporting the D4G movement with volunteer opportunities continues to grow.

Company volunteer programs usually have a particular set of ground rules. Projects and the organizations receiving support should be approved through the HR department or, in the case of smaller companies, the operations lead. Projects must not interfere with or delay regular work for company customers. Companies will often choose the cause they want to support, and then seek employees to volunteer, generally preferring activities that support important needs in the community. As the company will want to let others know about the good they are doing, communication with HR or operations, an employee newsletter, and even the outside press might be a requirement. Employee volunteer projects often serve as team-building activities, so it’s a good chance several co-workers will be involved. Many companies will give a limited, specified amount of time off for volunteering through work, often one day a year or sometimes two. As the company is performing the work as a charitable activity, careful documentation is needed for tax purposes. This is usually done by a team captain who submits a request for an employee volunteer activity, helps recruit volunteers, records attendance in hours for each participating employee, and reports to HR or operations about how everything went.

One advantage of volunteering through work is the company often makes available analytic resources and software volunteers use every day. The familiar analytic environment at work usually becomes the platform for pro bono projects, as well, maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of statistical volunteering.

Microsoft’s MySkills4Afrika is an excellent example of a D4G program created by a large tech corporation relying on employee volunteers. Established in 2013, MySkills4Afrika offers Microsoft employees from around the world the opportunity to develop practical and affordable technology in developing African nations. The Microsoft program partners with governments, NGOs, commercial enterprises, and schools and universities.

Characteristic of MySkills4Afrika projects is the opportunity to use advanced skills normally applied only at work in service to others on a volunteer basis. Many MySkills4Afrika projects involve longer-term consulting projects in which volunteers work virtually with Africans. Microsoft also sponsors 1–2-week hands-on projects in Africa.

One project developed a team of subject matter experts to partner with the Rwanda Ministry of Education. Months of preparation—all done as volunteers in addition to work—culminated in a two-week trip to Rwanda to train professionals and small business owners in emerging technologies. At the same time, the employee team worked with Rwanda education officials to establish an ongoing program so they could continue the good work.

Employee volunteering is supported by many companies, but not all have started projects using analytics and data science. If there are not volunteer opportunities on the Data for Good projects where you work, contacting someone in your HR department might be a good place to start.

All these opportunities and many more share a quality commonly found in Data for Good projects: An organization has data about its activities and the people it supports, but doesn’t have—and can’t afford—the statistical expertise needed to make their important work in the community even more effective. At the same time, companies both small and large are looking for opportunities to build team spirit by working together on projects that benefit the community. D4G projects through work are a perfect opportunity to use the science we love to make a difference in our communities and around the world. I would love to hear about the D4G projects you have done through work.