Kara and Aaron

Kara and Aaron Hurst wrote this book for all working professionals who want to be role models for the next generation. Through their work in the public and private sectors, they have met so many people who are looking for a better answer to the question "How do you give what you know to make this world a better place?" and with that, Mommy and Daddy Do It Pro Bono was born.

Kara leads BSR's consulting and research work on the East Coast (www.bsr.org). Aaron founded the Taproot Foundation, whose mission is to engage business professionals to do pro bono work building the infrastructure of the nonprofit sector. Kara and Aaron live in Brooklyn, New York with their two children.

Kevin

Kevin McGrath also lives in Brooklyn, he works as a Special Educator and artist. He received his BFA from the University of Michigan and MS at Hunter College. He has exhibited in solo and group shows in New York City and Michigan.

Q&A

Turnip: Where did the idea for this book come from?

Aaron: Back in 2002 I met one of our early Taproot Foundation pro bono consultants at an event. I asked him why he does pro bono work and he said that it was because his kid asked him what he did at work and he didn't like the answer. I thought that was powerful and had the idea for the book back then, but it took having kids of my own to be motivated enough to make it happen.

Kara: Working with many companies on corporate responsibility, I have seen first hand what an impact people in the private sector can make when they apply all of their resources, skills and influence. A book like this can help celebrate and encourage professionals who bring their values to work. As a mom, I loved the idea of creating a book that could show kids how to use your talents to give back.

Turnip: Working parents have a lot on their plates these days. Is it too much to also ask them to be professional role models?

Kara: So many of us have careers that were influenced by the work that people in our families do or have done. It's very important to be able to find a job that you love and to use your skills from that job to contribute to the larger community. When done through your work, it doesn't always add to the plate – it just enhances how you work.

Aaron: That is one of the key points of this book. You don't need to take a vow of poverty to be a role model to your kids. We all have the opportunity to create a life story that is meaningful and inspiring.