Argentina

Between 2018 and 2020, the Sowing Futures program worked to strengthen the bridge between John Deere and home communities in Argentina through volunteerism. A total of 1,886 volunteer opportunities were created for John Deere employees to transform the reality of the surrounding communities, especially those in which employees live. In creating these opportunities, the program strengthened the ties between both the company and its employees and with the communities where they operate. 

For example, a local high school in Granadero Baigorria had a dream of building a dedicated gym facility sufficient to hold all 950 students for important physical activities. Through the Sowing Futures program, the high school principal, students, administrators, John Deere volunteers and local community members mobilized to plan, design, fundraise and create a multi-sports complex. The team worked together and obtained the support of local neighbors, shops and businesses to make the project possible. What started as a dream gradually materialized with the help of these dedicated community members. In total, the new sports field project mobilized 131 community and John Deere volunteers, logged 857 volunteer hours, involved 3,472 hours of community participation, engaged 474 young people and brought in 312,219 pesos in cost share.

As the Sowing Futures program continues in Granadero Baigorria and Las Rosas, the goal is to develop, scale and sustain community and youth development projects that improve livelihoods and social cohesion, particularly for disadvantaged youth. Activities will include community and microenterprise opportunities for income generation, collaborative sports and educational projects for positive youth development, substance abuse prevention, mentorship and career guidance at schools, and institutionalizing a social incubator for volunteerism and community engagement.